Flowering Snowball (was Cross Block)

I am a researcher at heart. After Sarah started my mind spinning quickly, Leslie just added to the melee in my head about the real name of the Cross Block. When I couldn’t take it anymore, I started rummaging around in Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns and the Kansas City Star books to … Continue reading “Flowering Snowball (was Cross Block)”

The Snowballs are Flowering

I am still working on the Flowering Snowballs (Cross Blocks). As you can see, I have taken the Child’s advice and added in some visual resting places for the last 10 blocks. As I have mentioned on numerous occasions, these are hand pieced. I intend to sew them together by machine. However, in the cutting … Continue reading “The Snowballs are Flowering”

Snowballs Really Flowering

I spent the weekend in LA. No machine. I brought my handwork with me and was able to sew four Cross blocks (Flowering Snowballs)! I have said that each one takes me an hour and a half, but these, except perhaps the first, did not take me an hour and half each. I really blew … Continue reading “Snowballs Really Flowering”

Four Low Volume Backgrounds

I have always liked to use a variety of fabrics to add interest. This means that I like scrap quilts, but I also like to use a variety of fabrics in the same colors in my quilts. I learned this technique from Mary Mashuta. Many of you modern quiltmakers probably think she is old time … Continue reading “Four Low Volume Backgrounds”

Various & Sundry #7 – Late July 2014

Yes, this month you get two Various & Sundry posts! I had planned to post #6 on July 20, but it was getting so hefty that I posted it earlier this month. I promise not to bore you with more fiction books. Media and Tutorials Thanks to Daisy for sharing this great blog post putting … Continue reading “Various & Sundry #7 – Late July 2014”

Viewing the San Mateo County Fair Quilts

As I mentioned, I went to the county fair last week. When is yours? Have you gone? Have you entered? I decided to take photos only of quilts I really liked or quilts which inspired me in some way. I still took about 100 photos total. I am not going to share all of them … Continue reading “Viewing the San Mateo County Fair Quilts”

Various & Sundry #5 – Mid-May 2014

Media I finally got a chance to listen to the Slightly Mad Quilt Lady podcast and I really like it. I like the descriptions of her process and what she is working on. Charlotte, the hostess, also has a very calm voice. If you haven’t listened to her episode #2, it is really great. NPR … Continue reading “Various & Sundry #5 – Mid-May 2014”

Book Review: The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt

This review has been on my To Do List for a long time. I know  the Farmer’s Wife project is no longer the rage in the quilt community, but I think it is an interesting book, and well worth your time. The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt: 55 Letters and the 111 Blocks they Inspired by … Continue reading “Book Review: The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt”

Various & Sundry #13 2013

On the Web Anna Maria Horner talks about giving herself a break. While the comments are just a few sentences, they made me think. It almost made me wonder if the universe is sending me some challenges to get me to give myself a break. If you want to read a really nice and sweet … Continue reading “Various & Sundry #13 2013”

Various & Sundry 2013 #1

Artquiltmaker.com has a store, as I have mentioned. I updated the store recently with new products, especially products related to technology, such as iPad cases, and phone covers as well as tote bags, jackets, etc. I have used Flowering Snowball images and I hope you like them.** Yes, shameless self promotion. Now we are done … Continue reading “Various & Sundry 2013 #1”

2012 Works in Progress

Good-bye 2012! I really enjoyed you! Nothing really bad happened and one of my dearest dreams (that has nothing to do with quilting) came true. Here I am again telling you all about my accomplishments. Here are the finishes: Quilts Blue Donation Top Pink Donation top (June 2012) Pink Donation top #2 Pink & Green … Continue reading “2012 Works in Progress”