Attic Treasure

Last summer my sister and I went through some things in my mom's attic. We came upon a Schumacher fabric sample pack, and, of course, have no idea how this came to live in mom's attic. (Or for that matter, how long it had been there.)

Recently, I took apart the sample pack, washed the fabric squares and cut them to make a lap size quilt.

I stitched the blocks together, admiring all of the fabrics in the pack. There were enough squares for a 5 block x 7 block quilt top, (measuring approximately 37" x 52") with only one fabric square remaining.

Because these are vintage blocks, I wanted a backing fabric that would be a compatible choice.

(I feel that God and I are always working together on these projects because in my stash was the perfect backing choice, a plain, pale blue cotton just the right size and color.)

The remainder of the blue was used for the binding.

(Again, God's hand, as that one remaining square from the fabric pack was needed, supplying just the right amount of binding length to go around the quilt.)

Now, every time I look at this quilt, I will think of my mom.....
and the treasures my sister and I found cleaning the attic.

Nesting in Place

The birds are appliquéd on......

the binding is done and I am finished.  

My thought is that I should call this piece "Nesting in Place" 

as we all are nestled in our homes at the moment.

Here Come the Birds

It is definitely time to add some subject matter to this project, so I sketched two birds to nest in one corner. I will cut the shapes from an interesting batik fabric, add fused details and finally appliqué them onto my quilt.

I find it easy to trace the pattern using my "solar powered, vertical light box".  I can see my drawing through the white fabric and can trace the shapes for the detail of the bird. 

 I can then cut and fuse these small pieces unto my bird.

Since more detail is needed, my last step is to use paint to add additional shading. Now, the birds are ready to trim and appliqué in place. 

(Although in nature, these birds have different coloring, I chose to coordinate them with my quilt. Thus, a new variation of  bird is created. Oh, the power I have!)

Vines on my Mind

I have been busy adding vines to my background. I can see after adding the first leaves that I need more variation. One fabric, once again, cannot do it all.

Now I added more fabrics and am happier with the results.  Color variation elevates our projects by adding more dimension just like the texture of the quilting makes our projects sing.

And, on we go......

That First Stitch

As with most things, the first step is the hardest and in this case, it was the first stitch. After procrastinating about creating the quilt top, I was determined to quilt it now that it was ready.

Well, maybe.....
I spent the day rearranging my threads, dusting and cleaning my machine, planning how I was going to quilt the different sections and finally, there were no more excuses.

I made that first stitch. And then the second one.  Suddenly, I remembered why I love quilting. The fabrics were taking life. Textures, wonderful textures, were appearing on my quilt. Now, I am enthused and zipping along enjoying each new stitch.

There will be no more walking around or stepping over this one, I can't wait to see how it will turn out. Stay tuned........