Thursday, March 4, 2010

Now for a change of pace......

So when I last left you, I was wondering what to tackle next, feeling my usual overwhelmed, panicky feeling of too much stash, too little time. 

Well, here's the first thing I turned to -- the Margaret Harris Sampler from the new Blackbird Designs Honeysuckle Manor book.


Now my version will have to be a bit different.  I had a piece of 30ct WDW Straw, not the 35ct Straw called for.  So I decided to do it over one on the 30ct.  Which means I won't be able to do the name or date over one since I'm already stitching the whole thing over one.  :D   But that's ok.  I'm planning on putting my maternal grandmother's name in where "Walnut Iowa" is, and perhaps my initials and date where Margaret's name is.  Or my grandmother's birthdate.  If I can remember what that is.  Here's as far as I've gotten (I'm using the Belle Soie called for):


Pretty boring, I know.  Well, so anyway, I was stitching away on this, and thinking about the fact that I have this other project that I need to get to.  So I ended up putting Margaret Harris down long enough to do this.  Tah dah!


My first quilt project in years!!  It's the first block of a BOM from Material Obsession called Tessellation by Brigitte Giblin.  Isn't it cool?!  I've never done fussy cutting before!

I have to say that Material Obsession had me obsessing about amazing fabric combinations in wild fabrics that I normally wouldn't think of using.  (I'm usually a repro fabric kind of girl.)  And when this BOM came up, I had to go for it -- it's English paper pieced, my favorite thing in the whole world!  The finished piece does have to be appliqued down on that background fabric, but that's ok -- hand applique is my other favorite thing!  :D   I have to say it felt good to be quilting again.  I also have to say that if I actually finish this quilt (I hope I do!), I may have it machine quilted -- a shocking statement coming from me, the hand quilting snob.

Laurie, thanks for urging me to start a quilt -- I'm glad I did!  And Loretta, if you're reading this, this BOM is your fault -- I discovered Material Obsession because of you! 

So now you know why I've posted again so soon -- 2 posts in one week just doesn't usually happen.  But I'm just so psyched about my new quilt project!  Now to get around to using the millions of fabrics and kits I've managed to collect from Kim!  lol!

In other news, the tree service still hasn't come to take that widowmaker branch down.  Sigh.  Which means we've had to adjust to not using the garage, not using the back door (which is the door we ALWAYS use), and not using most of the driveway.  Such a pain!  But I do understand -- after all we had so many branches down, I can just imagine all the jobs that must have come in to them after the storm.  The nice thing is that it's so warm that the snow is melting nicely.  The ground is still totally covered, but at least there's a lot less snow!

In the unfinished business category, lots of you were wondering why I need to use a toothbrush on Sarah Woodham.  Well, I actually ended up using a lint roller -- the fancy equivalent of wrapping a piece of tape around one's fingers and using it to get the lint.  I think it helped.  I'm assuming the fiber just left tiny bits of lint on the fabric, although I guess it may also have very slightly bled onto the fabric as well.

Someone else asked about the new Quaker designs in the new Goode Huswife Book of Designs IV.  I think the best I can do is to post a link to Ann's webpage with a picture of all the designs in the book.  Go here.

Quick Edit:  Forgot to say I won this perfect bottle cap pin cushion from Lynn.  I was so thrilled!  I've been using it constantly -- it's the perfect size!  Thank you so much, Lynn!  I love it!



Thanks for stopping by and saying hi!  I really appreciate all your comments!

42 comments:

Sylvia said...

Alright, over 1!! YGG. Your start really looks great.

I love the fabric on your quilt square, it really is bright and happy.

Sarah W. is just a stunning sampler. Sorry about the problems with Belle Soie - its one of the reasons I try not use it. Love the colors, don't like the way it stitches or the bleeding problem with the reds.

Can't wait to see your progress on your BD sampler.

Liz said...

Wow, love that you are doing a quilt and what a quilt to start back with, fabulous. So, I might still be able to tempt you with Phebe - yes???? LOL!
lizzie
xxx

Cathy Lloyd said...

Jealous on your start! Isn't the Honeysuckle Manor book just the cat's meow? I am sooo tempted to kit something up....

Sweet Sue said...

What a nice post Margaret, looking forward to your progress on BBD sampler. Quilt is great, sure is different than a feedsack quilt!

Sweet Stitchin:)

Michelle said...

Oh it looks itty bitty over 1. How fun. And you're jumping right back into that Belle Soie pool, aren't you??? I love love love your quilt block. Gorgeous. I am so glad you started a quilt. Yay!!

Unknown said...

Wow Margaret you are a busy, girl this week! Love your quilt square - congrats on getting back into it again, it's a stunning start.

Over 1 on the BBD, you are a glutton - but it's beautiful!

Those tree guys must be pretty busy - maybe they need to read your blog and see how dangerous that tree is :-)

Have a great weekend, Margaret.

Edgar said...

What a beautiful start - I can not wait for that book to arrive!! SW is a gorgeous finish!!!! congrats

valerie said...

Great start on the new Margaret Piece. It's going to be tiny!! That quilt block is awesome! Looks like you'll be keeping busy and having fun!

KarenV said...

Love your start on Margaret Harris! I was hoping it was stitched on something other than R&R, so I'm glad to hear that it's done on WDW :) Yours is so cute stitched over one! I can't wait for my book to arrive (hopefully very soon!)

Laurie in Iowa said...

Woot Woot... Margaret has been drawn over to the quilting world. YGG... love your first block. English Paper piecing... I've never done EPP, but I hope to get cracking on some paper pieced hexagons soon.

Catherine said...

Beautiful start and over one no less!

Great colors on your quilt piece - eye poppin'!

Siobhán said...

Woo! I knew you'd be banging out one of the new BBD samplers, Margaret. Your WIP looks great. I can't wait to see how you personalize it.

That quilt block is amazing! Really fun colors.

Congrats on the win--what a neat pin cushion!

Melissa said...

Oh you just couldn't wait could you? I knew it. Can't blame you though! It will look great over one. It will never happen here but good for you!

Ahh, I see you've got a new obsession now! It's easy to do with all those lovely fabrics. Your first BOM looks great!

Margie said...

I LOVE that Margaret Harris sampler and it's going on my to do list asap. As is a couple other BBD. :-) I love the start to your new quilt - I do that sometimes also - pick a project not in my usual colors or style - but I feel that it pushes us out of our comfort zone and the results are always good.

Cari said...

Margaret, Margaret, Margaret...girlfriend....YOU are an overachiever...and an excellent one at that. I just love the Honeysuckle Manor design book and can't wait to start something! Over 1 on 30 count! You go girl - it's beautiful. AND YOUR QUILT BLOCK! Just simply stunning. I love it. You are so much fun. I'm so very, very glad to have met you through blogland! Hugs and have a great week!!

Littlebit said...

Ooooh, Margaret! You have been busy! Love the sampler..love your BOM square. I didn't know you were a quilter, too! I can't wait to see this as you go along. Yes, Laurie is indeed quite the inspiration!

Jackie's Stitches said...

The border on Margaret Harris looks wonderful. I love pretty borders.

I had not seen Material Obsessions BOM. I need to go check it out. Your block is gorgeous. Wonderful fabric selection and the fussy cutting is spot on! I'm glad to see that you're enjoying the quilting. As you know, it's something I enjoy too!

Loretta a/k/a Mrs. Pom said...

I am so proud to be your quilting enabler once again after all these years!!

Where do you buy fabric these days now that Country Quilter is gone??

(as if we need anymore....)

Deb said...

Jaw drop on the quilt block Margaret! You are definitely my hero now - fast stitcher and hand piecing quilter! Wow. I'm a repro girl too, but I just love those fabrics in your block!

Love your start on the BBD piece too. I think that it's going to look wonderful over one!!!

You never cease to amaze me!

Stef said...

I love that you are stitching Margaret Harris Sampler over one!!! There's something about over one that just intensifies the colors in the over-dyed silks, it's so beautiful!!

Glenna said...

Oh my goodness, Margaret! How did I miss your first post this week? I love SW, and the slight pink doesn't detract in the least.

And over 1 on 30 ct? Sheesh--not me! But it's lovely so far. As for the quilt--wow--I love contemporary, so that particular quilt block sings to me. My bus buddies who quilt all assure me that sending the quilt out to someone else is the way to go.

Loraine said...

My Dear Friend Margaret! I love this new start! Thanks for showing a picture. I ordered this book a few days ago, and I have not had a chance to see anything in it. I love this sampler, so hopefully there are many other wonderful things to do in there too.
I love the idea of putting your maternal Grandmother's name in there too. Such a pretty start! Good for you attempting the over one! I'm not sure I would be able to see it!
Your quilt is gorgeous! That is quite a difficult quilt to tackle. I'm impressed. Can't wait to see more blocks.
Hope you get your tree cleared out real soon!
Hugs.

Nancy said...

Beautiful start to a lovely sampler, and your quilt block is really amazing! I love your little pincushion too.

Valerie said...

Ooooh, Margaret Harris is just a lovely little sampler! I love your idea of putting your maternal grandmother's name on it! Hmmm...might have to steal that one! The one thing at the top of my list since market has been the Honeysuckle Manor book. How nice to see on of its projects as a WIP!

The quilt project is quite eye catching! I really like the colors and the block design is very intricate. I look forward to seeing this project progress along!

Hope the tree service visits you soon...Happy Stitching!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

Great start, Margaret! The over one looks gorgeous! I'm going to start HM as soon as I finish my current WIP - tomorrow, I hope.

Your pincushion is darling - what a fun win!

Lois said...

What a nice start on Margaret Harris (says me who's wondering and wishing if today might be my lucky day for Honeysuckle Manor!).

I love your quilt block, the colours are so vibrant and looks like this is going to be a stunning quilt that's got you back into quilting.

Hope the tree situation gets sorted soon.

Linda K's Stitching Corner said...

Your WIP is going to be pretty when you get it done.

I just love your Quilt Square...that is so neat. I love those colors. I am just learning to quilt myself.

Take care & Happy Stitching
Hugs :)
Linda K, Railroad

Alice said...

Great new start Margaret. Happy quilting. It looks like a lot of fun. Colour combinations and choices are endless.
Alice

Sherry said...

Shame on you for starting on Honeysuckle Manor and my book hasn't even arrived yet! lol. Just kidding but yes, I did break down and get it! I can't wait to see your sampler from it. And shame on you on you again for starting quilting again without me! lol. Just kidding again. I love that block. I am just a piecing gal. Applique and paper piecing make me all nervous. I have several quilting projects I really want to do if I ever find a place to set up my machine!

antique quilter said...

here I want to start cross stitching again and your starting quilting again
what a quilt to start with!
I LOVE MO, wish is was here in the USA! would love to take a few classes there and just shop there!
Kathie

Nicole said...

Beautiful start on Margaret Harris!! I can't believe you are stitching it over one - you are brave! :) Congrats on finishing your first quilt block in years! It's beautiful!! ;)

Katrina said...

Love your new starts, the BBD piece is so pretty and the quilt block is wonderful.

Cute pin cushion too :-)!

Giovanna said...

I love your new starts, both sampler and quilt - so different and so gorgeous!

woolwoman said...

I'm so glad to see you plunged back into quilting and WHAT a start! Beautiful and looks like precision work to me. Love the colors - Bright is good at the end of a long cold winter. I have not gotten the BBD book yet but I'm sure I will love it - Your start on MH looks great over one and I for one love BS so I'm lovin' the colors already! Have a fun weekend - I bet you won't be able tot leave that pretty quilt alone! Mel

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Love your new start...and over one to boot! Your going gangbusters! :)
Love the quilt...it is just beautiful! Have you noticed everyone in blogland is getting dual crafty hobbies? And you are a master at both stitching and quilting!

Cathy B said...

Hello, hello -- love your new sampler starts. I think that is one of my favorite new Blackbird Designs charts!

Hope your tree service comes soon to take care of that branch!

Roberta said...

Good for you winning that adorable pincushion - love it!!

The quilt BOM you did is fabulous and I am !not going to check out where you are doing that!!! way too many things already in my life!!

Love the sampler and I love when I can pull from my stash and make adjustments - good for you

Karoline said...

Gorgeous new start Margaret and the quilt block is lovely

Brigitte said...

Congratulations on finishing Sarah Woodham. It looks absolutely fantastic!
Now this is such a great new project. And all over one. You're so brave, Margaret. After seeing the picture I'm convinced that I have to order the Honeysuckle Manor book. Not that I wasn't convinced before but now I'm even more, lol.
Very nice quilt project!

Conny said...

Love this BBD chart. I'm a little bit jealous that I have to wait for longtime before I can buy the book here. Your first quiltblock looks great and neatly.

Kellie said...

I love Margaret Harris. You have a great start. This one is on my "must do" list to stitch eventually. Great start on your quilt too. :)

Anonymous said...

Your samplers are truly beautiful. It brightens my day to look at them.