Thursday, November 12, 2009

Bit By the Crafty Bug

Happy Thursday everyone!  Hope it's a great day where you are.  It's gloomy here, but they say the sun is coming out.  Yet to be seen, but I hope so.

I made a little more progress on Adam Alone this week.  I'm just loving the colors in this thing and it's so much fun to work on:


I'm just getting to the good part - Adam and Eve, but I don't know how much progress I'm going to be making the next week - a pretty busy one for me.  But a heads-up to anyone that is thinking of doing this chart - you're going to need two skeins of DMC 500 if you use DMC threads.  I have to tell you though that the Florentine Stitch really was giving me grief.  I'm blaming it on the fabric, not the Operator! 

I have to thank everyone for all your wonderful comments about my craft room.  I was just tickled!  I'm thrilled that now I actually have a room put together after years of working in the living room, dining room, etc., dragging threads and pins all over the house.  And I've already been able to make some good use out of it this week (I'll show pictures in a minute).  But first, I wanted to answer a couple questions asked in my last post.  I'm sorry that I don't really email responses - just don't have the time, but a few people asked questions:

Berit asked about the DMC sign - I can't tell you where I got it, Berit.  Probably some country/prim shop long ago.  I have probably had this sign for over 20 years.  I bought it not only because of the DMC thread logo, but my initials were also DMC before I was married - kind of served double duty. 

Brigette asked about the sampler over my stitching chair. 


That was the second large sampler I ever stitched.  It's the Sarah Maddock Sampler by Simply Samplers.  It's back from 1985 and I doubt that it is still in print (I didn't get around to stitching it until 1990).  You can't tell from the picture, but that border gave me a lot of problems.  It tends to go up in areas.  It also gave the framer a few headaches.

Mel, you are too funny.  I think that you're going to make me a hooker yet (see below).  You've gotten me knitting, so let's see what other mischief you can get me into!  LOL

Laurie mentioned me having a lot of pizza boxes!  Yes, I do, and there are more somewhere.  I love to quilt, but I also love to cut quilts out.  Most people don't.  When I made quilt samples for a store long ago, I was actually paid to cut out quilts for people because I love it so much.  Yeah, I know.  I'm weird.

And for all of you who asked if you could come over - the door is always open - what's a better time than friends and crafting??  I can't think of a darned thing! 

Speaking of quilts, I actually got down and put a block together:  Yoo Hoo!!!!  Yesterday, because it was Veteran's Day, I put together this block:


Okay, not a biggie, but hey, a start, right?  Actually it took me longer to figure out where I was in the pattern then to actually sew it.  This is part of a larger quilt that I had started a while ago:

Independence Quilt
Kansas City Troubles

I've gotten five blocks from this finished now.  I think so far my favorite one is this one because it incorporates quilting plus some handwork and applique.  I'm not big into applique, but I need the practice because I want to make this quilt:

Blackbird Designs
Home Sweet Home

Last weekend, our Sampler Guild held a Blackbird Designs Day.  Lots of beautiful stitched pieces and quilts!  And one of the quilts that was brought in was this quilt.  Being the lame-brained person that I am, I didn't take my camera!  What was I thinking?  Obviously, my head was where the sun doesn't shine!  LOL  Anyway, I've drooled over this quilt for a while, and even bought the background fabric for it when it came out.  I don't know if you can tell from the picture, but it's fabric stamped with samplers.

Anyway, I've procrastinated because I am not a huge fan of applique.  BUT I HAVE TO DO THIS QUILT!  So I whipped out my BBD books (at least the ones I could find):


And started browsing through them.  Not a good thing!  A lot of appliqued quilts.  So what's a girl to do, but practice:

This is the first block from another quilt that I've had cut out forever.  But being appliqued, I froze at actually starting it.  Yeah, yeah, I know, there is machine applique, but I want that real hand-pieced look which on a quilt like Home Sweet Home will probably take me into the next century to finish.  Well, no matter!  I got the courage up and  hand appliqued the pieces down on the block above, and then top stitched them on the machine.  I won't use topstitching on the BBD quilt, but this particular quilt lends itself well to that prim look.

Then there were these pictures of hooked rugs in the BBD books:

Okay, now I know I'm going to become a hooker, Mel.  LOL They match some of the blocks in the quilt.  Be still my heart!!!

And then this quilt that I really like a lot - I think I have some Civil War prints around here somewhere:

So, I think that now I'm going to be busy.

Well, that's it for me today.  I've got a busy week coming up so I may not post for a week or two.  I leave for New York next Thursday for my annual visit to see my Sister on Long Island and then my couple days of running amok in the City.  I can't wait!!!!  My sis says she's scoped out quite a few thrift and resale shops on the Island.  Sounds like a good plan to me - thrifty shops, calamari and clam chowder for lunch and then a trip to the Winery on the way home.  Oh Yeah!!!!

Again, thank you for all your wonderful comments.  I feel so lucky to have met so many wonderful people through blogging.  And remember, the door is always open.  Just give me a holler.  Have a great week, and make a lot of X's.

34 comments:

Unknown said...

Deb, I just love it when I see you have posted - your entries are always full of good stuff and good humor.

I love your Adam Alone - you are making fast work of it.

Oh, that BBD Home Sweet Home makes me want to learn how to quilt - what a beauty and it would look perfect in my guest room - affectionately dubbed "the Pink Room"

And those rugs - wow! Just a couple more years of school and I will have lots of free time to do all the things I want to do - just 2 more years -I have to keep repeating it for encouragement - tho' it tends to discourage me, as it sounds like forever :-)

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

I'm not looking, I 'm not looking...but I did and I so want to learn to hook and I think that most of these applique quilts can be turned into wool applique quilts or runners or something. But alas....I've just been working on what I'm going to start in the next few months and if you knew...you'd laugh so hard...

Annette said...

Beautiful work on the sampler!! I *love* the BBD Home Sweet Home... I've just recently rediscovered some quilting interest and that design sings to me :)

Thank you... I think! LOL

Annie Beez said...

Your adam alone is really looking great-what awesome colors in that piece!

Love your Sarah Maddock Wow what a gorgeous sampler!

Siobhán said...

Wow Deb, YGG on Adam Alone! It looks great. You're right, the colors are much more vibrant than the chart pic--soooo much nicer, and I loved the chart pic!

The BBD Home Sweet Home... omg. Well, two summers ago I ordered that book at one of the LQS when I was in the US. It never came in. I wanted to do that quilt that you've pictured specifically, even if it means--as with you--confronting the dreaded applique. I am excused from it since the book didn't come in, so I'll just salivate all over the keyboard when I see your quilty updates.

I love the sampler that you posted, and the quilt blocks. Wow! YGG!! I want to be a hooker, too, even if it's just to say that. Actually, I have had visions of ripping up the carpeting on my stairs and doing BBDesque hooked runners. It's enough to make me hyperventilate. I know there are A&E hooked rug designs--I'd love to do some!

Margaret said...

Love your Adam Alone progress! It's funny that your initials used to be DMC. Those are my DH's initials! I always tease him about it -- there's the DC brand of clothing/shoes now too. Love all the quilts you're wanting to tackle, and your quilt WIP. Hand applique isn't that hard, it's just time consuming. Which is the problem, right? I would probably be back to appliqueing except for that fact! lol! I love BBD!

Isabelle said...

Hello Deb, your current Sampler has really gorgeous colors and I can tell you I love this BBD Home sweet home : a wonderful project .
When you show us this project , that makes me think in mine which is putting aside for a while : what ashame for me :-(
Have a nice day ,
Isa

Tommye said...

Your Adam Alone is gorgeous. And Sheepish is one of my favs. Can't wait to see more.
tjbdesigns
http://stitchingandbeading.blogspot.com

Alice said...

Why do I love Adam Alone more and more as you are progressing? Suddenly little details come forward that I did not notice on the pattern before. Not sure when I will stitch mine but one day, yes, one day. Aaaah, I LOVE your quilts Debbie!! You must be the craftiest person I know. They are going to be gorgeous once completed. Have a great time with your 'sis. I would love to have been a fly on the wall. : ))
Alice
xxx

Laurie in Iowa said...

Deb, Your Adam Alone is gorgeous. Oh boy, have you hit the nail on the head over the whole BD applique quilt dilemma. I keep going back and forth with the hand applique question. I love so many of the BD quilts and I know the only way I'll ever see one of their appliqued quilts in my home is if I do the machine applique. Maybe in my dotage I'll be willing to sit and hand applique if my eyesight holds up. I enjoyed reading about your love of cutting out quilt tops. The reason I have so many quilt projects in progress is because there are those days I love to sit at the sewing machine, but then there are days I want to cut out a new quilt top. I'm trying to work my way through all my quilts in progress and hopefully start with a clean slate by the new year.
I love reading your chatty posts.

valerie said...

Wow, what a wonderful post full of crafty goodness! Love your Adam Alone progress. It seems like you've gotten so much done! And I love your quilt panel as well. Especially befitting since Veteran's Day was yesterday! :) Can't wait to see more of your applique.

Berit said...

EEk; blogger just ate my comment!

I LOVE AA; really coming along.

Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to answer my DMC request! What a fun thing for a stitchy-room!

And, that BBD quilt is making me re-think my prohibition against "busy" bed linens!

Patricia Lessell said...

I love everything you have posted. I swore I wouldn't look at your stuff anymore but here I am looking and wanting. Will this wanting ever stop? Me don't think so. Thank you so much for sharing everything you do.
Love
Patti xxx

Ranae said...

Deb, OMGosh I love them BBD quilts. And now I have been inspired to go to the quilt store and spend loads of money, lol.
Do I dare open another can of worms?! lol
AA is looking great, the colors are fabulous.
Have a great weekend!!

Katrina said...

Fun quilting pieces and pictures and your Adam and Eve piece is so pretty.

Angela said...

Love your Adam alone project, the quilts are all so beautiful and I hope you have a wonderful time away :)

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

Boy oh boy! Adam Alone is looking gorgeous. I wish everyone could see it up close and personal! Your applique looks great. I'm always amazed by you - you get an idea bouncing around and before you know it - Zippity Do- it's done!

You know I am going to be pea green when you finish that quilt. YGG!!!

Lois said...

Adam Alone is coming along great. Just love those colours. The BBD quilts are just sooo gorgeous. I always look at them and think 'if only....' but me and applique? Not happening!!!! Have fun with your sister!

Brigitte said...

Thanks for letting me know.
Oh my oh my, what are you doing, Deb. Showing Home Sweet Home by BBD was a huge act of enabling, lol. Now I have to go and see where I can buy this pattern book. It looks absolutely fantastic, no wonder that you chose it as one of your next projects.

Jennifer Ann Fox said...

Oh Deb you've got a bunch of stuff going on, girl! (can I laugh here?) LOL

Teach me how to be a hooker too. That sounded funny....pause.....anyway, one of those pictures of rugs looks alot like the one I bought hanging by myfront door right now. Got it in a primitive shop 2 years ago.

Your Adam is looking stunning! just stunning!

Your flag quilt block is inspiring. Do you ever sell your quilts? With all that work they are so special.

Jennifer

woolwoman said...

Deb I was so excited to see the BBD pattern that you are wanting to hook - I think that would be a perfect beginner piece - not too big and a subject matter you are obviously interested in. Hope you will pursue it when you return from your trip and get caught up. You'll have a great time in NY - if you go to the city and have time - check out Purl - a great yarn shop in Soho.
Love your patriotic quilt - it is AWESOME! I SO want to do applique but I just feel inept and I have SO many other projects to pursue and then there's that thing called "work". Your AA is just gorgeous - I love this more and more every time I see it - Now I'll be on the hunt for that chart - I know it is probably OOP. Enjoy your trip! Mel

LauraNorthernCA said...

Debbie, a late reply here. Glad you've been hit by the crafty bug. Our family instead has been hit by the flu bug! Your blog is a treat!

Anonymous said...
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Melissa said...

Your AA is just brilliant! You are one busy woman!

That trip to your sister's sound like fun and I know we'll see lots of photos of the treasures you will find on your trip!

Littlebit said...

What a beautiful piece your Adam Alone is turning out to be. And omg..I LOVE that BBD in that book!! I NEED THAT! lol! Enjoy your trip to Long Island..I remember my only trip there, when I was a teen bride, to visit some of my husband's family. They wanted to go to some cemetary..so what do I see at that cemetary? A grave marker with my husband's name on it! (thud!) What an eerie feeling that was. Must be a common Dutch name.

MyLifesAStitch said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
MyLifesAStitch said...

I love Adam Alone! What pretty colors! And, of course, I cannot wait to see your quilty goodness!! I hope you have a fabulous and safe trip, Deb!!

Nancy M said...

Your quilts and rugs you are looking at are just beautiful!!! I hope you to make one. I'm glad they don't interest me right now because I could see your posts trying to get me started!!! Have a safe and fun trip to NY!!!

Kellie said...

Hi Deb,
Lots of fun stuff on your blog as usual. :) Adam Alone is looking so good. Love the quilts and the rugs! I would love to learn how to do both someday. Enjoy your visit with your sister and running amok. :)
Have a good weekend!

Robin S said...

Love watching your progress on Adam Alone. I especially love the blues in the bargello row. Such a lovely sampler!

Your BBD quilting project is awesome. Good luck on your hooker adventures. LOL!

BTW, I enjoyed seeing your craft room a few posts ago. So organized and neat (unlike mine right now).

samplerlover said...

Hi Deb,
Adam Alone is looking lovely and you are moving right along with it.

I can see why you are so happy to be back with the quilting. It is going to be lovely. TTYS - Sandra.

Hazel said...

Oh my goodness! Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! I love the quilts. I wish I lived next door to you and you could teach me to quilt :-(

xx

Anonymous said...

Debbie,

I thought I would check out your blog after I sent you the email... my goodness -- what a great post!

1. I love the bargello effect (?) on the sampler - is that achieved by flame stitches?

2. I am in love with your DMC sign. That is just toooooo cool!

3. And the quilts - my heart is a-fluttering just looking at them. I love that home sweet home quilt too! It's on my list of quilts to make.

Thank you for sharing the tidbits of your life with us. I always enjoy them! :)

Vinniey said...

Hi Deb, Thanks for leaving nice commend on my blog and my opportunity to discover your beautiful blog. I browsed around your blog and you do lots of lovely stitching works! And beautiful quilts too! Adam Alone is looking so stunning, I love the colors! And also thanks for sharing your craft's room photos Deb! Everything is so nicely organized.