Thursday, February 10, 2011

Framing, Stitching and Quilting

As usual, I've got my hands in both the stitching and quilting, and can't seem to make much headway with either of them.  But something is done.  I picked up Mary's Best Handworke from the framer's yesterday and here she is:


I was on the fence about how to frame her, but I love this frame even though, now that I'm looking at it, I'm almost wondering if I should have gone with something even simpler.  The design in the frame seems to be fighting the scroll work in the border.  Is it just me?  Anyway, I love how she came out and the colors are a much better representation than my finish pic of a couple posts ago.  Daylight always makes a piece look great - even though I fell off the porch into three feet of snow while taking it!  LOL

I've been trudging along on Ann Medd and it just amazes me how long this is taking me to stitch.  Fill-in isn't hard, just so time consuming.  Then there were the sheep.  Let's talk sheep, shall we?  The sheep in this section - well, there was a point when I was ready to throw this ole girl onto the bar-b-que (yes, we grill in the dead cold of winter).  The sheep were driving me absolutely nuts!!!  Making me crazy!!  I think that it took me all of four, maybe five, days to get them in.    And then one sheep had a leg that was all crazy and I discovered that I was going over three threads instead of two.  So a frogging we go!!  But, I seriously had mad moments just relishing the thought of this sampler going up in flames!!  Bar-b-qued sheep!!  But common sense took over and I trudged along.  

Last post:




Are we getting bored yet???  I'll tell you - there are days when I long to work on something else.  But I told myself that she has to be done - and I want her done - but there are just some days.  But those nasty sheep are done, so maybe things will be fine.  Anyway, there's some progress - the fish and fisherman are now outlined, the sheep are in, although not all outlined and a wee bit of progress on the Shepherdess/Mermaid.  The sheep were about the death of me though.   

On the quilting front - lots done!!  Well, kind of.  I took advantage of that big storm we had last week.  The kids had two days off and in the true fashion of teenagers, slept in late so I headed down to the craft room and took rotary cutter in hand and cut out all my BOMs and some extra:


All my civil war BOMs, the red and black quilt and Farmer's Wife blocks for the month.  In the background is the Bliss quilt that I so optimistically thought that I'd have put together.  Didn't get there!  I was on a cutting tear, so instead I cut out some others and almost have them finished:

Remember those red and white fabrics!  Well, here's just a peek!!  I'd show the whole quilt, but it's not done.  Reason why?  Well, the kit included fabric for the borders - a great polka dot fabric, but it was upholstery fabric!  Say what?  Just too heavy to border the quilt with so I'm waiting for the correct fabric to show up.  But this really brightens my day to look at it.  Reminds me of a quilt that you would sit on when you're having a picnic.  I used the Yellow Brick Road pattern for this one.  Quick and easy!

So because I couldn't go any further with that quilt, I started on this:


Another similar quilt, but with bigger blocks made from the pattern Turning Twenty, and Pillow and Maxfield's Whimsy fabric!  This is for my daughter - the crazier the fabric the better she likes it.  Just have to sew these rows together, slap on borders and it's a WRAP!!!  I loved making both of these - quick cutting and piecing.  A welcome break from all those tiny pieces that are in the Farmer's Wife and Civil War quilts.  But now the fun is over and time to go back to my other pieces.  Although I was kind of thinking of cutting out that Marsha McCloskey pattern............hmmmmm.

And to leave on a note appropriate for the season, I thought I'd show a little wallhanging that I did years ago in honor of Valentine's Day.  This is an old Thimbleberries pattern - if I remember right they used to have monthly kits that you could purchase and this was one of them.  This is also my first machine quilting project.  It was small so I managed to get through it.  Probably the last one I will ever do myself though!


So that's what's been happening in my part of the world.  The weather is absolutely frigid today - probably about 4 degrees with below zero temps with the wind chill.  But maybe the groundhog was right - it's warming up into the 30's next week.  Ya hoo!!!!  Better get that red and white quilt finished.  We may have to do a picnic!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!!  

50 comments:

barbara said...

What a beautiful framing job! And our progress looks wonderful to me. :D

Yvette said...

You got a ton done!

I love seeing those CW fabrics all cut and ready to sew! I hope to get my CWC and CWT done this weekend. So sad that it would take a whole weekend just to get two BOM's done.

LiahonaGirl said...

Wow, you have been a busy girl! I love the new finish and think the frame looks perfectly fine. And no wonder Ann Medd is taking a while -- it's huge! Great job! (I'm not even going to take it on.)

merumo said...

How pretty Mary's Best Handworke in the frame! Very nice. She reminded me of some of my finished pieces also need to be framed, including Sarah Seifer. And look at your progress on Ann!! You did tremendous work on her. Filling in is not fun for me, but I love the effect. You will love once you are through that area. I haven't used the scroll frame to stitch for years, but I may have to give it a try as your work is absolutely beautiful!! More fun you had? Wow, a lot of fabrics flying in your house. I love your Valentine's wallhanging a lot. Thimbleberries lines were one of my first fabrics I got into when I started quilting a little over 10 years ago. It's in the 60's here today, but Limo and I are still freezing cold. lol Happy stitching!!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

I think Mary's frame looks just fine, Deb. Such pretty colors in that sampler! Love all your quilty projects - I don't know how you keep them all straight. The reds are my favorite - love them - so bright and cheery.

Anne is fabulous - the sheep look great and I'm glad you didn't bbq them! Cheering you on to a grand finish!

Jennifer Ann Fox said...

Beautiful sampler, Deb! The frame is so pretty too.
Quilts are awesome!
Hope you stay warm with those temps. We started with snow and ending in sunshine and almost all snow gone!! What a gorgeous day.

Jennifer

BrendaS said...

Deb --
Your framing looks wonderful. I think the frame goes rather nicely.

You made me LOL at your explanation of stitching those sheep and contemplating putting the whole thing in the BBQ. You are too funny:)))))

Great quilting going on in your neck of the woods. LOVE everything, especially the red and white one!!!

Take care and stay warm. We will be in for a big warm up and a huge snow melt! YIPEEE. Spring isn't too far off now!

Nancy M said...

Another nice framed piece. Do you have every one of them hanging already? Your sampler is HUGE and I'm sure you are anxious to get it done by now. We grilled out 2 night ago too! Who's afraid of 10 degrees?? Your quilts are so pretty. I'm sure you're daughter will be thrilled with the one you just cut out for her.

Denise said...

You are so busy! And all the projects you have up the air...I have 2 WIP at the moment and nothing is happening on either. Sigh!

I'm very impressed.

BeckySC said...

BEEutiful framing Deb-it looks fabulous :) WOW!!

valerie said...

I think the framing turned out wonderful and that the moulding kind of mimicks the border. I can't believe you fell into a snowdrift taking the photo! lol Oopsie! Ann Medd is looking fantastic! Big blocks of color can be boring but are good for those days you feel like something easy.

samplerlover said...

Hi Deb, glad that you didn't Bar-B-Q the sheep like a man did here on the weekend and started a bush fire lol.
Seriously though Ann is looking lovely. Keep going. You are going well.
Mary looks lovely in her frame. I think the frame looks lovely.
All your quilts are looking lovely. I like the red and white one - Sandra.

Annie said...

I love the framing on that sampler. What a delightful piece. I can just picture falling in the snow trying to take the photo!

I think I would really get bored doing all that solid color stitching, but the results seem to be well worth the effort.

Love all your quilting. It's nice to do different types of sewing and needlework. Keeps the whole process more interesting.

Barb said...

Mary's Best just screams "spring"!

It's lovely and the frame is fine. The lighter tone really sets off the thread colors. I admire your quilting. It's something I doubt I will ever have the patience to try.

woolwoman said...

LOVE the red and white fabrics Deb - and Mary looks so sweet in her frame - I bet you will love it so much when you get it hung in her special spot. Ann Medd just slays me - that is so MUCH filling - like that stupid Hart sampler of mine - of course Ann is 3 times bigger at least - you have gotten so much done - glad the snow days gave you time to accomplish so much - it's amazing how cold it has been in the midwest this year - cheers! Mel

Nancy said...

I think your sampler looks beautiful in the frame!

I'm glad you trudged along on Ann Medd because this is going to be amazing!

Ranae said...

I think the frame looks fabulous for Mary
You have made good progress on Ann
There is a rule...
No Burning a piece before it's stitched in full, lol
Love the quilt pics, you sure have an eye for color

Bertie said...

Beautifully framed, you are lucky to have a good framer nearby.
Ann Medd is stunning so far, a lot of work all that filling in:))
The red/white quilt is to die for, love it and the hearts too:)

Alice said...

The wonky sheep are looking pretty good! Too bad about the frogging. Love the Valentine hanging.

Margaret said...

I love how you framed Mary -- very pretty! Love how Ann Medd is going too -- bummer about the frogging though. Your quilt progress is wonderful to see! I always love to see what quilters are working on. I'm so tempted by everything, but I've learned my lesson -- quilting doesn't seem high on the todo list these days.

Laurie in Iowa said...

My head is spinning with all the lovely quilt projects you have going on... I don't know how you keep it all straight.
You're making wonderful progress on Ann... lots of backstitching and fill stitching going on. Keep at it... and stay way from that BBQ.

Myra said...

Mary's best looks gorgeous in that frame. I love the colors. I really enjoy seeing your quilting projects too - you have been very productive.

Karen said...

Love your framed piece! Looks like you have been busy!!!!

happy stitching and quilting... good luck with the sheep.

Rugs and Pugs said...

Deb ~
You are absolutely amazing. You have accomplished SO MUCH!! Woo hoo. You are on a roll.
Hugs :)
Lauren

Melissa said...

Deb, I love how you framed Mary. I think it looks great! Reminds me of mine too!

You know I laugh every now I read your post. Know why? Because you always have so much done! All sorts of beautiful things!

Good luck on finishing Ann M. You're doing great!

Jackie's Stitches said...

I really like the red and white quilt you're working on. The Bliss quilt looks great too. Love the Civil War pieces too. Honestly, it all looks fantastic!

I like the silver frame! It's a wonderful piece!

No sheep on the BBQ, ok?!

Katrina said...

Gorgeous quilt blocks and I love the frame for Mary's Best :-).

OMG, Ann Medd is gorgeous!

Siobhán said...

I think the frame looks perfect for Mary! The detail in the moulding seems to mimic the scroll-y border.

Ann is GORGEOUS!! Funky little sheep--the trouble was worth it (IMHO), they are too cute!

The quilts are SO pretty. I love the fabrics you're using!

Nicole said...

Mary turned out beautiful Deb!! I love the frame!!

Ann Medd and all your quilting are beautiful too!! You are too funny about the barbecue. I have wanted to throw several things into the fire and then when I'm done, they are usually my favorite, so I know all that hard work will pay off! :)

Michelle said...

Ann is really moving along! That fill in is easy, but dang it takes forever!!! And I'm loving your Yellow Brick Road quilt - can't wait to see more!!!

Nicky said...

Mary's Best is beautiful, love it! You have been on a cutting spree, feel free to drop by my house anytime and continue your good work. lol
Bliss is my new favourite fabric, and I'm trying to resist indulging. I feel your sheep pain, my sheep(the live ones) have been driving me crazy in the shearing shed this morning - jumping out of pens and getting mixed in with the wrong mobs etc. I might BBQ one up tonight too for my revenge. LOL Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Berit said...

At first I thought the frame was perfect, then I started wondering if it was fighting after all when you mentioned it. Conclusion: We're over-thinking. It's just fine.

Lol @ bbq'ed sheep! :D I think you should make a dummy on paper or something and burn it in effigy (like just some sheepy outlines, lol!

I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE your red to-be-picnic quilt! :D

Mary said...

The framing looks terrific on the sampler.

The sheep and all the fill-in looks tedious, but is really looking nice.

You got lots done on the blocks, and just love the start of the red quilt!

Sue said...

Your framed piece is beautiful.

Lois said...

Mary's Best is lovely in the frame! Keep going with Ann, she will be a wonderful piece when you're finished and you'll be so pleased you did. Lots of lovely quilt fabrics and plans. I do love the red and white one. Hope it warms up a little soon.

Sherry said...

Deb, I love the frame! It really does compliment the piece. Ann is also coming along so beautifully. You will be so thrilled when she is finished. I love all your quilting fabrics. What a great little heart quilt, too.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Mary's Best is perfectly lovely I think it is gorgeously done and wonderful! :)
And Ann Mead...wow! Doesn't that sum it up...it is so intricate, so big and beautiful...it will be a finish of a lifetime one day!
Your quilting is so wonderful! I'm totally overcome with all the many things you do each and every time I visit...so many beautiful and wonderful projects!

Teri said...

Love how Mary's Best turned out! What a beautiful piece. As for all the other lovelies . . . inspiring!

Robin said...

Deb, I so enjoy seeing all the projects that you have going. It just takes my breathe away at what you accomplish. Ann Medd is amazing and like childbirth, hopefully you'll forget about the sheep and fill in pain because you'll love the result so much. MBH is lovely and the frame is perfect!

Loraine said...

I love your frame! I think it looks great with your piece. I don't think you should second guess yourself. It looks fabulous.
Oh boy, I'm loving your fabrics too! You seem to have a "bright" side lurking in you too. I love "dark and dirty" fabrics for my quilting, but I just cannot resist the bright wonderful fabrics appearing all over the place. It's great to have a daughter to enable us to buy some of this wonderful stuff. She will love this quilt! I like easy quilts too.
Your Ann is looking great. Just keep plugging away at her, and try and enjoy the journey.
Hugs to you dear friend.

marylin said...

hello I discovered your blog from France! what talent you have! I'm in love with your blog
very soon
marylin

Isabelle said...

Hi Deb, what a beautiful frame !
It looks that you have been very busy as always : Stithcing and quilting : you qare really amazing:-)
I wish you a very ncie week,
Isa

Natalia said...

Deb, I think the frame is perfect !! I don't think it takes away from the stitched border because of the color of the thread, the red pulls it so it doesn't conflict with the frame.
Your progress on Ann is beautiful and your fabrics too !!

Mylene said...

Your framed piece looks gorgeous! and wow! such lovely colours with your quilting.

Karoline said...

Mary is lovely, great framing

Lovely progress on Ann and your quilt blocks look great.

Sally said...

Beautiful framing and Ann is looking amazing!

Gorgeous quilting.

Giovanna said...

Your framed sampler is just gorgeous, and you are so good to stick to Ann Medd as you are doing! It's a spectacular piece.

Anonymous said...

The weather has warmed and it's lovely outside here in Chicago...I imagine it's like that near you as well. I truly admire your stick-to-it-iveness on your projects. I too enjoy too many hobbies. But yours are ALL lovely!!!!

Dona said...

Mary is very pretty finished and framed! And I think you've made great progress on Ann Medd!

Linda said...

This is my first visit to your blog and I'm so glad I discovered you! I love all your projects...and I love the frame on your new piece! Thanks for sharing!!