Happy Groundhog Day! Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and predicted 6 more weeks of winter! According to news outlets, he has been right 100 out of 137 times since the late 1880’s. But, Phil, it is only the second day of February—what do you expect? All of us have experienced some of our coldest temperatures and most snow in February and March. Even in Kansas, I have had to bundle my daughter up in snow boots, winter coat and gloves over her new pastel floral Easter dress. So, I wasn’t too shocked to learn we could have six more weeks of winter.
The movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray, a very, very funny comedy, is about a weatherman caught in a time loop, having to live the same day over and over. The title of the movie morphed into a catch phrase for ” same old same” over and over again–not in a good way.
Not the case at Quilters at First. We have something different each time we meet. Yesterday, four quilters brought finished treasures to share–and all of them are different from previous projects. Creative people find it difficult to do the same thing over and over–a previously popular project may be tweaked a bit to make it better or due to necessity.
Elaine used Kaffe Fassett designed fabric for this framed hour glass quilt. Kaffe Fassett has been called the “guru of glorious color”. HIs fabric is very distinctive and breathes new life into a traditional pattern. This quilt is 60″ x 75″ and machine quilted. $150
Valentines Day is only 12 days away. Measuring 28″ x 28″, this pieced heart wall hanging was created using Kansas Troubles fabric. The Kansas Troubles lines are more muted and suggest a past time in our state’s history. $50
Kansas Troubles fabric was used for these two similar table runners also. Kansas Troubles fabric is designed chiefly by Lynne Hagmeier out of Bennington, KS and manufactured by Moda Fabrics– in Japan. But it started here in KS. Each of the runners measures 18″ x 35″ and each is $40. The “flying geese” running down the middle of the design adds sparkle.
These placemat certainly remind us that summer is eventually going to be here. Each one is 13″ x 18″ and the set is $40.
Elaine has been super busy!!
Phyllis claims she only sews in the winter–but we have contradicting evidence. Her latest projects have different holiday themes.
Easter is April 9 this year. What a fun table runner–measures approximately 24″ without the green top. $25
Before you know it, we will be putting out pumpkins and buying trick or treat candy instead of Easter basket candy! This Witch table runner has dangling boots! The quilted plaid center is 13″ x 48″ and is for sale for $50;
Skip ahead to December–a size 8 child’s apron and an adult apron duo. The larger apron is $35 and the smaller one is $25. She has promised us some more holiday theme aprons. SOLD
We saw the “design board” stage of these charming wall hangings earlier this year–now the finished projects! All are “Janis’ appliqué”.
Faded Pumpkins are wool appliqué, giving this primitive design texture. The red berries are just the right amount of brightness to set off the muted colors of the leaves and pumpkins. Machine embroidery is used to add a sense of dimension. Measuring 13″ x 18″, it would fit on any wall. $50
Continuing the autumn theme, the Ball canning jars add a touch of nostalgia. The acorns are wooden buttons. Thread cross stitches in the background fabric, adds depth to the wall hanging. 15″ x 14″. $50
Late summer vibes? Cone flowers and sunflowers have survived the KS summer heat. Wool fabric is appliquéd on linen-like fabric. This seasonal reminder is 13″ x 19.5″. $50
And guess who showed up–Korny Cat!!
Just ask him what he thinks of Punxsutawney Phil–or humans that dress him up for Halloween. Neither would be pretty! I am so tempted–my dog and my husband are not cat fans. Korny Cat would be a good substitute–are you in the same situation? 13.5″ x 18.5″ $50
It may be Groundhog Day on the calendar but not in the sewing room!
Quilts, Etc. 