Quilts, Etc.

What is your “favorite” color?

Spoiler–I don’t have one! I use a lot of red—but I wouldn’t say it is my favorite. To me, colors are like children–who can chose their favorite child? Each child does well in a certain field, has particular charms and even goes through a period when you are not sure you even like them! But I am super happy to have each member of my family and I am super happy to have all the hundreds of shades and tints of color.

Color families remind us of a season, a holiday or a place. Color is associated with life events, wedding and funerals– Some colors are considered warm, others cool. White is the absence of color and black is all the colors.

But some people do have strong feelings about their color! My 16 year old grandson always picks green–the green tiles when playing Blokus, the green toothbrush, the green backpack… So when grandma volunteered to make a new quilt for him–he still sleeps with the one I made 15 years ago and he is now 6’3″ tall–I was pretty sure it would be green. But just not any old green. We spent “quality” time together choosing just the right greens.

When I was enthusiastically discussing different aspects of quilting–quality of fabric, matching points, machine vs. hand quilting with a non-quilting friend, I was stopped by this comment. “Color is how I choose my quilts–the quilt must go with the color scheme in my home.” I get it. I drink a particular wine because I like it–I don’t give a fig about the finer points a sommelier would notice. I like what I like.

The quilters have enjoyed playing with color when creating for the Quilts Etc. Sale and Auction. We have bright colors and muted colors. There are soft tints and bold primary colors. Some the colors remind us of color combinations in other part of our life

This color pairing of pink and brown reminds me the old fashion candy–Cherry Mash! The pinwheel design is created from the rail fence block. It is 66″ x 68″ and is $100 (calorie free)

A pre-printed panel in the vibrant colors and design of a church’s stained glass window was used for this medallion quilt. The colors surrounding the center are suggested by the panel. The machine quilting pattern is “Cathedral Rose” to compliment the panel. It is $150 to purchase.

This table topper is 42″ x 44″ and it took 4 hours to custom quilt this small quilt. But what are you noticing–the color not the quilting! This muted blue won’t call a lot of attention to itself, but will enhance the over all setting. It is $75.

Here is a hint for choosing colors–add some black-even a tiny bit, in the mix of fabrics. Black makes the other colors shine. This red, white and gray quilt needed the black sashing to make its dramatic appearance! The quilt is 54″ x 60″ and is machine quilted. It can be yours for $175

This baby quilt is an example of low volume colors, giving a restful feel with the spinning pinwheels giving a bit of motion. It is 38″ x 38″ and is for sale for $40.SOLD

Just the opposite of the previous quilt, this 59″ x 59″ quilt used highly saturated colors. It reminds me of the color schemes seen in the Amish quilt collections. $50.

This quilt sparkles with stars –some are high volume, some are medium volume and some are low volume. There are no “rules” in piecing/quilting, but—there are some “guidelines”! And this quilt is a perfect example of an inclusion and balance of high, medium and low volume colors. The quilt would be perfect on a child’s first big person bed, folded over the end of your bed or even a table topper that reaches the ground. It is priced at $275.

Life is too short to live it in black and white—add color! Quilts are great source of color!!!

“Runners”

Hmmm…how can I tie this post to the Olympics finishing up in Tokyo? Fifteen different running events are listed for men and women in the official Olympic program –sprints, middle distance and long distance. That is not counting the hurdles, relays and steeplechases! And at the October Quilt Etc.Sale, we will have that many or more table “runners“– there that is my connection ;).

Table runners originally “run” the length of the table and had a very practical purpose. In the Middle Ages, the royal folks were super messy eaters. Table runners were developed to protect the other table linens and to save on laundry. Table runners still serve a practical purpose–protecting the table’s finish from water rings, candle wax or scratches. But most table runners are used to add color or create a theme or to unify a table setting. Formal or informal –table runners fit the bill.

I have used table runners on the coffee table, on the top of book cases, as wall hangings, under essentials on my bedroom dresser, over the back of a chair, on top of table cloths and as placemats.

Table runners are “usually” rectangular in shape–but check out what we have to offer!

Put this in the center of your table and add a couple of bunnies and you are ready for Easter. It is 14″ x 32″ and is for sale for $20. SOLD

Two-for-one! This chevron placemat has a Christmas them on one side and an autumn theme on the other. It is 12″ x 30″. This “deal” is $35. SOLD

Hosting a Wildcat football party in your home or in the parking lot? Pile baskets of chips and pretzels, and platters of sliders on this table runner and your party is happening. Sized to fit most tables, 15″ x 44″, machine quilted echoing the half square triangles and it is only $25. SOLD

Summer time with shades green and purple– This 19″ x 34″ runner has a flange to accent the deeper greens. It is also $25. SOLD

Cardinals have significance to many people. These bright red birds and golden holly leaves will brighten up the grayest winter day. It is 14″ x 50″ and available for $25.

Shhh- these are fabrics from my son-in-law’s quilt–he thinks he is the only one with this design! The runner is 14″ x 41″, machine quilted and going for $25.

“But folks here it is…… “the grand champion”, “the best in show”, “the purple ribbon winner”!!! This is an JR appliquéd piece called HALLOWEEN PATCH.

Size: 21” x 50”. Pattern: Shabby Fabrics. Fabric: 100% cotton, wool felt. Method: machine appliqué, custom quilting. Price: $175.

In this close up you can see the care and patience that went into this project. I am most impressed with her choice of fabrics. Perfect shoes for a witch!

We looove making table runners, so there will be others plus table toppers in future posts and at the sale. Contact me if you are interested in one of these. Thanks for reading.

Decorating for the Holidays

Normally getting ready for the holidays can be stressful. Lots to do and so little time! Last year during the COVID pandemic and no one coming to our home for parties or family gatherings, I was in an especially funky mood. I wanted to decorate our home for Christmas but really didn’t feel like spending hours putting out all my traditional items that would need to be packed up again in a few weeks–and with no one seeing them but me, my husband and the dog– Bah Humbug–Bah COVID.

But after I decided I would “just do a little” in-doors, I replaced my regular quilts on a couple of wall racks with Christmas quilts. Hey–I was already feeling more festive and that was easy-peasy!

So then I pulled my favorite holly and berries table runner out for the dining table. Selected a red and green lap quilt for the top of the cedar chest–I was on a roll.

On the narrow wall by the front door, I hung the poinsettia table runner beautifully appliquéd by Peggy as a wall hanging.(Safety pins and command hooks helped the transition from table runner to wall hanging.) Replaced the blah potholders and tea towels with cute snowmen ones. Mini quilts were hung in place of some of my year around framed photos and prints. Downstairs I folded a quilt over the back of the couch and arranged one on the back of the ladder back rocking chair. Found my Christmas pillows—hung two stockings on the fireplace and the house looked respectfully holiday ready. Best part—all of this took only one morning! And it took even less time to take them down in January!

At our October Quilt Etc.Sale we have a wide assortment of Christmas items ready for you to buy and store in your “easy holiday decorating storage closet” .

Lap size quilts can be used to keep warm watching Netflix–but they add to the holiday theme draped over the sofa or recliner.

“Christmas Star” is 66″ x 66″ and is machine quilted in a tree/star design. The backing has toy soldiers. A peppermint print is used to hand bind the quilt. This lap quilt is $200.

Cardinals, pines, holly leaves—natural Christmas colors. This lap quilts is 50″ x 58″ and is machine quilted with a holly leaf motif. Is is offered for $150.

These penguins could hang around all winter as a table topper or wall hanging or throw over the back of a chair or sofa. It is 35″ x 35″ and machine quilted in a star pattern. The price is $50.

Command hooks are perfect for temporarily displaying a “mini” quilt on the wall, or a door. The next three pieces would instantly add a touch of the holidays.

The traditional Christmas colors in this wall hanging are more subtle…suggesting a country feel. It is ready to hang with a sleeve on the back. It is 24″ x 37″—great size for fitting almost anywhere. The piece is $50.

Snowmen are perfectly acceptable through February–although in truth, by the end of February, most of us are ready for some yellow and purple crocus in the yard vs. snow! This small 19″ x 20″ framed snowmen group is $40.

“Red Work” is perfect for Christmas–Santa and all his gifts are in the “stem” stitch with embellishments of tiny buttons and beads. The quilting is done by hand. It measures 12″ x 14″ and is a steal for $35. SOLD

Of course, this isn’t around a tree trunk, but you get the idea. It would fit most faux or real trees. It is a quick touch of festive for $50.

This embroidered snow pillow is 14″ x 14″ and machine quilted around the panel. It is easy to remove the pillow form through the envelope closing. It is offered for $30.

I hope you keep watching this blog for other holiday items…we have many more! If you are interested in purchasing one of these please contact me.

Fifteen fabrics or More

“Scrappy” may sound like a small but fierce puppy’s name. Or it could describe a child who doesn’t let a few bullies stop them. But in quilt circles it refers to a quilt top made from many fabrics or scraps leftover from other sewing projects. At the County Fair judges have a category for “quilts with more than 15 fabrics”. More PC?

Scrappy quilts are not boring! Lots of colors and designs to admire. “I Spy Quilts” use fussy cut prints of trains, kittens, butterflies, baseballs, etc. to entertain children. Fabric from sewing garments for one person, a family or a groups of friends can preserve memories.

Many vintage quilts were made from scraps because the housewives who were making a utilitarian quilt could not afford to buy fabric. The Quilters at First have been the lucky recipients of gifted fabric. We shop our stash for many of our projects. New fabric ranges between $10 and $13 a yard. A lap size quilt would use three to four yards and a quilt back uses between three and five yards.

Setting and patterns can pull a scrappy quilt together also. This simple rail fence block is organized by the sashing between the sets of blocks. The quilt is 45″ x 51″ and long arm quilted. It is for sale for $100.

Fabric with the same theme such as Christmas or Halloween creates a unified look even though dozens of different fabrics are used.

This Halloween quilt is 60″ x 60″. The squares are “set on point” with diagonal corners. It is for sale for $125.

You can’t count all the different Christmas prints available!

Zillons of different Christmas prints but they have one theme. The holiday quilt pictured above is 53″ x 72″. The back is one print of tiny Christmas stockings. It is $150.

**The holly leaves and berries print backing could be another quilt to display!**

Lots of white fabric ties this scrappy design together. It is 60″ x 70″ and long armed quilted with a Christmas tree design. It is for sale $125.

The scrappy look is tied together by using the same group of fabrics. This quilt used flannel plaid and chambray to pull together a wrap up perfect for winter nights.

The back and binding are flannel scraps also. It is 52″ x 70″ and is offered for $75.

Quilt tops using fabric from the same color values give a coherent feel. “Magnolia Cottage” in the next photo does this with pastel and floral prints.

Magnolia Cabin is made up of many hour glass blocks. It is 61″ x 63″ and long-arm quilted with a feather motif.

I am intrigued by this border. The binding is scrappy also. It can be yours for $250.

This true vintage scrappy quilt is a traditional four patch with setting triangles. The strip of blocks echos the stripe sashing used. The quilt is 82″x 89″ and is hand quilted.

**Beautiful hand quilting shows up on the back.**

This treasure is being offered for $400. Where do you see this quilt being used? Guest room, antique bed set, granddaughter’s room?

Remember, scrappy quilts are “green”–fabric is re-used–not thrown into the land fill. Win-Win!!!

Do you Appliqué?

This will not be a term paper on the art of appliqué, there are books and books on that subject. My objective is to help make you a more discriminating quilt shopper!

The term appliqué is a method of sewing a piece of fabric onto another piece of fabric to create an image or design. Piecing is sewing fabric right sides together with the seam hidden. Most often the stitching is visible when appliquéing and part of the design. It is easier to create a scene or image with appliqué–piecing usually creates a graphic design.

Many pieces are a combination of both, piecing and appliqué.

**Patriotic wall hanging with cone flower for sale $60. This Item is SOLD**

Appliqué may be done by hand or with the sewing machine. We will have items for sale using two methods–needle turned and machine stitched. Needle turned is done by hand, using a needle to turn under a scant 1/4 inch raw edge and sewing it place with tiny invisible stitches.

First photo of “flowers” will be done for the sale in October–hopefully!

But the majority of our appliquéd items are by machine. “JR” is the Superstar, the Queen Bee, the Grand Master of Appliqué! JR started experimenting with appliqué in 1976. She took scraps from her daughters’ dresses and fashioned butterflies, creating a quilt for each of her three daughters. Forty five years later we are the recipients of her talents.

JR uses three machine stitch settings–buttonhole, zig zag and decorative. The “buttonhole” stitch mimics the methods seamstresses and tailors used to make buttonholes in garments. Usually a contrasting thread is used to create an outline when using the buttonhole stitch. The “satin” stitch is a variation of the zig zag. Decorative stitches are machine “embroidery”.

Examples of buttonhole–zig zag– satin–decorative

The zig zag or satin stitch usually uses thread that matches the fabric being appliquéd. (that is one reason I don’t machine appliqué–changing the thread constantly!)

The following photos are the JR’s 2021 Appliqué pieces —the attention to detail, the color choices, the technical know how! Feast your eyes.

“Pumpkins Galore” Size: 7” x 23”. Pattern: Patch Abilities. Fabric: cotton, wool felt, wool, woolie flannel. Method: machine appliqué with decorative machine stitching. Price: $75. THIS WALL HANGING HAS BEEN SOLD.

“Give “ Size: 8 1/2” x 32 1/2”. Pattern: Buttermilk Basin. Fabric: woolie flannel and wool felt. Method: machine appliqué with decorative machine stitching. Price: $75.

“Fall”. Size 8 1/2” x 32 1/2”. Pattern: Buttermilk Basin. Fabric: woolie flannel and wool felt. Method: machine appliqué with decorative machine stitching. Price: $75. SOLD

“Harvest”. Size: 33” x 12”. Pattern: Buttermilk Basin. Fabric: woolie flannel and wool felt. Method: machine appliqué, decorative machine stitching, custom quilting. Price: $75 Sold

“Tipsy Snowman “. Size:11” x 32”. Pattern: Patch Abilities. Fabric: cotton, wool felt, wool. Method: machine appliqué with decorative machine stitching, custom quilting. Price: $50.

“Snowman Lane”. Size: 41 1/2” x 17”. Pattern: Shabby Fabrics. Fabric: cotton, wool felt, woolie flannel, flannel. Method: machine appliqué with decorative machine stitching. Custom quilting. Price: $165.

“Welcome “. Size: 27” x 10 1/2”. Pattern: Buttermilk Basin. Fabric: woolie flannel and wool felt. Method: machine appliqué and decorative machine stitching. Price $75. THIS WALL HANGING IS SOLD

“Christmas Blessings”. Size: 38” x 26 1/2”. Pattern: The Birdhouse. Fabric: 100% cotton. Method: hand embroidery, machine appliqué, decorative machine stitching. Custom quilting. Price: $150.

If you have questions or want to purchase one of these items before the sale in October, contact me.

What does ETC. mean?

At the Quilt Etc.Sale in October at First United Methodist Church we will have a lot of items that are not quilts. All the items are made of fabric..with the exception of a “barn quilt” or two. (Barn quilts are made from wood and are painted and meant to hang outside.). The ETC. items make great gifts or are just fun to use.

We have “mimi” quilts or wall hangings that fit into the space above the stair case or add a holiday touch to your home without much effort.

Table runners, usually rectangle, or table toppers, usually round or square ‘ish, add a holiday or seasonal feel.

Prairie points add 3-D interest to this table topper. The fabric is from Deb Strain fabric’s collection

Changing your pillows out with the calendar is another decorating trick. We will have pillows for the holidays and for those winter months after you take down your Christmas tree.

This hand embroidered guy will watch over your candy corn dish!

I use placemats every meal– and since I am uptight or as I like to think, conventional–I like each setting to be the same but the grandkids like to choose a different one for each person. Both kids and adults like bees!

Host gifts kept on hand are a life saver. Going to a holiday party and told not to bring anything–take one of these homemade goodies.

Made with Insul-Bright that protects your fingers and table top.

**We will have KSU fabric also–keep your students from burning their fingers after micro-waving their soup.**

Zipper bags of all sizes and fabric choice are useful for any age. Bags contain all sorts of items in bags when traveling–

Baby items range from utilitarian like these burp cloths to cuteness overload.

Aprons are included in the ETC.

What else is included? You wouldn’t believe the variety! Crochet rugs, snap bags, Christmas stockings, embroidered tea towels, needle holders, pin cushions, baby bibs, mug rugs– ETC. Come see what you can find at the Quilt Etc. Sale and Auction.

It’s Not a Lost Art

When quilts are listed, one of the important pieces of information is “machine” or “hand” quilted. The Quilters at First do both methods of quilting but with the majority being machine quilted.

Hand quilting takes skill and patience. A quilt can take up to 300 hours at the frame- stitching one stitch at a time. That does not count the hours marking it with a pencil and stencil, basting and mounting it on the quilting frame with the backing and batting or in the construction of the quilt top.

Moving the top to finish the last section

The majority of the quilts are vintage tops passed down to family members. Authentic hand quilting adds to the value of the top a great grandmother made decades ago. Your top would be put on a waiting list but it is worth the wait.

The colors of the appliquéd flowers dates it as a 1930’s/40’s top.

Usually two or three quilts are made especially for the Quilt Auction. This quilt with the embroidered blocks and lavender sashing and border will be completed by October. The blocks were donated — and a quilt top was created using complimentary colors.

This quilt for sale is hanging in the Quilters room to be enjoyed before the auction.

THIS QUILT IS SOLD.

This simple pieced quilt is made sophisticated by the hand stitched designs in the off white squares. The quilters used taupe thread to match the taupe fabric used in the piecing of the top.

I seriously love borders—that other quilters do!

The serious hand quilter not only makes the front look great with tiny even stitches but the back is just as gorgeous. ( I can stitch a presentable front but don’t you dare look at my back!) These ladies have mastered both sides.

The quilt is 87″ x 87 ” and it design would go with either traditional or modern decor.

The quilt will be in the Quilt Auction on Saturday, October 16 at 7 pm at First United Methodist, Wichita. OR you can buy it now for $800 and enjoy it for and extra three months and be assured it is yours!

Not Your Mother’s Baby Quilt

I still have two quilts my grandmothers made for me before I was born. The quilts were used to keep me warm in a home heated with wood stoves. They are not pristine but they are treasured. Both are a careful combination of pink and blue–gender was unknown before the big day. Each of the quilts feature sweet baby animals–little ducks, bunnies in flower fields and happy puppies and kittens.

Now we label anything small and given to a family to celebrate the birth of a child a “baby quilt”. The important attribute is that the quilt was made with love and/or given in love. Modern or tradition, pieced or appliquéd, scrappy or whole cloth, machine or hand quilted, woven cotton or cuddly Minki –your choice!

This 31″ x 40″ quilt could be a baby quilt or a table topper or an accent piece, but I like to think it will be given to a family with a new baby born in the summer.

It is machine quilted and the back is a multi color dot.

I found this fabric and knew immediately it would be a great “baby” quilt….but spent months deciding how to use it. How to cut it into blocks? What pattern? Did I want to cut sheep? AH HA–make it the back of a quilt. Leave the fabric whole and piece the back.

Baa Baa black sheep (?) measures 35″ x 35″ and is machine quilted.

Both of these quilts and many, many more will be for sale at the Quilts Etc. Sale and Auction on October 15-16 at First United Methodist Church, Wichita. We have something to suit everyone!

30’s and 40’s reproduction fabrics + new tool= 1 Quilt

I am not sure why I like the fabrics that are reproductions of designs from the 1930s and 1940s. What is it about tiny little yellow ducks, or simple five petal flowers, or the typical basic color ways? Maybe it reminds us of what we perceive to be a simpler world (although there was a world wide economic depression and war). Maybe some of us can remember our grandmother’s aprons and house dresses made from “feed sacks”, a popular source of fabric for rural women. It could be that simple is soothing and comfortable. What ever my reasons, I have collected a stash of these fabrics.

During this past pandemic winter some online retail therapy occurred. Therefore when I wanted to test drive the “Slotted Trimmer” by Kari Carr that I had purchased, I used some of my 30’s and 40’s reproduction fabrics to make “easy, efficient and accurate” half square triangles. This tool is absolute keeper—and I used it to make so many squares I could create this pieced top!

The quilt is 68″ by 72″ which qualifies it to be a “lap” quilt. It is machine quilted on my domestic Bernina and the scrappy binding is hand sewn. The backing is a white on white floral print.

This quilt would be perfect for your porch swing, covering a child’s bed or draped over the back of a rocking chair. It will be for sale at the Quilts Etc. Sale on October 15 and 16 at FUMC Wichita.

Save the Bees!

Our world depends on bees to survive. Bees are needed in the production of food. We have been encouraged to grow flowers and trees to feed the bees and to become as chemical free as possible. Not only are they essential, they are a part of the spring and summer landscape and a symbol of hard work.

Fabric designers have become enamored with bees. Bee motifs are in all colors, designs and patterns.

This “bee” fabric here used grays, golds, yellows and black suggest the end of summer and harvest. Flowers and honeycombs add a touch of realism

This “bee” quilt is 56″ by 64″ and is machine quilted. The quilt pattern is “Cascading Diamonds”. The backing is a stylized light gray print –it could the buzzing pattern of bees

This quilt will be offered for sale at the Quilts Etc. Sale and Auction on October 15 and 16 at FUMC, Wichita.