Last Flowers of Summer

Fall Weather Means Get Out the Handwork

But first...I must organize all of the wonderful projects I've accumulated over the summer and haven't yet put away in my fun cupboard, also know as my kitchen pantry.  The fun cupboard is now full of Spring and Summer projects and fabrics and it is time to get out the colourful Fall flannels and Christmas fabrics - not so many days away if you love making handmade gifts, as I do.

Quilting Knitting, Gardening, But Not Blogging

Oh, the flurry of Spring.  I am remiss in my blogging.  I do have photos to share and projects galore!  But, this weekend - May long weekend - must be for gardening. 

Christmas Quilt Along

What are you doing this Saturday?  I have just been reminded that Saturday is the Christmas Quilt Along.  I plan to work on two table runners that I call Christmas Cactus. 




Christmas Cactus Table Runner


More information about this project is here:
http://quilttimes.blogspot.com/

On Saturday, Quilters from around the world will be working on Christmas projects and blogging their work.  Also, at each monthly session, a new star block pattern is revealed for a Christmas Quilt.  Great idea Sue and Cathi!  Can't wait to join you on Saturday, but it will be in the afternoon because in the morning I will be at the Rare and Exotic Sale looking for a male, gobbler Bourbon turkey.  There's a story behind this, but I'll post that in another blog.

My Blue Heaven

My Blue Heaven

This is an Australian Patchwork & Quilting pattern by Therese Hylton.  My quilting group has been working on this sampler over the last two years.  Using a colour palette of blue and cream, this project combines piecing and applique.  We also plan to do another of Therese Hylton's patterns, also found in Australian Patchwork & Quilting, Peaches and Cream.

Afternoon Delight by Lisa Stone

In 2006, my family was living in Livermore, CA and I discovered a wonderful Quilt Store - In Between Stitches.  I also discovered the Art of Quiltmaking by Hand.  The first quilt class I took was with Lisa Stone and we worked on her lovely quilt Afternoon Delight.   Five years later, I have finished hand-piecing this quilt top:

Lisa Stone designs are found under Quilt Bug Patterns and can be purchased online through In Between Stitches.

Now for the hand-quilting.  I hope it doesn't take me another five years!

Remember that many things warrant the time they take.  Patient stitches pay off with beautiful works.

Colours of Easter Sweater Dress

Colours of Easter Alpaca Yarn

For many years, I have welcomed new little souls with a handknit baby gift.  I used to make delicate sweaters sized for newborns; but, all that work and the item could only be worn for a short time (although in many cases it could be passed down to newer babies).

I have now discovered the practicalities of the Sweater Dress for little girls.  This design can be worn as a long dress at 12 - 18 months and still worn as a tank top as late as five years old.

With this beautiful yarn, I am starting to design my own pattern for a sweater dress that will be a baby gift for a precious little girl.

Fragmented Colour

With the vibrant colours in 1 1/2 inch strips and a more traditional log cabin perhaps I am achieving some harmony amongst the jolting dischord of these very vibrant colours.

Marj's Quilt - Traditional Log Cabin

Canadian Music

Rarely, a piece of music will send shivers down your spine.  Please listen to the Canadian Tenors' version of Hallelujah written by Leonard Cohen available on iTunes.  I downloaded the entire album Now! Classical and this piece is track 13.

Remembering A Friend

"Give, and it will be given to you.

A good measure, pressed down,

shaken together and running over,

will be poured into your lap.

For with the measure you use,

it will be measured to you."

LUKE 6:38 NIV

Marj's Quilt

I began this quilt in 2009 while a friend was battling cancer.  It is a prayer quilt, something small to fit one's lap while in hospital.  I never liked the layout and tried several strategies to get the colours from dischord to a harmonious effect.  In January 2010 Marj passed away and this quilt was put aside.

Aurora

 Recently, thoughts of my friend have brought this quilt to mind again.  I think if I cut the 3 inch strips to smaller 1 1/2 inch strips the colours will be more manageable.  I will also chose a different log cabin setting this time.

In another post I will explain the significance of the passage from Luke above.

A Business is Launched

Well all you really need is a website, business cards and champagne.

Rose Baby Alpaca Sweater

I started this project in 2010, but it sat until now knitted, but unsewn in my project cupboard.  Because winter was nearing its close I decided to finish it off.  I am happy I did and am very pleased with the result.

More about this project can be found at:
http://www.ravelry.com/
Search for me under heidibyhand.

45 Colours for a Bargello

An interesting exercise in colour management, but the fabrics may end up in a French Braid if I can't get the colours to flow properly.  The pallette is black, grey, turquoise and cream.



Moonlight