Thursday, June 12, 2008

Still another finished flimsy!

I've done next to no sewing since my post last Sunday - until this evening. I've been working on catching up with my blog reading - I'm now on the "M's" in my Bloglines roll - as well as reading another couple books. I've been borrowing books from our son-in-law - thrillers by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. I've not read any of theirs before, and I'm really enjoying them. I'm reading them in order - I don't know if it really matters but that's how I like to read just in case it does. I think I'm on book six now - "The Ice Limit".

Of course I spent two days with Joseph - this time Tuesday and Wednesday. I read a lot of blogs during two long naps on Tuesday - then he made up for it Wednesday by napping very little. It's so much fun to spend time with such a happy little guy!

My knee has improved enough that I spent today loading a huge king size customer quilt on Gandalf. This one is all stitch-in-the-ditch, so it will keep me very busy for the next few days. I didn't start the quilting tonight as I didn't want to push the knee too far, so I spent the time sewing borders on the red and white quilt. I decided in this case that simple was best, so I went for only one 5" border. I auditioned quite a few fabrics at the quilt store, fully expecting to choose a fairly dark red for the border. Much to my surprise I liked the brighter, medium tone red much better, and the folks in the shop agreed. So I bought three yards of this cherry red Moda Marble. I don't have a big enough place to spread out the whole top so these pictures were the best I could do. When I finish the two customer quilts I have waiting I will quilt this next. I'm so eager to have it finished. It's been a LONG time since I had a project that I felt as driven to complete as I did this one.

************
Gratitudes:
1. Warmer sunny weather is back - at least for a few days
2. A nice dinner with friends
3. A husband home now until he goes back to school in mid-August

14 comments:

Amanda said...

So glad your knee is improving; it must have been very frustrating to be immobilised. I really like your red and white quilt, it's such a clever design.

antique quilter said...

quilt looks great!
I like the border fabric too. thats great you were so inspired to make this quilt so fast!
good for you.
I have been wanting to make a 30's quilt so I am thinking thats whats next and all the other projects will get put on hold for a few weeks...
Wow this will be a great summer for you, home with Fred and not having to work!
Will he baby sit some of the days so you can stay home and sew?
glad to hear the knee is feeling better...
you need to take it easy and don't push yourself.

Carol said...

Patti your quilt is awesome...glad your knee is better...take care of yourself. Oh how fun...Fred will be home with you until August...a taste of retiirement...you're going to love it. Andy and I are having so much fun!

Dorothy said...

Patti, your red and white quilt is fantastic, the moda really works for the border. Can't wait to see what you do with the quilting.
I 'm in awe about how organized your studio is!(I could see it in the background of the pictures)

Lily Boot said...

There I was admiring your beautiful red quilt - and wishing I could drop in and just watch Gandalf in action - when I spied the incredibly neatly stacked fabric in the the white cupboard - is that your stash!?!?! Wow! That's one lovely sewing room! And how lovely for you to have your husband home for the summer - I think US summers sound so good - the loooong school vacation (our children only have 6 weeks) and the sense of everybody sitting back and enjoying the lovely season. I can't wait to see what you finish next!

Anonymous said...

Since you've been catching up blogreading, perhaps you can visit mine; I just passed on a blogaward to you..

Becky said...

I love reading books in a series in order too. I am relistening to the Mitford series by Jan Karon as I sew. Of course, listening to them in order.

Your red and white quilt is sensational. Wonderful that you are able to quilt agaain. Take it easy on the knee.

Hope Fred enjoys his Summer. We finished our school year about 3 weeks ago. I'm loving the slower pace.

Take care!

Rose Marie said...

Wow .... wow, what a beauty this quilt is! Glad to hear your knee is getting better.

Lynda said...

The red and white quilt is gorgeous! The way the reds shade from light to dark is extremely clever, and the plain border is perfect.

Bernadette said...

I have been looking and looking at the red and white quilt and trying to convince myself I don't need another quilt to start. It's beautiful.

Nicole said...

I could not resist copying your red and white quilt with a blue and white version. I love how mine is turning out, but making the blocks is such slow going! How did you ever get this done so quickly? I can't seem to do more than eight blocks a day. I am plugging away at it though. Love your border choice and good luck with the knee!
Again, I want to thank you for the tutorial on how to make these blocks. I was able to follow your directions and get started while I waited for the book On To Square Two to arrive!

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

The quilt is gorgeous! I'm glad to hear your knee is better.

Lily Mulholland said...

Glad to hear your knee's improving Patti. That red and white quilt is a stunner. The mid-range red is perfect!

Anina said...

I'm so happy to hear that your knee is on its way to recovery.
That quilt top is absolutely breathtaking!