Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Catching Up and a Bit of Shopping

It was a busy and productive weekend here at the Painted Quilt.  Monday was Canadian Thanksgiving, so that translated into an extra day off to devote time to some  outdoor chores in preparation for winter.

Mr. Painted Quilt and I spent about two and a half hours in our gardens cutting back the rest of the perennials, putting away lawn furniture and birdbaths, raking leaves and fertilizing the lawn.  The bird feeders are out and the chickadees, blue jays and cardinals are happy once again.  Thank goodness that job is done because winter…we’re ready!

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We went to NY state on Saturday to do a bit of shopping and of course a day of shopping wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a LQS.  I managed to pick up 6 yards of some Fig Tree Quilts fabric that was reduced to $4 a yard which is destined to be used as backing for a yet to be determined quilt.  At that price, I just couldn’t resist.

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I also found some cheddar and green Civil War fabrics that I needed for my stash.  Somehow, I was lacking in greens but I solved that problem quite nicely.  I also purchased some wide black rick rack and and a subtle fall-themed fabric.

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One of my Christmas gifts this year is the Tisket-A-Tasket BOM quilt from Bunny Hill Designs that I am making for my friend Lucie.  I completed the August and September blocks just recently and decided to assemble the nine blocks that were finished in order to save time in December when the last block will be released.  I am doing this quilt in wool on cotton and although there are still embellishments to be added, here’s what it looks like so far.  Of course I had to change the Scottie dog in the September block  to look like Mac, our Westie.

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 I hope to be finished the October block sometime today.  Then, two more blocks to go!  I’m going to have to move quickly to get the last block done after it is released on the 5th of December because I would like to hand quilt it and have it wrapped and under Lucie’s tree by the 24th.  Yikes!  But I work well under pressure.  *wink*

Have a super day and as always…

Happy stitching!

Kaaren ♥

 

35 comments:

Cindy said...

Sounds like you're ready for wintertime, Kaaren.

Especially love that doggie/apple block in the lower right hand corner of your photo. I think having done this in wool really makes the designs POP, especially the doggie. Beautiful.

Bunny said...

Wow you certainly have been busy. Love your new fabrics for your stash. Your tisket tasket basket quilt is adorable what a wonderful gift.

Lurline said...

Oh so pretty quilt and yummy fabrics!
Hugs - Lurline♥

Carin said...

Beautiful quilt Kaaren and fun fabric!

Anonymous said...

Wish my name were Lucie. She must be an awefully special friend.

Sherri said...

Fun fabrics...and I love your wool on cotton Tisket a Tasket. How sweet that you are giving it away! I'm glad I have my first three rows together as well...it will make things easier when times are more hectic in December! Haven't even started this month's block though!

Karen said...

The Bunny Hill quilt will make a very, very nice gift for a friend. Lucky friend for sure. And you will have to work fast in December but I don't think that will be a problem for you.

Carrie P. said...

I have still a little more to clean up in my yard to get ready for winter.
I have a silly question? When you come into the NY and cross the border do you all have to show passports? I heard that some time soon people will have to do that to go into Canada. Just curious.
I love how you put your little Westie in the quilt. I do believe you will have it done just in time.

Carrie ~ Cricketwood Prims said...

Your a busy girl with the yard work and shopping!! I guess it is time to put the garden to bed!
Love your A Tisket, A Tasket quilt, it will be a special gift for your friend. I have no doubt it will arrive in time!!

Cathi said...

Love your version of the Bunny Hill blocks!! What a great Christmas gift for your friend.
Gorgeous fabrics and what amazing prices!!

Jocelyn said...

Lovely fabrics! Don't you just love to find good quilt shop fabric ON sale :-) Cute Bunny Hill quilt.

Deb said...

Kaaren.. you are awesome!! the quilt looks wonderful your friend will adore it.and to have it quilted good luck! are you big stitching it??
I love the fabs you got.. well worth the trip.
This weekend I will do the rest of my gardening stuff we will be in the 17celcius so perfect weather..
Love your new header pic!!

Heidi said...

Hi Kaaren! A happy Thanksgiving a little belated. I thought of you yesterday but had my friend here so never got around to email which I wanted to do. Love the quilt and what a gift! She is going to love it. You did it all in wools didn't you?

There is a piece of lemon cake waiting for your arrival!

Hugs ~
Heidi

Robin said...

Your baskets are looking so wonderful! I love the look of the wool. You've definitely made a tight deadline for yourself-- but you certainly seem up to the task. Good luck! :)

Janet said...

I like the header you have on Kaaren. What a great gift, it's exciting when the top starts coming together and they look great. Nice stash enhancement too.

Linda said...

Hi Kaaren, I love what you have done with your blocks. Toiled with the idea of putting Fergus in it place.
It sure is a good idea to put on the sashing as you go. Your friend is sure to love it.

Mimi said...

I didn't start the Bunny Hill BOM but the more I have seen everyone's blocks made up, I finally decided to at least print up the pattern. Your's is adorable and I really love it in the wool. Your friend is going to love it. I, too, work well under pressure, but you are REALLY cutting yourself short. Good luck. I can't wait to see this one finished by you.

carole ann said...

Your BOM quilt is so lovely, your friend is going to love it.

Beth Karese said...

What a sweet quilt. I have a soft spot for plaids and like to see little changes (your little Mac) that personalize it.

Julie said...

your friend is gong to adore this kaaren! all that gorgeous wool. lovely job on the quilt.
lovin' your little purchases too.
hugs,
julie xox

Sew Useful Designs said...

Your quilt is beautiful Kaaren! {{hugs}}! And oh how I wish I could go shopping with you!!!

Love and hugs!
Vikki xo

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

Hi Karren--well at least one of us is ready for winter and by the looks of the temps for the rest of the week--you are just in time--for lower central NY it says days in low 40"s --ouch---but that is good quilting and sewing weather!!! Love you Tisket Tasket quilt--your friend is gonna love it---have a great day--hugs, Di

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Lucie is one lucky person - that Tisket a Tasket quilt is looking amazing Kaaren!

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Happy Thanksgiving, I hope is was wonderful! Sounds like you are ready for winter, I am not, I am a summer girl.
Your neice is one lucky gal, and I am like you, I work better under pressure!

Allie said...

I wish I was ready for winter - it's here whether I am or not, lol! Your purchases look lovely! And who can pass up $4/yd???
Your BOM is wonderful. I have it saved but haven't started. Your friend will be very blessed by that!

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

What a lovely gift for a friend!! I love the wool on cotton look. The first time I saw it on another blog, I was captivated.

Love the pretty fall fabrics you chose. So soft and warm.

Dh and need to find time to get our yard ready for winter too. Not sure when with all on the calendar but we always seem to find the time some how. We just had our first real frost this week.

Hoping you are getting some sunny fall days to enjoy!!

hugs, Linda

Abby and Stephanie said...

What a wonderful gift for your friend. Your blocks are so sweet. Lots of shopping goodness--I think I'm going through quilt shop withdrawals! NEED TO GO SOON!

Micki said...

Your blocks are stunning, and the quilt is going to be lovely! The Tisket tasket quilt is great!
micki

Wendy said...

I wish I had a friend as generous as you, that's going to be a special gift.

Mel said...

I was right with you until you said you wanted it hand quilted in less than 20 days!!

Love you post!!

Debbie said...

I just discovered your blog and find it wonderful! Tomorrow I plan on writing up a short note to my readers about it and I added your Friday Freebie button to my page. Thanks for a wonderful read!

Debbie
ouroldhomestead.blogspot.com

Pat said...

Love your goodies. Lucky,lucky Lucy!!

Candace said...

When Mr. Squash comes home from work he calls "Hey Lucy" from downstairs - is this quilt for me, Kaaren??? Your friend Lucie is going to be so very thrilled with it!
Cheers!

Kim D. said...

Your bunny hill quilt is turning out lovely. Can I become your new best friend?? LOL Lucie is one lucky lady. I'm working on the blocks also, but I'm not quite as far along as you are.

Anonymous said...

Kaaren, I just love your Tisket-A-Tasket BOM quilt. It is wonderful. I made one attempt at doing a square and decided that hand embroidery was not something I am good at. Do you do hand embroidery or do you fuse the design to the fabric and then blanket stitch around it?

Take care - Lei