Wednesday, October 16, 2013

This & That

As I was looking out the kitchen window this morning, this is what greeted me.




The glorious colors that we've been enjoying for the past couple of weeks will soon be over, especially with the rain that we're experiencing at the moment.  

Is it any wonder that Autumn is my favorite time of the year?



With the cooler weather, it'll just be a matter of time until we start burning the stove in the kitchen which is Frankie and Ollie's favorite place to cuddle. In the interim, their favorite spot to catch a few zzzzzz's is on the sofa in the den just off the kitchen.




Remember this quilt?



I had finished it not too long before my hip decided to fracture.  It was my original intention to add a machine appliquéd border but I've since decided against it.  As of this morning, it is on it's way to my friend Mary of Quilt Hollow who is going to quilt an edge-to-edge design on it.  Mary offered a special on her blog about a week ago and I decided that there's no time like the present to lighten myself of another flimsy!

And before I forget again, for those of you who asked, the name of the pattern is Glory Bound and is a design by Red Crinoline Quilts formerly Bonnie Blue Quilts.

  
I've been diligently working on a little quilt which I've designed and am making as a surprise gift for a friend.  I can only show you a sneak peek because I know that she reads my blog.  


I just finished machine sewing on the binding and as soon as I'm finished here, I'll continue hand stitching it down and it'll be done!  I think she's going to be surprised!

I always try to make a little extra binding...


to add to my binding jar for those quilts that lend themselves to a scrappy, pieced binding.


It's getting pretty full so I'd better come up with a project soon!  

See it there in the bottom right corner?  It shares a shelf along with some of my other treasures that keep me company in my sewing room.


So until next time...


Happy stitching!

35 comments:

Terry said...

The fall leaves are so beautiful! And so is your quilt top! I like it just the way it is! :0)

Donna Keating said...

Lovely post. Love Red Crinolines quilts designs. Ollie and Frankie are so sweet together.

Susannah said...

Your quilt top is really gorgeous!
Sounds like you are feeling pretty chipper and more like your old self...at least, I think you are. Your leaves outside your window are beautiful!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I think it was the perfect choice to send that lovely quilt off to Mary. I like to make a little extra binding, too - and then I have nice bits to play on a scrappy mini. You sound like more yourself today - maybe all those inspirational colors.

KaHolly said...

What a delightful little scrappy quilt. Being so close to the water, the trees surrounding me are evergreen, so I don't have such beauty out my window, however, with the change in temps, the early mornings have hosted a beautiful mist out over the water. Frankie and Ollie look so cute all snuggled up. Isn't it wonderful they became such good friends?

barcord said...

The leaves are really beautiful at this time of year. You are the second person to mention rain today. The other lives in Texas and they had almost 3 inches. We also have had rain all day, and it is colder. Think winter is on the way. Good to see you are well enough to sew again.xx

Jacqueline said...

Glad to hear you are getting back to things that give you joy...

Can you tell me the name of the backing fabric you used on the "gift" quilt you showed us.

Thanks

Sheila said...

I think I need to get my cat a puppy. Frankie & Ollie just love each other so much :)

Elyte said...

Love the fall colours. Glad to see you keeping busy. Take care.

Sandra said...

oh my gosh, I have a binding jar too! I thought everyone was much more efficient and just made as much binding as they needed; me I always make "considerably more". Sounds like your spirits are high, glad to hear that! Blessings!

Sandra said...

oh my gosh, I have a binding jar too! I thought everyone was much more efficient and just made as much binding as they needed; me I always make "considerably more". Sounds like your spirits are high, glad to hear that! Blessings!

Lesley said...

Your quilt top is so pretty! Mary will add just the touch of quilting you need! Looks like lots of leaves to rake up!

Jocelyn said...

Your quilt is gorgeous!

Pam in IL said...

Our fall color is just starting. We had warm days until this past Sunday. It's been wet, gray, gloomy and cold! I much prefer the warm, sunny fall days.

Your quilt top is lovely. I'm sure your friend will love your surprise too!

Kindred Quilts said...

Oh my, I love the view from your kitchen window, Kaaren! Ummm... I could stand and stare out the window all morning... moving only to refill my coffee cup!!! Great looking quilt you have sent off to Mary... show it again once it's been returned to you! I keep my extra binding in a big glass jar just like yours!

Anonymous said...

That's beautiful! You're ahead of me on fall. I love that quilt, too.

margaret said...

like you i love the colours of autumn but not so keen on the change in temperature!
What a lovely quilt

Janet O. said...

Just returned from a week in New England--enjoying the colors at every turn! Fall has long been my favorite, as well.
Your quilt is beautiful, and I am sure Mary will do it justice.

Elizabeth said...

I too LOVE Autumn, such a pretty cosy time, not too hot and not too cold, you are ahead of us here in the UK so you've sent a peek of what's to come although we don't get so many of the glorious reds you get, beautiful golden leaves are more England's style.
Thank you for the link to the previous quilt - love the flimsy you've just finished, you do stitch the loveliest designs. Happy stitching and keep well.

moosecraft said...

Can't wait until we can see the complete quilt that you made for your friend! The autumn view out your window is gorgeous! Love the wall hanging that is hanging over Frankie and Ollie's sleepy sofa!

The Tea Lady's Journal said...

The view from your window is very pretty. I love the display of buttons and binding; in their jars. Makes for a great display and keeps things handy for you. Always love seeing the pictures of Ollie and Frankie.

Sheila said...

Lovely post Kaaren , your view out the window is lovely with those fall colours , we are having some rain today too . Your quilt is gorgeous and I know once Mary does her magic it will be even more beautiful . I also save any bindings but I store mine in a drawer , maybe having them in full sight they might get used ;-) they look rather pretty there on the shelf .

Lynn said...

Such a pretty quilt! Such a pretty fall post. I love seeing Ollie and Frankie, they make me feel warm and sleepy.

Needled Mom said...

Autumn is such a pretty time of the year. What a gorgeous view for you!

Mary will do an awesome job frosting that flimsy. Yep ... no time like the present.

Heartsdesire said...

What a lovely view you have from your kitchen window, Kaaren. And I love your quilt. I've been looking for a pattern to start using some of my Civil War fabric and this might be the perfect choice. Of course, I have other Civil War patterns, but they're just not appealing to me right now. Always get a smile from the pics of Frankie and Ollie.

Merilyn said...

I agree, Autumn is a beautiful time of year, love all those gold/brown colours of nature.
We've had a very short Spring, and so dry too,(Sydney is surrounded with horrendous bush fires, yesterday was particularly devestating - many homes lost) this morning woke up to a few drops of rain on the tin roof sounded wonderful, haven't heard that sound for months! It's overcast so with a bit of luck we may get a few more drops, the lawn in nearly all brown, and the herb garden looks pitiful, have had to keep the water up to them, though they are surprisingly hardy little plants, the Borage really suffers, and it's my favourite!!!!!
It's always nice to send a flimsy away for quilting, it's a gorgeous pattern and the fabrics are wonderful, it should quilt up beautifully!!! Hope you are continuing to progress well if not slowly, it'll all be good Kaaren, your rehab will be your job over the cooler months and by Spring hopefully you will have improved enough to be able to move about without any aids. All the very best......

Candace said...

Soon enough you might be joining Frankie and Ollie on the couch under your Glory Bound ;>) I hope for your sake in getting around this winter that the snows are light and ethereal, Kaaren! Glory Bound is gorgeous - Mary will do a wonderful job quilting it. What a great idea to save bits of binding! I save mine, but never know what to do with it other than use bits for leaders and enders!
Cheers!

gracie said...

If the back of the quilt looks pretty, can't wait to see the front. What a sweet friend you are.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Yes, I think if a poll were taken Autumn might win the favorite season's contest. I've vote many times! Perfect weather for hand sewing binding. I have a scrap binding bin and I really should actually make some binding with it. Love your jars. Beautiful quilt.

Jeanna said...

Very pretty view outside your window...I could sit and the look at that for hours! Love that the four leggeds cuddle together...so precious.

Beautiful quilt, too! I love Mary's quilting (I've only seen pictures) she does an amazing job.

Karen said...

I love, love, love Autumn. The only thing that comes close is spring when the flowers are popping up.

Happy to hear you are up and about. I am making pumpkin cranberry bread in your honor. Will have tea while warming myself next to the stove in the am. It was 45 this am in Santa Cruz, CA, cool weather is coming.

Ginette said...

I love the idea of the extra long binding pieces and the jar! Hope you are feeling better!

Bolts and Bobbins said...

I just recently finished my quilt and I just love it. The pattern was also in the Quilt magazine and was called Dazzling Scraps. Mine looks very much like yours and I had a loops and stars pattern quilted on it. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.

Sandi said...

Have a great time at the retreat. Your gift is lovely, may it hang in the shop for many years.

I have to ask, why so early a departure to drive only twenty miles? Have a lovely time and take it easy, rest when needed.

Jeanne said...

It seems I'm always in a 'catch up' mode here, but wanted to tell you how much I love your Glory Bound quilt! You just can't beat a good, scrappy quilt!