Summercrafter

 * V I N T A G E *   There is really a classic feel to this next project on the Simply Retro Quilt Along. You know the one Jana is hosting?       I am going to do this one the same size as the book suggests, this will be my first large quilt. Of course, I already know who is going to get it. According to Hallmark , October is Clergy Appreciation Month, so if I can pull it off, maybe my Pastor will be getting this quilt in a couple of months.  He likes "earth" colors so this is the palette I have chosen. It's not by coincidence I have all these already in my fabric stash!   The trick was preserving the corners of the blocks!   This is what I've done so far   Come back for an update next week, when I piece it all together. Even I can't wait!! 

Here is another update of my projects for the Simply Retro Quilt Along, I have two finished! This first project in her book is called "Swell." I used a patriotic color scheme for a Fourth of July table runner, here's a flashback  on how I got started.   A table runner that measures 16" x 52".   I think the binding wraps up the theme nicely.         I wasn't going to do the usual stipple, but I had to so I could try out this new darning foot I got on Ebay at this shop for my vintage Kenmore sewing machine. This was her first quilting job and it came off without a hitch!         It's perfect for covering a little wear and tear on the patio table.       Here is the "Retro" quilt all finished, it's the second project in the book. It just needs washing to make it soft for the baby, coming on August 7th or sooner.     Below is my daughter's contribution for size comp

It has always been said that parents do not have favorites. Somehow the love just multiplies and there is enough to go around.  Sure, sometimes the growing up years can be a little rough and your parents don't understand you. So you go and talk to a neighbor who doesn't judge and asks if you are talking about the cute guy in P.E. (Never mind that the neighbor just happens to be your mom's best friend.) All this to say... Most of you have heard me talk about  Audrey  but rarely about my first sewing machine.  Today, I want to introduce you to Jenny. My daughter just named her, she's my vintage Kenmore sewing machine. I'd call her a work horse but I don't want to hurt her feelings.    She has been around for many years but she is practically brand new! My dad bought this sewing machine in the late 1960's for my mom when she got here from Cuba. She is an embroidery machine,    these belong to her.   Here is the original manual in Spanish,

I really like this block. But more so, these great combining fabrics I was so glad to have in my stash!       The striped one I got at Fat Quarter Shop on clearance at the end of "a year." The fabulous flower print I got on my first trip to Hobby Lobby . No one told me Hobby Lobby had fabric!  But no worries, I was well prepared to spend : )  It was a great church activity and field trip for the ladies, but the driver of the van probably wasn't so thrilled driving 2 hours (to and from) with chattering ladies behind him; but he was a trooper, thanks Pastor!       This block is project three on the Simply Retro Book by Camille Roskelley and it's part of the Quilt Along Jana is hosting.   I'm a little behind on this one, but here it is. I wonder if you can guess why I have four attempts?    I do love the fabric but there was something else going on, that I finally realized had no solution at this point.     Can you see what

Ever been so determined to finish something that you wear yourself out and almost hate the thing by the time you're done? Guilty! (raised hand)   Good golly! First, I am waiting for this oh so cute Michael Miller fabric (Fishies and Swim with Us, respectively available at Fabric.com ) to arrive to finally piece the back: ANTICIPATION     Second, I had already decided to quilt it in "waves" since it has an ocean theme: EAGERNESS     Third, I try a new thread, the tension is bad, the nightmare begins: FRUSTRATION     It was just a few months ago that I was agonizing in the same exact spot over the same exact thing: Déjà vu         By mid afternoon, my daughter says "If you like quilting so much, why are you cursing?!" : Numerous mutterings of exasperation (I am not a sailor)     The job is almost complete, only binding left to do by hand, but I have to rest for a day or two after all that tension (no pun i