Gone To The Beach: 05.28.2015

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Beach Projects _ The Pokeberry Quilt

Hi! I'm here again. I've been having computer probs all week, please excuse me if I didn't respond to comments here or leave comments on your blog. Today I finally was able to upload my recent photos and I can show you my new summer project. It's so fun and exciting to have a challenging new ''thing'' to bring to the beach.Years ago when I painted watercolors I'd treat myself to a new watercolor sketchbook and a new mini tin of paints. Sure I have quilts to sew bindings on; and three, yes three, or four? doll quilts to hand quilt. Last summer my hurting hand put those projects in the someday pile.

This summer I am beginning a quilt I've loved for years. Jan Patek's Pokeberry Quilt.

Okay, maybe I don't love the stupid eagle or the weird wreath; that horse will be a black Kitty instead---but what I love is the idea of the pokeberries. How fun to use a weed from the fields of my [our, Mel made ink with the berries too] childhood. Yes we made pioneer ink from the deep purple berries, used a feather for the quill. Brown paper grocery bags were my ''parchment".

I haven't done wool work in years. I am hoping the raw edge applique is easier on my hand than the tiny finely stitched needle-turn applique done with cotton.

I used all my spring etsy money to stock up on beautiful wools, hand dyed from Errin at Quilting Acres

I am going to use wool plus some cottons, silks, and velvets.
Greens, here.

Here's the purple selections for the berries. Besides the gorgeous wools I found antique velvet and velvet ribbons in my stash.

I had pictured the Pokeberries penny sized but no, more like quarters.

cover photo, by Jan Patek

Patek mentions in the book that there are 310 yards [?] Feet? of bias binding used on the quilt. Ugh. No. I found this lovely vintage French silk velvet ribbon on eBay. It will be used for the stems. And the dealer has more if I need it. Timeless Trims

Both the etsy seller and the eBay dealer went out of their way to help me find just what I was looking for. It was very nice, and kept me busy in the coldest end of March.

The ground will be mottled black flannel. It is from I think Primitive Gatherings and is very lush and yummy. I prewashed it with Retayne and color catchers even though I am not sure this will be a washable quilt. I'd also love to use this vintage purple toile somehow in the project.

Here are my first four blocks. I hope to do at least two blocks a month, like my own little quiltalong.

Antique Flying Geese blocks used for this one. I want to mix in some of my favorite antque orphan block.

Here I am auditioning the grounds for this one. I like the calico better but the plaid is more appealing and graphic.

The tails are all out on this in-work block because I suddenly realised I had to use Fray Check, especially on wool points and velvet edges.

The adorable doll block. I'll embroider my name and date on her skirt. She's all wrinkly bcause she's my carry along project this week.

I have so many questions about wool applique. Obviously I am self taught and just hoping for the best, but please weigh in with advice or ideas, if you've worked with wool. Or just want to share your thoughts.

_Should the stitches be tiny and invisible or larger and decorative?

_Do you use Fray Check and where /how? [I'm putting it on the back edges.] Or what?

_I listened to Lori of Humble Quilts about stapling the pieces. This works great for the beach, where it's so windy. Any other hints for attaching? I'm not great at prepping and I don't baste. Ever.

The grooming van came to visit yesterday, to bath and brush Mo. I sat out on the curb and sewed on the little doll block in the sunshine while he was bathed. He looks all pearly and pretty, my little white lima bean! He has a Fourth of July bow! And his adoption anniversary is June 8th. One year of Mo. sigh. I think I walked a million miles.

What are you planning for summer projects? When you were a little guy did you love to have a beginning of Summer project planned? Learn to swim or sail, ride bikes all day, bake all the recipes in your Betty Crocker "Cooking for Girls and Boys" cookbook? Plant radishes and marigolds in your own little garden? Read Little Women, or The Hobbit or Narnia series?

I know Mel got a new sewing machine! And my friend BJ is making another beautiful baby quilt.