Good morning! It's actually just a grey rainy early spring like day--but last night late, when Mo and I went out for a final wee, snow was falling gently in big soft flakes. One of my favorite things, seeing snow floating down in the illumination of the streetlights. So peaceful--and a bit sad? Is this the final snow of the winter?
I finally started my Schoolgirl Album blocks:
This is the Barbara Brackman Block of the month 2018. Here The blocks on the FB group's page are so beautiful and inspiring, each better than the next.
Here is Block One, two versions. The block is called Wandering Lover. [hmmm, hints of schoolgirl crushes, teenage angst?]
I messed around with doing signature blocks, but didn't want the hassle of the quilt not then being washable. I thought maybe mottoes instead of names, Peace, Kindness, etc.
Instead I went more modern, a nod to script and writing/ letters/ diaries long ago, using this white text print in what will be my full sized blue version.
Each 12.5" block will be different shades of blue. My schoolgirl asked her friends for blues but does not expect them all to match. The alternate blocks 4-Patch 9-Patch maybe will be all one set of fabrics because that sewing would have been done by the girl herself. We'll see.
And this is the hideous greens etc group [Jamestown]. I couldn't resist playing with the uglies. I was also inspired by the FB group's use of toile [scenic prints], lots of toile showing up, fussy cut for a little central vignette.
These blocks will be 9" [9.5] finished, with sashing.
I didn't make a pattern for the 9" ; just guessed to reduce the sizes. It will be a small ''crib'' quilt [for no baby imaginable,lol] and probably will be only 9 of the 12 blocks given over the year. I don't like rectangular quilts.
I really love this version, it is so ugly and old-time patchy looking. I know the blue will be attractive and actually useful, but it is ho hum in comparison.
Later today, as the rain continues, I am looking forward to making block 2 of both versions. It's a favorite pattern of mine, that I call Lady of the Lake. I forget what BB called it. HERE "Lend and Borrow"
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On another winter projects note, I want to show you the beautiful hand crocheted pieces Mel sent me a few weeks ago. Mel is Melody here in blog comments, or you may know her as her writing name of Harmne. She is an expert crocheter and she so kindly turned her talents to making me some warmies for walking Mo in the cold winter days.
This was a surprise! Color blocked cowl.
Sooo cheerful and pretty and really warm.
And this is the set we designed together. Well, 90% Mel, 10% me.
The fabric is a linen-y/ cotton/ acrylic tweed, soft and warm and subtle. Mel's stitches are absolutely even and perfect. I am in awe.
I asked for ruffles! I love ruffles.
Also a head band and my requested fingerless mittens.
I love them all. It took me awhile to take pics because I was busy wearing everything.
With the mittens I have the notion to add wool appliqued flowers. Not sure, because it maybe ruins the more grownup sophisticated style of the set?
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I don't have any new beach pics for you all, the entrance is deeply flooded still. We'll check it later when we go out. Maybe I can cross through with wellies on? It's too cold to wade through like I do with summer storm floods.
Have a good week!
love
lizzy
gone to the beach....
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| from my phone's weather feed |
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I'm so happy you're enjoying your items! I had fun making them. As for my even stitches - it's much easier to crochet than knit! If you saw my attempt at knitting you'd laugh!
ReplyDeleteThe wool flowers would look fun on your mittens - should add flowers to the headband, too, maybe!
The Jamestown prints are NOT ugly, lol, you just don't like green! I love the stories you make up to go with your quilts. If you don't think of the smaller quilt as a baby quilt, maybe you should think of it as a lap quilt for someone. It would be great for keeping toes warm while reading!
I see Mo was being helpful in the sewing room! Are you sure he's not part cat?
You can feel the warmth of those lovely mittens and scarf. Such beautiful crocheting. I can just imagine Mo wrapped up in that cowl on a cold day in his sewing room box!
ReplyDeleteI had misgivings about the Jamestown versus a more subdued choice of colours (which I've gone for), but you've pulled it off. Well done. I really enjoy the contemporary feel of the bright block - very exciting. Penny
I love that you said you were a bit sad that it may be the last snow. I feel the same way, so many people are so over it, but I am not. ☺ I think the flowers would add a great touch to your new mittens. Enjoy! Kit
ReplyDeleteI can imagine exactly the snowflakes falling, and the peacefulness it brings. As a kid, I spent many a night watching snowfall outside my bedroom window.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the crocheted items Mel made for you. Really, really beautiful. Well done Mel! I think adding flowers to the mittens would be lovely, and still sophisticated.
There's almost no room for Mo in his box. Doesn't seem to have let it bother him ;)
Kel
I am doing BB’s quilt blocks as well. I like the motif idea for the centers instead of signatures.
ReplyDeleteYes, I couldn't make the signature idea work for this project, for various reasons. If I did a signature quilt, I would do it to my design for a wedding or retirement etc gift. Using motifs instead is quite fun. Are your blocks on BB's Fb group or Pinterest? I'd love to see them!
DeleteOh I found you on BB's FB group! Your blocks are lovely and subtle and authentic. That scene of the boys playing baseball or cricket is exceptional! What an adorable treasure.
DeleteWhat wonderful crocheted gems from Mel! Both versions of SG blocks turned out sweet! I especially am drawn to the one with the doggie in the middle. Mo is such a great helper in the bin. xoxo
ReplyDeleteMo is lucky to have such a talented and generous Auntie Mel!
ReplyDelete