Hello, hello! It's an iconic January afternoon, cold and grey with dandruff-y flakes of snow falling all day. Mo is puzzled, asking often to go out to play and sun himself on what he must imagine is his warm sunny deck.
But not. He plays in the snow instead, seems happy. But then...
*I'll be doing my flowering bulbs this weekend for next week's post. I had no daytime water this week due to sewer investigations---repairs? Cannot plant flowers without water. The bulbs are happily stored by the chilly back door for now.*
Instead I will share my first finish of '24, top only: Parsonsfield, Humble Quilts' fall sewalong. Such a sweet result, I do love it!
Mostly low volume. My mom would call this dense vanilla/ white palette: "ice cream" colors.
It had its photo shoot over the past few days.
Some closeups. I usually include special fabrics gifted to me, esp on small intimate quilts. And then many of the shirtings were from Temecula Quilt Company's white and cream collection of a few years ago.
Someone pointed out that my few darks are VERY dark. In my defense, they seem to photograph darker than they appear in person. Maybe once quilted and washed they'll merge better? Meld? Not changing 'em now anyway.
PF is about 22" square, I think. I don't know if I will hand quilt, machine quilt, or send to Lori C for professional quilting. That didn't stop me from looking for fun backings! You may recall I make a big deal about backs and binding [then never look at that again, lol]. I had all along planned to use the darker bud, left as the backing. This is the remainder of a piece of quilt backing gifted to me by a quilt dealer friend who sadly passed away this past year. He will be much missed and I wanted this to be his tiny tribute from me. But I don't think it is enough.
The fabric on the right is a thrifted pillow case. Sweet but the percale is too dense for handquilting. Other choices, the adorable rosebud used skimpily on the front, and a safe nonentity on the left.
Was I not good! I feel it is a "Low volume" success. Not a hint of cheddar or red snuck in.
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Recently I ordered a hard copy/ printed copy of this Quiltmania magazine. I am very impressed with the quality of this mag; so many quilts and patterns for $16.95, beautifully photographed etc. A few odd wordings as it is apparently translated from its French origins, not written in English. Not a problem, just a momentary quirk now and then. I haven't bought a magazine in probably 15 years, so I m enjoying this treat.
I bought it for this pattern by Barb Vedder. I love this and wanted to keep a pattern available on my to make list.
This wonderful Baskets by Julie Porter is also featured.
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After Parsonsfield I spent a few days fixing Mo's outdoor sweaters for the cold ahead. He doesn't mind wearing clothes but hates putting his front paws into sleeves or armholes. I make the sweaters ''over the head then open with just a belly band. Mo was so pleased. And I made a couple of Valentine Hearts.
My etsy shop is still blocked, so maybe if anyone is interested I'll post the hearts on IG and here. Very limited quantities. A few stuffies, a few metal beach rusted, etc.
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After everything for the hols is put away I like to enjoy winter and focus on nature and quiet times. Lots of candles and winter gatherings. I am always one to enjoy the day and season I am given, as it comes---No Flags til 4th of July, No Bunnies til Easter!
Most berries are faux, mushrooms are handmade by me. I'll probably add branches of pussywillow or forsythia to the crocks if I get back to Trader Joe's soon.
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Cooking: I must tell you that meatball recipe I posted last week was delicious! I used beef, not pork, sour cream instead of buttermilk [who keeps buttermilk on hand? Can I even get it here?]. I added more spices: fennel seeds, caraway, tarragon, parsley, basil, black pepper---in addition to the dill weed. Gravy, noodles! Top w sour cream. Exceptional on cold nights. Now I think I 'll stir up a pan of cornbread, just to make the house warm and cozy. No other plans so far. [frozen pizza, yum!] Have a great weekend.
love
lizzy
gone to the beach...
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Parsonfield is so beautiful; I love the improv vibe it has...I like the few darker spots that move your eyes about...nice finish;))))
ReplyDeleteJust lovely Winter beach shots, too.
Poor Mo; I agree not fun out there these days...We got another small coating of snow today and it remained gray gray gray.
Stay warm and enjoy the stark Winter colors--
your little quilt is perfect mirror for the landscape...hugs, Julierose
I love your Parsonsfield version! The bits of color and the variety of darker fabrics mixed with the lighter neutrals makes it that much more interesting to my eyes. Winter season is a mixed blessing, I love to see the snow falling and the many birds that come calling at our feeders, but DON'T want to be out in it, especially when the wind blows and the wind chill is in the single digits. Haven't even taken my car out of the garage in nearly two weeks. Gibbs loves the snow and wants us to be outside with him while he frolics around like a madman! Homemade mac & cheese with peas for supper, tomorrow will be fire roasted tomato soup with spinach and of course sourdough toast. Love winter meals, much more fun than summer ones (easier to make tons of leftovers!)
ReplyDeleteYour Parsonsfield looks great, Lizzy! I think I said before how much I lovve the addition of the fabric with flowers. You have a great variety of shirting fabrics. The one with the sun/moon face and stars is too fun. Yes, your Parsonsfield is definitely a success!
ReplyDeleteI have not seen a Quiltmania magazine yet. I thought our library might have it but no, and the quilt shops don't have it, either. Julie Porter's quilt somehow reminds me a churndash quilt. It's a fun layout for baskets.
Do you alter people sweaters for Mo or dog sweaters?
Love your winter pine cones, seeds, leaves, etc. The tan pine cones were bleached? I think I asked last year but can't remember what you said.
I hope you have a good weekend.
I don't know which State you're in, but somehow thought you were somewhere warm enough not to get snow! Hope it didn't linger. Some of the parts which really got snow, suffered terribly.
ReplyDeleteHow odd - I was going through my more special quilt mags (saved to travel here - I gave so many away to my quilting teacher, along with bags of unfavourite fabrics). Anyhoo, Icame across a Quiltmania mag! Number 62 from a Christmas long ago.
Love the quilt you made - bet you can't wait to get started on a new project. I have one myself. See blog later!!
I LOVE it! As I saw the beach photos it reminded me that the "low volume" vanilla colors are everywhere! I really didn't think I'd like this quiltalong as much as the others but I love each version! I'm so happy you did it! That center with the flag is really precious!!
ReplyDeleteParsonsfield turned out so nice. I love that you put both beige and gray in it. They compliment each other well. It's a shame you don't have enough of that older piece. It would be perfect for a backing. The pictures with the sea grasses on the dunes looks so cold but I love it. I can feel the damp air when I look at it.
ReplyDeleteI like the Parsonfield quilt.. initially quiet and unassuming, once you really look you see how much there is to see in it. Very nice indeed.
ReplyDeleteHello, via Going Gently 🙂
Hello! Welcome. Yes PF is subtle but interesting. I think a full sized low volume quilt like this would be lovely, in an old fashioned cottage-y sort of way. I hope you enjoy visiting here at the Beach. [lizzy]
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