What's Done is Done! 2016 Quilt Finishes Part 2

Hi! I'm back with the rest of my show and tell.
Due to my boring and oft-mentioned illness this past year, my output is not what I'd have hoped for. The big finish is Pokeberry! As soon as winter sets in, it's going on my bed, all flannel, and velvet, and wool.

Doll quilts:
Lori of Humble Quilts' Spring Swap, my offerings.

Again with Lori, " Quilters Madder'', a study in mid 1800s madder dyes prints.[repros]. beautifully quilted by Lori Cangemi in an allover Feathers design.

My Madder Stars, all antique blocks/ fabrics except that tiny cheddar center square. More beautiful quilting, Mini Baptist Fans, from Lori C.

And my second Quilters Madder, which I called Indigo Loves Cheddar (I*L*C).

I cut the busy cheddar version just for fun. Then I hated it! And now---I love it. I love everything about this little guy: the simple quilting, the funky scrappy pieced binding, the double pink back.

The truly awful cheddar print and other tiny scale cheddars I used when the ugly sister ran out. I always love my indigo blues, and my double pinks---I am amazed at this result, at how pleased I am. The first authentic QM was a stretch for me. I don't enjoy muted tones or colors like berry and rust. [I do think the resulting quilt is beautiful, though.]. I*L*C is just so me, it's bold and busy and loud and colorful. (Not that *I* am like that but it's what appeals to me, design wise.) Yet all the fabrics are ''authentic'' repros of the mid 1800s.
And these sachets/ drawer liners were Christmas gifts, and will be something new in my shop soon, for Valentine's and Mother's Day.  Wonderful way to use antique linens and beautiful fabrics, I think. The larger ones are the size of a folded sweater, perfect for your best sweaters. They are lined with sturdy cardstock board and two layers of batting.I made them unscented, with the idea that the person can add their own perfume or even a spritz of Febreeze, but most of the recipients asked for me to add scent. What do you think?  (Of course I think they'd be the best with a matching lavender heart on top!)

I'm looking forward to having less pain this year, being able to sit and sew sometimes. Maybe even walk Mo! Something to strive for. How I envy those who can begin a yoga class or train for a run, or walk 1000 miles![or ten!] Ah, if only....
I hope to finish my many neglected projects: Wild Geese, Dotty 365, Summertime, Antique Baskets, and more. Quilting got me through the pain of 2016, makes me hopeful for the year to come. (I love having a To Do List!)

love

lizzy

gone to the beach...

Heat Lightning

Hi everyone! Remember ''heat lightning"?
I haven't see it for years, since I lived in Illinois as a child. Those far away flickers that signaled a storm beyond the horizon, passing us by.

But last night we had heat lightning here. Dusk is the nicest time to walk now at summer's peak. Mo and I headed out just after sunset. We like to sit on the bench by the dunes and watch the fireflies rising from the dune grass.

The sky was fading blue, but to the northeast was this one billowing, towering storm cell. It flashed watery lightning the entire time of our walk.

We see many walkers at dusk, all the neighbors seem to come out to enjoy the warm evenings. Folks bring drinks or picnic dinners. On my to do list!

Sunday afternoon sizzled like a slab of bacon, snap crackle pop. 

It was truly a day more suited to loafing in the pool with a pink Styrofoam ''noodle''. But who could resist this white sand and soft blue water, the sea breeze.

A bit of treasure.

My daughter and I wondered if we can possibly have picked up all the sea glass from the beach, because there certainly is none these days.

Wash out with tiny butterfly shells.

Oystercatchers...

Here with her big baby!

Two birds, front left.

At the beach I got out my sewing, ugh. These yellow stars are awful. The dark fabric behind them shows through. They look shoddy.
My blog friend Cathy told me she isn't putting the stars on her version of Spring Break / Summertime. I decided, me neither.  If need be add---lined somehow? ---later. [the star pattern itself isn't very nice. you can see where I corrected it, in removable ink.]

I made a Pokeberry block  instead and hand quilted partway my Winter Blues doll quilt.

These are the Lazy Days of summer. Nothing urgent to do til Wednesday's farmers market and errands day. The summer is sliding by. I plan to savor every moment.

How about you all?

love

lizzy

gone to the beach

Below:

a Googly enhanced version.

 Very, uh, artistic.

PS I saw this quote on the blog Timeless Traditions:

''Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway."

-Mother Teresa

Something for me to keep in mind.

Lavender Sky, Violet Ocean

Midsummer. July is drawing to its end---midsummer as we know it, is here.

A sunset walk. So peaceful on a cool quiet evening...

All stresses and worries float away with the peachy pink and lavender clouds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stripey stopped by at dusk! He is not thrilled with our new addition Mo and waits til it's dark for his dinner each night. When I go out to look for him, the darkened hydrangeas are magically lit up with lightning bugs---fireflies. Childhood memories, glowing in the warm summer night.

 

Wishing you all a beautiful and peaceful week.

love

lizzy

gone to the beach....