Turtles Turtles Everywhere

....and the award for most densely quilted thing to ever leave my studio goes to...
*drumroll*

...this Turtle quilt.

I don't know what came over me, a bit of thread fever or free motion optimism, but whatever it was, I was compelled to quilt this thing into total texture overdrive.
The pictures really don't do it justice. The quilt is so fun to run your hands over, there's pebbles and lines and of course these cute little guys. 

It was a ton of work and my wrists need a break, but I think the effort was worthwhile. This Turtle quilt wraps up my set for Quilts for Kids, and is at the post office as we speak.  Bye bye turtles, enjoy the trip and give your person a hug from me!

Cause: Quilts for KidsSize: 36 x 48"
Fabrics:  Robert KauffmanPattern: Quilts for Kids
Quilting: Free Motion pebbles, lines swirls and turtles - on my domestic machine
Completed: July 2017

Rainy Day Duck Quilt

Have you heard the phrase, "It's lovely weather for a duck?"

  It rained last weekend, which made for excellent quilt studio time.

In between the NOAA radio chirping flash flood warnings (did I mention it was ALOT of rain?), I couldn't help but sing "Rubber Ducky, You're the one!" while I worked on it.

 This is another QFK finish, so out it goes, hot off the press and off to comfort a child in need. 

Pattern: Quilts for Kids
Size: 36 x 48"

Fabrics:  Robert Kauffman

Pattern: Quilts for Kids

Quilting: Free Motion Waves - on my domestic machine 

Completed: July 2017

String Basket Quilt

Sometimes you don't know. And then when you know, you know.

You know what I mean?  No? Let me explain.

I didn't know where this quilt would go, or what purpose it would serve, when I first started piecing it.  Initially it was just about using up scraps and playing along with a block swap. 

Fast-forward a few years and I was talking to my fairy quilt mother (aka my local longarmer who did the lovely quilting on Made in Color and Sassafras Leaves) and she told me about a fantastic organization that her guild was sewing for, called Positive Tomorrows. The non-profit provides school and education for homeless children in the OKC metro.  As someone who is married to a public school educator, I can only imagine what challenges home students and their teachers face.

When Diane told me what a need there was these children, and her guild's ongoing commitment to wrap those kids in a homemade quilt, I knew I had a top that meant to go to this cause.  I called my local quilt store and rented a few hours on their longarm, and BAM. Finally, this scrap basket quilt is quilted and has a purpose!

I absolutely loved quilting this, it was like a treasure hunt! With each block I re-discovered pops of patterns and hidden gems as I traveled over the blocks. 

I wanted to contrast the geometric lines with some movement in the quilting, so it has pebbles in the white lattice and swirly curves in the striped sections.

If there wasn't already a caucophony of color, the finishing touches were a bright purple backing and swirly rainbow binding.  

Last week this quilt joined a tall pile of beauties that the OKMQA members have been making for the special students of Positive Tomorrows. No matter where I go, or what guild I visit, the quilters I meet always inspire me, great job, OKMQA!

Cause: Positive Tomorrows
Size: 36 x 48"

Fabrics:  Assorted (block swap)

Binding: Circle Play by Henry Glass

Pattern: 6.5" String Blocks 

Quilting: Longarm (HandiQuilter Avante) - Pebbles and Curves 

Completed: July 2017

Caring Star Quilts

I believe that as quilters, our ability to create something that is both beautiful and useful sets our craft apart. If you know any quilters, you know many of them (myself included) are frequently sewing for charitable organizations.  

I'd like to share with you today, a very special group...

Meg Martin is the woman who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to turn the Caring Star vision into a reality. 

(Meg M, my sister Jessie, and me)

She's a fellow CAMQG member and a dear friend. Perhaps is it her magnetic personality, or the grassroots opportunity, but this cause has a very special place in my heart.  

This group is unlike any I have seen before, here is a little background:

The Caring Star Quilts project was conceived in 2013. This ongoing mission begins with creating and presenting pairs of quilts to honor the two-way bond of service and sacrifice between wounded, ill and injured veterans and their caregivers.  

Behind every wounded, ill and injured soldier... there's an unsung hero of a caregiver. 
Our sewing machines will sing... a song of warm appreciation for unsung heroes.

The Sewing day includes piecing quilt tops with music, laughter and hourly door prizes. Morning refreshments, luncheon and a guest speaker were included, too. Pre-cut fabrics and most supplies were even provided, making it a breeze to get right to the fun part, sewing!! Every team had an experienced quilter on hand as instructor -- so even first time quilters were able to get on board! 

(Jessie and me)

I don't think my words could ever do justice to the positive energy that was felt throughout the Kick-off sewing day in April. I was especially exited to be able to share the sewing day with my sister and mom, who drove 2+ hours to PA from NJ for the event.

(Sheryl)

The three of us, with Sheryl (another CAMQG'er) were Team Juliet!   Our team was assigned a modern cross block.

Once we got up and running, were given freedom to 'have fun' designing with the border. And we did! I was the only one of the group who had previously improv pieced, but they gave it all a shot and were hooked!

By the end of the day, 45+ volunteers had completed 14 quilt tops!

The next few weeks were a whirlwind of quilting, binding, and final touches.

The quilts were presented, "with love and pride" to 12 Caregivers of Veterans and the Veterans they each care for in May.  More than 100  people shared a warm appreciation for unsung heroes, and our nation's Caregivers that day.

The success of the inaugural sewing day and presentation day have driven Meg to raise the bar for the second event, to be held this Fall. Knowing her creativity and tenacity, I have no doubt that the reach and impact of this amazing cause will be far reach long and far throughout Pennsylvania.  I am so honored to have a hand in the project, it is a blessing and an inspiration at every step of the process. 

Keep your eyes open! Over the next few posts, I will share with you some of the quilts that I was lucky enough to help sew for CSQ, after the big sewing day. I'll also be giving you a sneak peek into preparation for the Fall 2014 the sewing day!

Team Juliet with our finished top

I hope you enjoy reading about and seeing the efforts of Caring Star Quilts, as much as I have enjoyed my journey with them so far.