Quilts!

Although I haven't done much lately, I took up quilting a few years ago when a friend was opening a quilt shop.  I signed up for lessons just to be supportive and found that I really enjoyed it!  My quilting cronies and I would frequently hold 'all nighters' - where five to ten of us would go to one person's house armed with our machines and stay up all night working on whatever projects we had.  For me it was the only way I could fit it into my busy life!  Since I moved I have missed those fun times.  I think it was more about the friendship than the sewing, although we did get lots accomplished.  Here are just a few of the projects I completed during that time. 

Queen size quilt called "Fall Splendor"

This one is called "Magic Squares". I like the stained glass effect.

This is an original design by my friend Diane Holmquist. It depicts the 'Golden Staircase' going over the Chilkoot Pass which hundreds of men had to cross during the Klondike Gold Rush.  After I made this one I made three more - one for each season of the year. I sewed them all together to show all four seasons

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A snowman quilt - with applique and blanket stitching

And this little 'sampler' was my first project - also designed by my friend Diane.

'Tea with Lemon' Wall hanging

Here are two views of a 'Group of Seven' Quilt I made with my children when we homeschooled. I love the Group of Seven (Artists for those who don't know) and we did a whole study on them while making the quilt.

Here are a couple of wall hangings. both are an applique technique. the blue is called 'Reverse applique' while the fish are kind of a 'cheat'. You use a special binding tape to make the black 'lead'

These next two are also wall hangings using two different methods of applique - the black parts were made from one piece!

This quilt is called 'Turning Twenty' because you use twenty fat quarters to make it. Depending on the material you choose, it can be quite attractive. I chose an assortment of bright colors, but my daughter has made a couple of them that are quite elegant.

This quilt is called a 'Bargello' pattern. It is still in progress. I like the way it reminds me of the northern lights

This is a flannel 'Raggy' quilt - very warm, soft and comfy!

I end with two small wall hangings. One is an advent calendar. The little squares are actually little individual quilts that come out of the main quilt. they are done using the 'paper piecing' method. The other is a Christmas wreath.