I’ve done few Quilt of Valor projects lately and this is a great weekend to post them.  I think this is a Fons and Porter pattern.  Leave me a comment if you know the pattern, I forgot to ask the quiltmaker, Mary!

Mary’s QOV is quilted with Stars and Loops pantograph, perfect for this quilt!

Carol’s QOV has “old gold” coloring which gives it a rich, antique look.

I’m not sure of this pattern, either.  Leave me a comment if you know this pattern.

For this quilt, we decided on a basic meander throughout with a corner, middle, corner star treatment in the corners and block centers.  This looks great, too.

I quilted another QOV for Joanie but I can’t find any pictures!  I hate it when that happens!

Have a Happy and Safe Memorial Day weekend!  Linda

Ann has created an awesome wall hanging featuring New York Beauty blocks.  I had fun developing original quilting designs for this project.  It will hang in an old Italian style house so I used Italian tile designs for my influence.  Thanks to Pinterest, they were easy to find!

The batting is Quilter’s Dream Blend and Dream Puff layered together.  Double batting gives lots of texture and allows the quilting detail to pop.

The thread is Superior Threads So Fine 50 in a color that matches the fabrics.

The back is a tea dyed muslin which shows off the quilting detail, too!

Here’s the link to my Pinterest board for Italian Design ideas.  How do you think I did?  Thanks for looking!  Linda

With all the babies being born in my family this year, I’m trying new ideas for baby gifts.  This is my latest creation called Lil’ Lovee by Linda.

I combined leftover Minkee and flannel scraps.  The finished size is about 13″, but you can make it any size depending on your remnants.  I used 2 flannels to make an uneven 4 patch block.  Any block would work, I wanted fewer seams to keep it soft and cuddly.  If I was more ambitious, I might have personalized the Lil’ Lovee, maybe next time!

It’s a sweet, cheek cuddler when they’re little babies and a dolly blanket when they’re older.  It’s sooooo soft.

Like the dish mats, I left the 4 patch seam open for turning and then top- stitched around the seams, closing the opening.  Fast and easy!

This one was sent to Kailani, who is enjoying her Tummy Time quilt, too!

Isn’t she adorable?!

Thanks for looking!  Linda

The bridal shower invite asked us to be creative and bring a gift that fit in the enclosed envelope!  My first response was to make a mini dish mat in the bride’s favorite colors.  I used 5 inch squares and terry cloth, constructed in the same manner as the Linda’s Dish Mat Tutorial Revisited.

With some creative folding it fit perfectly into the supplied envelope,  along with a recipe card and a little money!

I knew she was also getting a sewing machine from her mom, so I added some fabric scraps to the envelope wrapping, too!

I hope she likes it!

Thanks for looking.  Linda

Marilyn has completed 2 fun quilts!  The dinosaur quilt is totally pieced, not applique!  She’ll add some eyes when she finishes it.  What dinosaur loving kid wouldn’t want this quilt!

I love how the quilting design, Frothy Seas Pantograph, compliments the prehistoric elements of the quilt.

And the second quilt is a Monkey quilt!

How fun is that?!

We initially decided to quilt it with a pantograph, but I felt the little monkey heads would be cuter with an outline stitch and freehand Swirl and Curl.

Thanks!  I’m still working on secret projects that I can’t share.  What are you working on?

Linda

Today is all trash day in our city and I saved this old cotton chenille bath mat from the landfill!  I have no idea how old it is but it belonged to my hubby’s parents.

I just can’t throw away awesome vintage finds!  What about you?

I’m linking to Coloradolady: Vintage Thingee Thursday.  Check out other vintage posts!

I’m off to work at Rainbows and Calico Things quilt shop in Williamsburg, Iowa today.  It’s also my favorite place to buy fabric so it’s a good thing I work there, too!

Thanks!  Have a great day!  Linda

Last week, my hubby asked me to make his mom microwaveable bowls for her birthday.  Her birthday is today, so now I can show you!

The bowls are made with 8 and 10 inch squares of fabric and batting.  Remnants are perfect!  And I always have cotton batting scraps, too.  It’s fun to pick out fabrics that look good inside or out.

Here’s the instruction sheet that my hubby sent with it.  He’s so creative!

Linda’s Microwaveable Bowl Instructions

If you’re not sure how to use them, click on the instructions!

If you’re not sure how to make them, here’s a link to the tutorial on my Pinterest board.  I don’t follow the instructions exactly, I never do!  But, the results are the same.  Cotton fabric and batting is important.

Thanks and Happy Birthday, Mom!

Linda

This is a big one!  I met Ann last January at Rainbows and Calico Things retreat.  She was taking the class to make this awesome quilt called Rangeley Stars.  Yes, January 2013 and she finished in April!!  I’ve made progress on my retreat projects but not finished!  Kudos to Ann for finishing.

We decided to finish with an freehand overall edge to edge quilting called Meandering Feathers using a dark neutral thread.

The fabric colors are much truer with natural sunlight!

The backing fabric is natural muslin, which looks great with this quilting design.  The thread is darker so the quilting stands out.

Thanks!  Linda

Another bright thread reveal!  Hot Pink Flash!

Wendy made this cute quilt for her granddaughter and initially thought black thread for impact.  I strongly suggested one of my new brights from Superior Threads Magnifico line.  What do you think?

The pantograph is Mariposa, featuring butterflies and flowers.

I love how it looks!

The thread makes a statement but still compliments the fabrics.

I have one more bright thread to try, Tangerine Flash, fluorescent orange!  Now, I need someone to bring me a quilt that needs that color!  If not, one of mine will get it!

Thanks!  Linda

Here’s a great idea for a fast baby quilt.  Michelle combined  fun fabrics for a perfect first granddaughter quilt.  The pantograph, Daisy Swirl, adds a sweet element.

I’m still designing baby quilts for the remaining 3 babies to be delivered this year, I’m tempted to try this strip quilt for one of them!  Stay tuned to find out!

Thanks!  Linda