Saturday, May 21, 2011

Top Finished!


My quilt top is finished!  Now on to the hand quilting.  This will be quilted lightly.  Just inside and outside the circle of hearts and one or two of the same shape where the 4 block corners meet to echo the design.  That means making and cutting a template for marking, which will be the hardest part.  Maybe I can get it hand-basted today. 

It measures about 64" x 80" now, but the quilting will draw it in a little bit.  I'm eager to bring this top to life with quilting.

I have had several ask (Debbie!) where to get this pattern.  I got mine online here http://thegoldenthimble.com/heartsandgizzards.pdf.  I set mine 6 x 8 then made half blocks for around the sides (blocks completely empty of applique for the corners) to finish out the ring of hearts.

~Joan

Monday, May 16, 2011

Two Borders on Hearts and Gizzards


Just finished sewing on my second side's border.  Obviously, these blocks only take half as long as the ones with two corners appliqued.

I have caused some confusion (seems to be my specialty).  Someone asked if there was an online pattern for This Mother's Heart.  That's MY name for the block.  Historically it's called Hearts and Gizzards (although I can't find any explanation behind the name).  I found my pattern online at the Golden Thimble. 

This is one of the very few quilts that I have not made from scraps, 2" squares, or 1-1/2" strips.  I cut yardage right off of bolts.  That may not seem so unusual to some, but I can't remember the last time I cut fabric off bolts to make a quilt myself.  Shocking--I know!

I'm having a horrible time with seasonal allergies.  Was up until 4 AM coughing and then spent much of the day sleeping.  Not good for a routine.

~Joan

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Marathon

My sister ran a marathon this morning.  That's 26.2 miles.  Only took her 4 hours and 39 minutes.  If I had run, they would have measured in days, not hours.  Soooo proud of her.  She.  is.  legendary.

Photo credit:  http://coloring-pages.tv/cartoon-coloring-pages/jogger-guy-running-with-sun.php

~Joan, the proud, jiggly sister