Sentimental Stitches

Clutch and I are snuggled together on the couch listening to the rain coming down outside our window. It's like tears falling from heaven.
I couldn't let the day pass by without stopping to remember and honor all the innocent, brave souls who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.
I was in our much beloved Shipshewana on that day and had been enjoying a week long quilting trip with friends. My thoughts and prayers tonight are with the families who lost loved ones.

AMERICAN SUE PATTERN

It's hard to believe Labor Day has come and gone. I lost my day off from work last week getting the store ready for the holiday weekend so after working 12 days straight I'm grateful to have the day off even if it feels like fall outside.

Clutch is snuggled under a quilt (what else!) and peeks his head out for treats and kisses.

Here's the next freebie. It's one of my favorites and really pretty easy to make. It's called Tulip Bouquet. I know, Tulips in September! - that's me, a day late and a dollar short all the time.
I've made this quilt with red and green fabrics on the black background for a gift but think the 1930s prints against the black is my favorite. Then again, I love the rich color combination of the yellowy green and vibrant jewel tone colors. They'd look pretty good in my living room in Grand Rapids. When assembled, the quilt's a 34" square. It's a nice size for a wall quilt you might rotate from time to time. If you add a border or two you could easily have a larger size wall quilt or even a lap size quilt. The blocks are foundation pieced. Can you tell I'm slightly addicted to that technique?

RED and GREEN FABRIC COMBINATION

MY LIVING ROOM JEWEL COLORS

There are days when I just have to laugh at myself. I know I have things tucked in nooks and crannies both here and in Grand Rapids but why I came across a packet of Baby Face & Flapper Pincushion Kits I'll never know, but when I looked at the 1990 copyright date on them it cracked me up. They're nearly vintage by now aren't they?

These are just too cute for words!

The kits were probably put together for a quilt show. They're for my Baby Face & Flapper pattern. The entire pattern is in the kit so there's patterns for a sweet 7" x 15" banner quilt that hung in my "girlie" bathroom for a long time. There's a 2" lapel pin you make with a satin ribbon ruffle (we didn't have the beautiful silk ribbon we have now) that would be darling as a miniature pincushion. Last but not least, a scissors case perfectly sized for your embroidery scissors. My original samples are in Grand Rapids so I can't show you actual photos.

I put the kits in the Online Store and priced them to sell. When they're gone that's it. I'm focused on the new Polka Dot Garden .

It's the Friday kicking off the Labor Day weekend. I heard on the radio as the alarm went off that Traverse City (that's me!) and Mackinaw City are the top two destinations for the holiday weekend. In keeping with my control freak personality when it comes to the boutique I'm going in to the shop in a few minutes to organize, select special display areas, post the weekend specials signs, give orders to the staff and probably drive them crazy in the process. We've got the most beautiful lace trimmed and gathered bodice camisoles in a rainbow of colors for only $10 each this weekend. Can I sell 600 in a weekend? I'll let you know.

Now for the Tumbling Triangles quilt. The antique quilt was made using two solid color fabrics. The darker of the 1930s pink solids and an off-white background. What could be easier. If you're going to make a two color version, choose fabrics with a good amount of contrast between them. Later today I'll add the extra sheet with other color options of Civil War fabrics, florals and a scrap buster 1930s version. I drafted a few border ideas to the options page even though the original quilt had not borders.

When piecing this quilt I just use my tried and true method for making the half square and quarter square triangles and square up the units before completing the block. You can use whatever method you like best to make the triangle units. I do like the fact my old fashioned way allows me to put together these monotonous pieces together a little at a time while I'm working on another project. I use them as leader pieces as I'm chain piecing and before you know it they're done.

Coming up next: A quick and easy Flower Bouquet Topper.