I have had mixed feelings about doing this Block (read 4) of the Month from sentimental stitches.
When Gay announced it back in November, I thought "No way." I don't have that kind of time this year. Then I read closer and saw the name "Dunham" on the signature block and had to join in. My husband's middle name is Dunham after his mother's family. She is 89 years old and still drives herself everywhere. This is a family quilt, albeit from 1850-1852. I recall my husband's grand parents going to the Dunham Reunion over the years, once in Michigan. I contemplated doing it in ultra modern colours like black and white. And all those donuts would look quite appetizing in Kaffe Fassett colours. This block is Coverlet Collection Mary Koval reproduction from 1820-1850.
Then I thought I could do it the simple way using a fusible and machine appliqueing the raw edges.
After that, I pulled out the bin of reproduction fabrics from the 1830's and 1840's. And I had enough Kona Snow to do it several times. But there is the time word again.
But when Gay posted the first blocks last week and I saw up close the simplicity of some of the blocks, I jumped right in. There will be lots of Broderie Perse bits and pieces through out the quilt.
I have 12 yards of a Sturbridge Village reproduction blue and white floral I decided to use for the sashing. The original has blue and red but do not want another red quilt, so I am using more white.
When I started cutting the strips, I goofed. I wanted them a bit smaller than the original. So instead of cutting them 2 inches wide to finish 1 1/2 for a 4 1/2 inch sashing, I cut them 1 1/2 and now the sashing will be 3 inches and I like it.
Call me crazy, but I have prepped more than the 3 donuts for this month. I also bought the extra patterns since there will be at least 11 donuts. I cannot just start one block and finish it. I have all these prepped ready to pick up whenever I want to do some hand work.
Then I went right off the rails and started cutting out lots and lots of bits for the abundance of Broderie Perse applique that prevails in this amazing quilt. Why? Because it was easy and I had a lot of print fabric with the right sized motifs.
And why do I have 2 pair of Dear Jane scissors in the box? They are on a time out. I bought a pair for each of my granddaughters since they have very long thin fingers. Mine are fat and awkward so I prefer to use the larger hole stork scissors. I have several pair in case I have to give them up at airports. All the grand children were here for a few days this past week since it was March Break and I could not let the little boys see the girls using them because I have not yet taught them how to use razor sharp little scissors. They saw the girls using the white board markers last time and we know what David did with the red one.
Blessings,
Chris
lovelaughquilt main-crush-monday mid week makers BOMs Away let's bee social needle-and-thread-thursday can I get a whoop- needleandthreadnetwork patchworktimes 2018-ufo-challenge wips-be-gone DrEAMi esther aliu's WOW 6 & 6 challenge slow sunday stitching
When Gay announced it back in November, I thought "No way." I don't have that kind of time this year. Then I read closer and saw the name "Dunham" on the signature block and had to join in. My husband's middle name is Dunham after his mother's family. She is 89 years old and still drives herself everywhere. This is a family quilt, albeit from 1850-1852. I recall my husband's grand parents going to the Dunham Reunion over the years, once in Michigan. I contemplated doing it in ultra modern colours like black and white. And all those donuts would look quite appetizing in Kaffe Fassett colours. This block is Coverlet Collection Mary Koval reproduction from 1820-1850.
Then I thought I could do it the simple way using a fusible and machine appliqueing the raw edges.
After that, I pulled out the bin of reproduction fabrics from the 1830's and 1840's. And I had enough Kona Snow to do it several times. But there is the time word again.
But when Gay posted the first blocks last week and I saw up close the simplicity of some of the blocks, I jumped right in. There will be lots of Broderie Perse bits and pieces through out the quilt.
I have 12 yards of a Sturbridge Village reproduction blue and white floral I decided to use for the sashing. The original has blue and red but do not want another red quilt, so I am using more white.
When I started cutting the strips, I goofed. I wanted them a bit smaller than the original. So instead of cutting them 2 inches wide to finish 1 1/2 for a 4 1/2 inch sashing, I cut them 1 1/2 and now the sashing will be 3 inches and I like it.
Call me crazy, but I have prepped more than the 3 donuts for this month. I also bought the extra patterns since there will be at least 11 donuts. I cannot just start one block and finish it. I have all these prepped ready to pick up whenever I want to do some hand work.
Then I went right off the rails and started cutting out lots and lots of bits for the abundance of Broderie Perse applique that prevails in this amazing quilt. Why? Because it was easy and I had a lot of print fabric with the right sized motifs.
And why do I have 2 pair of Dear Jane scissors in the box? They are on a time out. I bought a pair for each of my granddaughters since they have very long thin fingers. Mine are fat and awkward so I prefer to use the larger hole stork scissors. I have several pair in case I have to give them up at airports. All the grand children were here for a few days this past week since it was March Break and I could not let the little boys see the girls using them because I have not yet taught them how to use razor sharp little scissors. They saw the girls using the white board markers last time and we know what David did with the red one.
Blessings,
Chris
lovelaughquilt main-crush-monday mid week makers BOMs Away let's bee social needle-and-thread-thursday can I get a whoop- needleandthreadnetwork patchworktimes 2018-ufo-challenge wips-be-gone DrEAMi esther aliu's WOW 6 & 6 challenge slow sunday stitching
You are really off to a great start. I love the blue you are using for the sashing.
ReplyDeleteI joined this as well though I haven't done anything more than starting the freezer paper prep on one of the blocks :) You are on a ROLL already!! :)
ReplyDeleteI photo copied the donut pattern onto extra heavy freezer paper and used that for my template. I enlarged one and shrunk another.
DeleteI was going to ask if you had considered colors for the sashings but got my answer as I scrolled down. I am on the fence about whether to jump into this project or not. Same as you is the time factor. I have plenty of time but so many applique projects already in process that need my attention.
ReplyDeleteAs I sit here and look at what I have up on the wall so far (12 prepped blocks and the sashing) I see this could be a crib size or lap size very easily. I can take a few stitches whenever I want. And I am really pumped about how it beginning to look.
DeleteWow I love how you jumped in and really made such progress on the start of this project.
ReplyDeleteI jumped right in after obsessing since November. I find the prep work easy and just keep going when I get on a roll. I love cutting out the little shapes now that I have started.
DeletePrepping things is a great idea as you never know when you will get a little bit of time to sew. Lovely choise of fabric for your quilt
ReplyDeleteThank you. I was hoping to find a project for the blue reproduction fabric that just did not seem to go with anything. Now it is the setting.
DeleteYou've got some great progress going, and with pretty fabrics too!
ReplyDeleteI have had some of these fabrics for years waiting for the right project. Problem is, I have way more fabric than project but Iove how it is coming along so far.
DeleteWow, you did have some great prints for the broderie perse work! Love that tray of pieces. I really like the scale of the 3" sashing - looks like it's much better than 4.5" would have been for this project. And, oh - yes - David with the bird marker was one thing, but David with the scissors would not be a happy time at all!
ReplyDeleteDavid. My beloved David. I cannot resist his hugs and kisses. Once I started cutting the Broderie Perse bits I just had to keep going. I got so excited about the possibilities.
DeleteThis is going to be beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I am enjoying the new project.
DeleteWhat a lovely start - your version is going to be beautiful! I can quite see why you'd want to get ahead with your cutting and prep - very sensible!
ReplyDeleteThe adrenaline rush at the beginning of a new project is when I get the most done so getting ahead was easy. Now to keep up with the rest of the blocks each month. I am loving this so far.
DeleteA family heirloom quilt, love the idea. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou are off to a good start on your reluctant project.
ReplyDeleteI have downloaded the patterns and want to wait to begin. But seeing your beautiful work makes me want to jump in!
ReplyDeleteOkay...I'm totally missing having an applique project on hand. You've inspired me with your productivity to accomplish that while I'm "resting" up from the floor. :) THANKS for the motivation Chris.
ReplyDeleteThe fun part is you can do it in any colour way you choose or what you have in your stash. Go for it! Do something splash-tacular !
DeleteLove your start. You gave me the bug. Wondering how you do your broderie perse...by needleturn or blanket stitch? I have long admired it from afar, but never had the courage to jump in. This seems like a good starting point, Thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteI have learned how to do applique may different ways. I am doing needle turn for here for the broderie perse bits because that seems the most logical for these tiny pieces. I am using an iron fusible and doing machine applique on my Morrell quilt which has a lot of broderie perse blocks.
DeleteWow, that's going to be cool. You've made a great start!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I am having way too much fun with this so far. The April blocks were released earlier today and I have them all prepped and ready to go.
DeleteWhat a lot of work - it all looks fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteOh I'm laughing at the 'we know what David did' quip at the end, but also cringing.... Yay for a DrEAMi that's not ENTIRELY got a-hold of you with its scratchy squirrel-like claws, but still pretty good grab! This is going to be a wonderful, meaningful quilt. Love the shot of it all prepped. The goof of 3" sashing was a good one, as I like that scale too! Thanks for linking up with DrEAMi!
ReplyDelete