Working Backwards

I rarely post works-in-progress. I prefer to post about finished quilts, but finishing tops is going faster than getting them quilted. I really need to document them all so I don't forget what I've made and for whom they may be intended. I am currently in the middle of a long family visit so I've not made ANY progress on ANY project while hosting four grandchildren, a family friend with her kid, and daughter #1. But I did manage to read an article in a current quilt magazine about organizing my quilting space. I've already incorporated a number of suggestions, but the key to keeping my sanity is trying not to dump stuff from other rooms on my worktable. So I've taken some alone time to clean up a bit. I feel better now.

Most recent gift, Christmas 2018

I originally made this Lovers' Knot quilt more than 20 years ago for my brother-in-law and his partner, who happened was dying by the time they received it. It had a border with diagonal corners and I tied it. After my BIL died years later, it was given back to me, tired, tattered, and loved much. I eventually ripped off the border, squared the corners, and gave it to my quilter for completion. This past Christmas I gave it to my sister-in-law, a quilt filled with loving memories of her brother.

Table Runner

I've been retired for two and a half years and this is my first post in a very long time!

This table runner was made as a gift for a very generous friend who lets me use her house in Florida for several weeks during the winter. My husband doesn't like Florida so I get to stay by myself! (I do visit my sister and friends while down there too.) While there I have my own private quilt retreat where I get a lot of work done. I cook and eat when I want and stay indoors all day if that makes me happy.

About two years ago I made a quilt for my grandson with these blocks. The designer called it Cats Cradle. But this block is also known as Grandmother's Choice - perfect! I completed all the blocks at a quilt retreat, but I had mistakenly cut too many block parts, enough to begin another quilt. Recently I completed that new quilt but had these blocks left over. 

I hope this table runner will find a permanent place in the Florida house!

Treasure Hunt, a Mystery Quilt

I just completed the binding on this lovely quilt (June 2018). I finished the top in spring of 2017. The mystery quilt, offered by Cotton and Chocolate of Thousand Oaks, California, actually began in the fall of 2016. I wasn't able to get the initial instructions or shop for fabric until January 2017 during our annual visit to daughter and family. 

I can usually pick fabric for a quilt pretty quickly, but choosing fabric for this project had me roaming around the quilt store over and over. I found myself returning to the batiks corner several times, so I gave in to the siren song of turquoise and green batiks that continued to call to me.

Most of the block units were made in Florida while vacationing at my sister's place on the west coast and I finished them up at home. I found the perfect backing by chance at Yankee Quilter in Seymour, CT. Treasure Hunt was a true treasure to construct, especially because I was celebrating my retirement.