Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Finally, Almost Back To Normal . . . .


Things are starting to get back to normal at our house after celebrating the holidays and heading out to California to see the Rose Parade. I've still not gotten all the decorations down and packed, but after not being home between Christmas and New Years, we've enjoyed having them out, as opposed to so ready to pack everything up on January 1st, like other years.

Thanks so much for your encouragement and well wishes with regards to my 2011 Goals, and also for your take on what I considered a pretty sad 2010 when looking back at my UFO's. (by the way, I even forgot one, I had 7 UFO's, I forgot Darcy, a Schnibbles class I took this fall!)

Several folks gave me a perspective that had never occurred to me, and probably never would have; as I gain experience, I'm also expanding my likes and dislikes. When I first started quilting, I would make 2 or 3 quilts using the same pattern because I really didn't have any good direction or preference as to what to make, I just enjoyed sewing! My list of patterns, techniques and methods that I want to try grows weekly, why would I want to spend any amount of time on a project that doesn't suit, for any reason, just because I've started it!! Thanks so much turning around what I considered a newly developed quilting character flaw, into a positive statement on my developing skills, which really cheered me up!

It's been almost 3 weeks since I've spent any amount of time in my sewing room, but that changed today! Let me reintroduce you to Red, White & Wonderful, the quilt that I thought would be my last finish for 2010, but instead will be my first finish for 2011.



The pattern is by Gerri Robinson and was in the December 2007 issue of McCall's Quilting,


and uses the wonderful fabric, Roman Holiday by 3 Sisters for Moda.

First up, 5 of these

and four halves of these

to get this.....


I like it already.....

then

just 4 of these.....


to get this.....

How can 2 simple blocks and 4 different fabrics make something so lovely, in this case, "less is definitely more"! That from the queen of "more is more"!

All that's left is a couple of borders.

Even though this is a Christmas quilt, and even though I didn't finish this project in 2010 like I wanted, I STILL love it! This is one project I'm going to enjoy finishing, this week!


18 comments:

  1. Yummy and red!What a great start to the new year! Now get those decorations put away LOL....mine are still on the dining room table LOL!

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  2. What a beautiful quilt! I love it too! Sounds like you are really ENJOYING!

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  3. OH!!! Roman Holiday!! I am so, so, so green with envy! I bought a FQ pack when this line came out, and have kicked myself severely for not getting actual yardage of some it - especially the large floral in red. I've exhausted the web looking for it - it was extremely popular aparrently. I love what you're doing with it, and will look forward to seeing it progress. I've still not used my FQs, so you might just be inspiring me! Thanks so much for sharing with us! Jayne

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  4. Easy blocks and beautiful fabric. How can you go wrong? It will be beautiful. Doesn't have to be Christmas - maybe a valentine? Makes me look at my stash for possibilities.

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  5. What a gorgeous quilt this is going to be! I just love the fabrics. I SO wish I had that pattern so I can make 1 in reds. Looks like you are having alot of fun making this one

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  6. This is going to be a gorgeous quilt. I love going back and looking through my magazines. There are so many beautiful designs and patterns. I think I could quilt for many years just from the magazines I have in my library. If I don't find anything I would "love " to make, I pass the magazine on to other quilting friends. Your fabric is over the top beautiful!

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  7. It's very pretty! I love your reds...It's a colour I don't know very well. I hardly ever buy it but wish to use it more often. Enjoy your first finish!

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  8. That's going to be a gorgeous quilt when it's finished.

    Love and hugs Gina xxx

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  9. I have this pattern too from my monster stash of quilt magaazines. The Christmas issues always get a good thumb-though every year. I recently made a Gerri Robinson quilt too, her "Modern Wedding Ring and I love it. Her recent appearances in quilt magazines have shown a lot of variety in her designs and I have most of them marked. But, to have this particular quilt in a really heavenly fabric, just know it will be a favorite. Happy stitching.

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  10. I love, love, love this pattern and these fabrics. I have stashes of it and a UFO or two down in my sewing room out of this line right now! I'm so excited your completed quilt! I'll have to see if I have this magazine in my stash. I love the border fabric especially! Thanks for sharing.

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  11. I love blocks that make a chain across the quilt. This will be beautiful. Simplicity with beautiful fabrics is sometimes the best way to go.

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  12. Beautiful quilt Thelma. I love to see what you are doing because you have such good taste in fabric. Dortha

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  13. It's a beauty! It will be stunning once it is all done. Can't wait to see it!

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  14. That is going to be a beauty Thelma! Happy stitching!

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  15. And look, you will have a brand new Christmas quilt for this year. Nice to be ahead of the game, isn't it?

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  16. I LOVE this quilt! It is so pretty and can't wait to see it finished.
    Hugs,
    Donna

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  17. Thelma...thinking of 2010 in review...I had just started up my blog...and you were one of the first ones to put me on your blog roll. So many people have come to my blog because of you and I want to thank you from the itty bitty bottom of my heart.
    LOVE this red quilt by the way. You are one special person and I feel blessed to have had you in my life this past year!

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