Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Ashley's Red & White Nine Patch Delight . . . . . .

I had 3 main reasons for starting my blog:

First, I wanted to be able to participate in challenges and giveaways. That's worked out well, I own 3 quilts that I love and never would have made if it were not for my blog AND have received the neatest things in the mail.

Second, I wanted some quilting friends that would share their love of quilting, challenge my skills, and provide support as I navigated my way through the myriad of families of fabric, patterns, and tools. That has surpassed my wildest expectations. I have and continue to meet wonderful people through my blog, people I would consider friends, even though we've never met face to face. You have no idea how happy that has made me and how much you all have added to my very small life. Thank You!

Third, I wanted a journal of the quilts that I have made and plan to make. If you look at the Categories to the left, little by little I'm blogging about all of my 54 quilts. But that's one area I need to improve on. Some quilt stories will be more interesting than others, and it's the boring ones that are the hardest to document so I'm going to improve on that, starting today!

Here's Quilt # 2 - Ashley's Red and White Nine Patch Delight.


Yes, this is the second quilt top I made, way back in 2005. My first quilt class was a beginning class that taught me how to make split rails and nine patches. From that basic knowledge I made this quilt, it was easy, pretty much more of the same, split rails and four patches instead of nine.

The pattern is "Nine Patch Delight" from Marti Michell's "Quilting for People Who Still Don't Have Time to Quilt" book. A wonderful book for a beginner, I highly recommend it.

I made this quilt for my daughter, she requested something red and white so there was no way to go wrong on the fabric choices. Ashley was thrilled to have her quilt and immediately started using it as a throw. It made me happy to think of her 1800 miles away watching TV under one of my quilts. But as happy as I was for her to be snuggled under a quilt, it wasn't until just this past fall that I felt comfortable enough to get some of my quilts out of the closet and actually start using them. Something else I can contribute to my blogging friends. What was I waiting for??

Speaking of red....

This week I washed this backing for my October Schnibbles top, "One Star, Two Star, Red Star, Blue Star. (Quilt # 52)

And as I have learned through your blogs, not only to wash the backings, but to use these neat little Color Catchers. So nothing new......


But look here....look what I found at the bottom of the washer after I removed my fabric, a lone sock, a lone WHITE sock, not pink sock, WHITE!! Color Catchers....can't live with out 'em!


And finally, for today, when I blogged about Farmhouse Threads, the pattern company of "Oh Christmas Tree", several folks commented that they bought a different Farmhouse Threads pattern "Let It Snow".

One of my friends is making that pattern. She liked the pattern so well she's making it bigger, she sent me this picture the other day, isn't it just the perfect time of year to be looking at all those happy, smiling snowman faces!!

I have a "Let It Snow" pattern that I'm giving away today. One, because this is the time of year someone should be working on this quilt, and two, to say Thanks for stopping by!

Just leave a comment on this post before Friday, January 15h, Pacific time. I'll announce the winner on Saturday.

27 comments:

  1. Isn't that cute, Thelma! I think a lot of people are having snow experiences that they don't usually have, so you'll probably get a lot of interest in this pattern! Here in Canada, snow is old hat (yawn)! But we still love snowmen! Sign me up for the giveaway!

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  2. Those snowmen are so darn cute! What a fun pattern!

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  3. oh my gosh I love that quilt pattern and would love to win it!
    I collect snowman and would love to make this quilt too.
    Thanks!!!!!! its adorable and yes I would probably have to make larger one as well as a little one!

    Kathie

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  4. Thelma, I am sure the quilt has brought your daughter many hours of warmth and comfort knowing you made it for her. I love red and white! You are an inspiration to us!
    The snowman pattern is darling! I have never seen this pattern and it is so cute!
    Blessings,
    Donna

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  5. Those snowmen are adorable and we've got some piles of snow here that they could play in! Pjn

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  6. Your red and white's are so scrumptious.
    I have to try and find those colour catchers here. I've not had a problem, knock on wood, but why keep tempting fate?

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  7. Thelma, so glad you decided to start your blog. I enjoy reading every post. I guess Ashley shares your love of red! Beautiful quilt. I also thank Blogland for telling me about the benefits of Color Catchers. Never would have known otherwise. So cool about your white sock! You should send in that testimonial to the company! Love the Snowman pattern. Too cute! Have a great day!

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  8. This is soo cute..I love snowmen

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  9. Oh, I ordered that pattern, the tea dyed fabric and orange wool - it lingers in my sewing room. LOL You may have just inspired me to get started - it's adorable.

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  10. I am so glad for what I have learned from blogs and the one challenge I have joined in. Would love the chance at the snowman pattern.

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  11. I'm so happy you started blogging or I'd have never met you! I love that snowman pattern and already have one of my own, so please don't include me in the drawing.

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  12. Whew! That is one lucky sock! What adorable snowmen, I love the pattern. I love your blog, very inspiring.

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  13. I just discovered your blog today while searching for sources for Farmhouse Threads patterns! And you are giving away the one I want to buy! Loved your quirky things! I lived in an "I" state in my previous life. I've enjoyed all the snow pix you bloggers have shared this season.

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  14. I've looked at this pattern several times. I'd love to make it. Love your tree quilt.

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  15. Oh, that is just the perfect pattern for my best friend. She is the Queen of all things Snowman. Except for an actual snowman since we live in San Diego.

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  16. Your second quilt is terrific!
    I too am glad that you started blogging! Now I have one more friend.

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  17. Love your O Christmas tree quilt. I would love to win the Let it Snow Pattern. Thanks for a chance to win.

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  18. The snowmen quilt if very cute. I have a snowman collection I use at Christmas time and that quilt would be make a good companion piece.

    By the way, I enjoy reading the stories of your quilts.

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  19. what a sweet snowman pattern ... and i love the christmas tree quilt that you finished on new year's - that is a whole lotta tiny little squares!

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  20. I love reading the stories behind your quilts...

    Thanks for the give away

    SheilaC

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  21. That is a great pattern. I have seen it in the past, but never purchased it. And I would still love to have it and use it. I am finishing up my red/white snowball challenge quilt, and definately have the fabric "snow" to make the snowmen! This looks like a great scrap user quilt.
    Thanks for sharing all your quilts and thanks, too for the chance to win a cute pattern!
    Debra in Ohio

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  22. Aren't these snow guys cute? It looks like a fun project, thanks for sharing!

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  23. Oh how I would love this pattern. I am crazy about snowmen. They are the one decoration that goes up right after Thanksgiving and stays up until March.
    Thanks for the opportunity to win this.

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  24. This pattern of the snowmen faces is just too cute. I live in New England so snow is a strong theme here :) I love that red and white quilt that you made for your daughter. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  25. OMG! I have to win that pattern. I was cruising Farmhouse Threads website last week and fell in love with that pattern. I even ordered a fat quarter bundle of Colonial Christmas to use for it.

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  26. I just love that pattern! Now's the time to get started on some cute winter quilts. Maybe by next winter I'll have them done.

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  27. Oh, that is a lovely quilt. I think it would be so cute living at my house. Please enter me in the pattern contest! And thank you! Lizzie Quilting in Northern California

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