Projects and UFO's
Quilters use the phrase UFO's which describes projects currently under construction. The "unfinished fabric objects" are projects which may be as old as ten years (no lie) or a relatively new project which has gotten shoved to the back of the pile when another project became a top priority.
My First Quilts
I found a pattern called Toad in the Puddle by Marti Mitchell in a quilting magazine. It seemed perfect to attempt a doll quilt for Josie. The degree of difficulty for this pattern was at least an intermediate level and I was a very inexperienced beginner.
Next I found a quilt pattern in a magazine which appeared to be a lot simpler. It looked like a great way to express my love of gardening in fabric. By this time I had made a planning board out of flannel to experiment with the layout of a quilt and had purchased more of the quilter's tools of the trade. I call this wall hanging In The Garden and is dedicated to the memory of my daddy.
When I was about 22 years old with small children, I saw a pattern in the paper using cross stitched roses to be
transferred to plain fabric, embroidered and made into a quilt top. Low and behold I couldn't begin to afford the
material required. The transfers got put in a box, my life got busy with many other things.
My first UFO.
Thirty-seven years later, we moved to
Alma and I totally retired. Now was my chance to begin my first full-size quilt. Anticipating finally having the time
and the money to make this quilt, I got the transfers out of the box only to discover they had all dried out and
could not possibly be ironed onto fabric.
Never one to give up a dream, I recreated the design on graphic paper which I then used to do counted cross
stitching on checked gingham material. The quilt was finally completed in 2007 with
embroidered blocks, machine pieced
and hand quilted. It is dedicated to Bob and I and our journey together. I call it Roses in December.
Completed Projects and UFO's
Grandmothers Flower Garden in multiple colors which was hand pieced and hand quilted is completed for Granddaughter Melissa. I call it Missy's Flower Garden. This quilt received a blue ribbon and a purple ribbon (best in class) at the Harlan County Fair. Tommy's Leaf Pile using the Toad in the Puddle pattern and fall colors is completed for Grandson Tommy. Just completed on Saturday, July 28, 2012 is the Autumn Galaxy of Stars for son Jim and his wife Cathy. It was awarded a blue ribbon at the Harlan County Fair.
It is said that if you can count the number of UFO's, then it is time to start another project. I'll admit to being in this category of quilters. I do know some who buy a Kit which includes pattern and material, and complete the quilt in its entirety prior to starting anything new. BORING
Currently I have six full-sized quilts in various stages of construction along with various other projects. Josie's Marriage a sampler in blues for Granddaughter Josie is in the process of being hand quilted. A double wedding ring in reds and blacks for grandson Michael was completely pieced by hand and is ready for the border. Christmas in Texas a lone star quilt for grandson Nels using Christmas fabric is currently being machine pieced. For this quilt, I am copying an old quilt I think my great grandmother made. The Royal Purple Garden, a purple sampler quilt from a Marti Mitchell pattern is ready for the borders. The good thing about this quilt is that it will be completely quilted when I am done piecing because I used the quilt-as-you-go technique. Hydrangeas quilt is in its infancy for son Rob and his wife Kelly. In addition, I am embroidering butterfly blocks for a quilt for grandson Brandon. The quilts for the other three grandsons, Sean, Rob 2, and Zack are yet to be determined.
Autumn Galaxy of Stars
Posted August 2, 2012
