Friday, October 31, 2014

Home Sweet Home

Just got home from a week long visit to see my family in California - the weather was perfect. I had a great time with everyone and we did some fun things together -  lots of antiquing, shopping, eating, visiting and game playing. But it's always good to come home again.

One day while I was there, we had nothing planned for the afternoon. I had fallen in love with the micro mini 9-patch that Janet made recently, so I rummaged through my mom's small fabric stash and found stuff that would work to make my own version - on the right in the picture below. After my mom tried to steal it from me, I decided she needed one of her own, so I stitched up another using different colors. The 9-patches measure 7/8" - teeny tiny - and the finished size is 7" square. Neither of them got quilted before I left - we'll each have to do that on our own.


I cut the strips 5/8" wide and used the narrow edge of presser foot on my mom's old machine for a seam allowance - probably 1/8". Fun and challenging at the same time!


Looking around my mom's house I decided to snap pictures of the little quilts I've made for her through the years - I'd forgotten about some of them. This bear's paw quilt in her bedroom is probably 12" square. I also made the bear on the shelf and the little pieced heart he is holding.


This Double Wedding Ring is displayed in an 8" x 10" wood frame under glass.  It was made by appliquing bias strips onto a muslin backing - then fussy cutting the floral hearts in the center of each ring and fusing them into place.


This twister quilt is probably 5" square.


And this tumbler quilt is 10" x 15" or so - boring using only two fabrics.


This scrappy zig zag quilt is about 6" square - not sure why I gave it to her since red is NOT her color! Displayed on a small wood easel with a piece of cardboard behind it so it won't flop around.


Another project we worked on while I was there was this cute little rocking chair my sister bought at the thrift store for her grand daughter - only $4.99! I forgot to take a before picture, but it was just natural wood with a light stain. A can of red spray paint and a new cushion made with lady bugs made it look brand new. We had planned to add some details on the back spindles using black & pink paint, but ran out of time before I left.


Below is a small 21" quilt I made before I left home - it's a Kim Diehl pattern - a variation on a bear's paw block. I have a grundle of 1-1/2" HSTs all ready to use when the need arises, so it worked up pretty quickly for me. Quilted with a 1" grid over the entire surface.

I'm anxious to get back to some of the things I was working on - and maybe start something new too! Happy Halloween!


13 comments:

Karen said...

I am quite attracted to your tiny nine patch quilts. I can understand why your mother wanted one too.

woolwoman said...

How awesome seeing those miniature quilts in your mom's collection. You are so talented Gayle - always love your stuff !
Hope you are enjoying fall - Mel

Janet O. said...

Two wonderful little 9-patch quilts, Gayle!
I loved seeing all of the little quilts you have given your Mom. Gathering inspiration here! : )
And that rocker has been given new life. What little girl wouldn't love it?

Julia said...

Oh my, Gayle, your tiny quilts are just adorable. You have so much patience sewing those teeny tiny pieces of fabric together. There must be more thread than fabric in there. So very cute.
Hugs,
JB

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

I just love all the miniatures you shared with us. And am in awe that you had the patience (and skill) to actually work with such teeny tiny pieces on those 9 patches!

audrey said...

Oh wow! Some of these are excruciatingly small! The piecing!! Very sweet.:)

Sue SA said...

Love seeing the mini quilts you had made your Mother - and the process, thanks! I am very impressed you got them to work out so perfectly, they look fantastic.

Three Sheep Studio said...

Your mom is so lucky to have all those "small" treasures. I have always been taken by how you can pick up some scraps and turn them into something wonderful !
The rocking chair is perfect ;)
Rose

Raymond Homestead said...

Sounds like you had a great time! Sweet little rocking chair.

Rugs and Pugs said...

Gayle,
I just love all your mini quilts. I can't even imagine stitching such tiny pieces.
I still treasure my little pug mat you made me!!! It holds a place of honor in my hooking room.
Hugs :)
Lauren

Kyle said...

What a fun trip you had. Nothing beats spending time with family. All of your minis are really so tiny. You have to have a great deal mof patience and skill to complete those so perfectly. I can see why your Mom wanted a nine patch for her collection. Oh, And I love the redone rocking chair too. All super cute.

Lori said...

Nice your mom has the little quilts displayed and enjoys them. Your newest little quilts are so cute! (and small!)

The Wool Cupboard said...

Wow, Gayle! LOVE all the little quilts you have made for your Mom! You amaze me with how much you accomplish.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful quilts!

Hugs,
Linda