Sunday, September 6, 2015

Eye Candy

In my last post I shared a penny rug that I worked on during a recent road trip. This little quilt below was another bit of handwork that kept me busy on the same outing. I got all the hexies basted and stitched together while traveling. Then I sewed them onto the backing fabric and added the appliqued flower when I got home. It's quilted and bound and I'm enjoying it in my home now. Measures about 8" x 10" total.

Last week I met with my rug group and they had some great show & tell. Leisa was working on her poppy rug during the meeting, but she pulled out this wonderful quilt to work on during the ride home (she was a passenger for a one hour drive). I LOVED the story behind this quilt and she gave me permission to share it here. She made this quilt for her husband's 50th birthday and every bit of it has significance. The background was made by printing important documents onto fabric - things like his Air Force discharge papers, his wedding certificate, his diploma from medical school etc... She then added the wool tree which has a wool leaf for each of his 50 years. The birds nestled in the branches represent their family (children & grandchildren).  He raises bees - hence the bee skep. Because he was in the military, they moved a LOT through the years and each of their houses is depicted in the border. He's an avid fisherman so that is depicted by the water and the fish. The fabric on the back of the quilt was printed with world maps - perfect! This is a one-of-a-kind quilt that will become a priceless heirloom to her family - kinda makes me cry when I look at it!

There was lots of other great eye candy to see at our gathering. Sandy brought this finished rug that has a nautical vibe to it - she plans on using in in front of her bathroom sink - nice to sink your toes into on a chilly morning!

Her Maggie B. bee skep is completed and looks SO nice!

She also had this cute baby quilt that she made for a niece.

And she hooked this cute little sheep while she was with us - ran out of wool and could quite finish his tummy....

Kim has been working on some 'draft dodgers' for three of her windows that let the cold air in during the winter. The background is unhooked linen and adds a nice touch to the project. These two are finished with snowmen & trees, and she's currently working on a third with mittens on it.


Her mom recently died and she showed us this darling little quilted pillow of entwined hearts that two of her dear friends made for her - such a special gift!

Victoria is nearly finished with this apple harvest rug - just a little bit more to do.

Coralee is hooking a memory rug that shows her life on a farm in earlier years.

Jeanette's colorful turkey should be done in time for Thanksgiving in a couple months.

And Sharon's old looking floral rug is so pretty - there will be two of them that are very similar in color and design.

I just sat and visited the entire time - didn't even have a project to work on - and that was just fine with me for once!  Here is a book that I read recently - it was a good  story set during the Blitz in London.
In my next post I'll share the finished baby quilt that I made for my new grandson. He's not here quite yet, but should make an appearance very soon - we can hardly wait!

15 comments:

Rugs and Pugs said...

Gayle,
Thanks for all the eye candy.
I love the story behind the quilt!
Happy Labor Day weekend to you.
Hugs :)
Lauren

Saundra said...

WOW!!!!!! Leisa's quilt and story were awesome. I'm sure her husband was quite delighted and proud she took the effort with such meaningful memories.
Saundra

Karen said...

The hexagon small quilt is cute as can be. A nice size to display on an end table.
I enjoyed seeing all the other projects. Thanks for sharing pictures.

Julia said...

Gayle, there are so many beautiful creations here on your post but the story of this quilt is just over the top. It's beautiful and meaningful and such a great reminder of their life as a family through the years. Thanks for sharing this.
Hugs,
JB

518Frenchgirl said...

Hi Gayle, I am thrilled to announce and thanks for your help---I am on the blogging grid with my comments and replies. Lori's tutorial did the trick and we tested it and it's corrected. You are so fortunate to have so many women and friends interested in the same things. Everything is so nice, great blog topic, but can't wait to see your baby boy grandson quilt...which reminds me, I have to start a quilt for my expected grandchild, but I don't know if a boy or girl. Need to look at fabrics...soon! Marilou

Kyle said...

All those little hexies. Loved looking at all the eye candy.

annie said...

These are all such wonderful projects.
I love all your little quilts!
The one your friend made for her husband is amazing.
Thank you so much for sharing them all!

Cheryl said...

Lots of beautiful eye candy. Love the birthday quilt and its story.

Me and My Stitches said...

What a special birthday quilt - that is just wonderful, I love all of the little details. Beautiful rugs and show and tell from your group, as always. Can't wait to see your baby quilt!

Janet O. said...

You've made such a sweet little hexie quilt. I love that it is so unique--did you get inspiration from something, or did it just come to you?
Leisa's creation is out of this world! What a lovely birthday offering. Can't buy that at Walmart!!
So much beautiful work from your group, I can't single out any of them. Seriously, you didn't do anything? You sat and visited and relaxed? How nice for you. : )

em's scrapbag said...

Congrats on the soon to arrive grandbaby! Who is having the baby?

Love all the eye candy. They birthday quilt is amazing!

Farm Girl said...

I love all of the eye candy. I am so glad your grandson will be here soon. That is so nice about this time of life. I really love every single picture. What wonderful rugs, and quilts. I just love all kinds of stitchery and I love looking at the pictures. Have a lovely day.

Lesley said...

Thank you so much for sharing such beautiful projects and their stories. Enjoy finishing your baby quilt! Nothing better than grand babies and quilts!

audrey said...

Your little hexy, appliqued flower quilt is wonderful! Very sweet.:) Thanks for sharing the different projects. It's always a treat to see new things.

acorn hollow said...

Well you are right lots of eye candy! I loved them all and great inspiration.
Cathy