Wednesday, July 22, 2015

All Caught Up (kind of)


The Buttermilk Basin Mystery blocks that have been revealed so far are all stitched. Here we have July. I know the pattern had a butterfly, but mine was begging for a flag--so it got one.

These are May and June's blocks (or June and May, since blogger reversed them).

I've decided my signature mark on each block will be a little round button somewhere--sometimes more than one. I even went back and put them on the older blocks.

But I'm not sure about those buttons on the purple background. They seemed to be a good match in the quilt shop, but in every lighting I have tried them under since, I don't care for the combo. I may have to switch those out.

Here is a shot of all of the blocks so far. I have continued to add little touches as I look back at them. They may forever just be works in progress. : )

The other project that needed catching up is the Attic Heirlooms Ornaments. Mine are little quilt blocks rather than ornaments. I'm cutting the blocks 5" for now, but will trim them down before assembly. It will be a small quilt in the end. I have the first four blocks finished and you have seen them before.

The next three are only fused, and it will take a bit of stitching to bring them to life. That is the "sort of" in my All Caught Up title.
The white and yellow blobs will magically turn into a cute snow angel with a garland. The others are self-explanatory, and they involve some beadwork, too. I don't have tiny beads--this will require some shopping.

These blocks are going to a friend who is making a quilt for a friend. The large ones are 12" and the small ones are 6".
Do you have any idea how long it has been since I made a 12" block? I don't either! : )

But look what those huge blocks gave me in return.
Lots of little bonus HSTs! I trimmed these to 1 3/8", which was easier than it sounds, with my Itty Bitty Eights rulers! They will finish at 7/8", or close to it, depending on how accurate I try to be.

Parting shot--my 85 year-old Mom with her final quilt! I mentioned before that she named this her Happy Quilt. It is machine pieced and hand quilted--all of Mom's quilts are hand quilted!
She says she has no regrets and will not miss quilting. She has loved it, but she is finished! In case you doubt the finality of this, she has given away her quilt books, fabric, and tools. The end of an era that has lasted decades! She was my first quilting mentor.

Until next time,
Janet O.


37 comments:

  1. Your mom is a beautiful 85 years YOUNG! What a happy quilt. And, if she does decide she wants to do a little more quilting 'someday' she has a daughter with ample supplies and scraps to start her on her way again! Those Buttermilk Basin blocks are wonderful, and isn't it fun to add our own individual touches to each block along the way! Quilting has so many rewards along the way, for each quilter something different and all beautiful.

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  2. I love the buttons on the purple....a little contrast is good and they add some zing along the way..
    The star block are beuatiful....will really be nice in your friends quilt.
    Your Mom is beautiful, just like her quilt! Although it is hard to understand her decision, got to applaud her for finishing up in a big way.....and on her own terms. Wish I was smart enough to remember to do that!

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  3. Your Mom is beautiful, she looks much younger than her years! It makes me sad to think of her giving up quilting, but if that 's her final decision it should be respected, I know she must have her reasons and what a happy way to conclude with that pretty, vibrant quilt. Is that her home where the quilt is displayed? Oh, the flowers!! Your minis are all wonderful, the details are perfect. Don't beat yourself up over the buttons on the purple, they look quite snazzy from here, nice contrast! I'm not surprised that you found a use for the leftover HSTs... that Itty Bitty ruler makes the cutting so precise and perect, well done! Thank you for the terrific show and tell today!

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  4. I think those buttons on the red background are fine ... a nice contrast and a little pop. But only you know if you'll be happy with it ... so go with what your heart is telling you. Your mom is so beautiful and so young looking ... wow, that quilt is spectacular. Obviously the Apple didn't fall far from the tree when it comes to your creating fabulous quilts!

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  5. Your Mom standing next to her quilt is so wonderful - what a lovely lady! She has taught you well and I can see where your talents come from. Perfect choice to place the flag on July's block. Happy stitching!

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  6. Your mother made a very Happy Quilt. Sorry to hear she is giving it all up. I'm sure she has a good diversion for her spare time. Great progress on your blocks that aren't a BOM. I still haven't found a shop with that Itty Bitty ruler. Guess I need a road trip to Utah...

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  7. Your Buttermilk Basin blocks are wonderful. My favorite part is that cat face =^.^=
    What a sweet picture also of your mom. What a gift to have such a mentor!
    My mom was the garden mentor...it hasn't taken on yet ;-)

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  8. first the buttons on purple look great! i'd leave them and that is a neat idea to have a signature item...second, your mom like mine doesn't look anywhere near her age....mine is 88...still has her blonde hair...yes true! and i love your big AND little blocks....nice choice of fabrics!

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  9. Love all your blocks--so cute!! I have often thought of how I would end my quilting adventures--I am so worried about leaving so much stuff for others to sort out. Good for your Mom to make a hard decision!

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  10. Your Mom's quilt is beautiful and you had a great mentor. Wonderfully kind of her to pass on her quilting books and tools. My Mom is 87 and still sews the binding on quits--not sure she is physically able to take on the making of another quilt. I envy you being caught up!

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  11. I just LOVE your Buttermilk Basin blocks Janet! And the flag is perfect there - doesn't every July quilt need a flag? Were you glad to be done with the large blocks so you could get back to your tiny ones?

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  12. I love your Buttermilk Basin BOM's. Super cute. In fact, I added a flag to mine too. Your mom is so youthful and her quilt reflects that. It's beautiful and so is she.

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  13. Love that last shot of Grandma! What a lady :)
    pretty little hst from the big blocks...I like the colors
    I was surprised to see wings on your snow angel ;)

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  14. All of your projects look great and are such a pleasure to look at. Your mom's quilt is beautiful. I, too, think it sad that she is giving up quilting as she does such beautiful work. Maybe mini's? Her decision is to be respected - just hope she doesn't get too bored.

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  15. I love your Mom's quilt. What a beautiful lady she is! Your Buttermilk Basins blocks are wonderful! (So wonderful I went over to Stacy's website and printed them all off.) Love the little 1/2 square triangle quilt!

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  16. Personalized blocks are your specialty, I think :). Love your versions! Your mom's last quilt is beautiful. Glad she passed on her love of this art.

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  17. Your Buttermilk Basin blocks are so satisfying to look at. Just so nice.

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  18. I loved seeing your Mom and her last quilt together in the flowerbed! So precious. All your blocks are pretty but the bonus HST's just sparkle!

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  19. So nice to see your Mum with her pretty quilt. Loving your MB mystery blocks and how you have displayed them. I guess 12" blocks are gigantic to you! :-)

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  20. It is always such a treat to read your posts and see all your wonderful little projects. What a terrific picture of your Mom and her quilt.

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  21. Your projects are so festive and ready for celebrations. Great star project and I love the little HSTs. Wonderful smile your mom has with her quilt.

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  22. I just love all of your work! Your little wool applique blocks are perfect, and the substitution of the flag is the best. The blocks for a friend are fantastic - love the little pinwheel center!! And your mom is beautiful (and so is her quilt)- she looks so young! It's kind of sad that she quit quilting, but I know that you and the girls will keep that legacy alive!

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  23. I just love everything in this post...you are such an inspiration!

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  24. I love your Mum's quilt, what a happy way to finish her quilting days. I laughed about with you about the statement about making 12" blocks - when I make anything bigger than a 7" it fels so odd, I know just what you mean! (not that I make as many tiny ones as you do!) Your wool work is beautiful too, love how they are growing with you as you think of extra things to add. A lovely inspiring post!

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  25. What a great bonus for making the larger quilt blocks Janet! Definitely worth it! Your little wool appliqué projects are so cute - I love that you're adding your own touches to them as you go. I can see a family resemblance with your mom - her quilt is lovely! What's she doing with all her free time now?

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  26. Wow, those star blocks are fabulous!!!!! And 12"!!! I bet you were in "size shock"!!!! But those little hst are fabulous!!! And your wool work - absolutely darling!! I keep saying that I am going to start doing some wool projects - but alas, my wool has been yarn and knitting!!!

    What a treasure your mother is - not only an inspiration to you, but to all with whom you have shared!! Thank you!!! She is as beautiful as her quilt!!! Makes me "happy" just to see the photo!!

    Blessings dear friend!

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  27. Julie L sent me over to look today. What treasures you create! What a great photo of your mom and her quilt. Another treasure!Plus the red and white flowers look fantastic! It must have been difficult for your mom to give up something she loved, like making quilts. You know I love everything you create and it is always a pleasure to visit! :)

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  28. WOW!! Great post!! All your projects are looking so good!! My favs are the beehive block and the dapper snowman in the red jacket!! Heck, most of your quilts are 12"!! You are so brave to cut up those star blocks!! :-)) Your Mom is darling and her final quilt is magnificent!!

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  29. I am loving the Buttermilk Basin's patterns -- they're so darling! do you have a plan to put them together (or use them separately) or are you just going to see what she does with them?? This months block almost looks like it was done on burlap! I bet that would be cute -- wool stitched on burlap?! I've saved the patterns, but haven't stitched any up yet. May have to give the burlap/wool combo a try! The Attic Heirloom ornaments are precious -- I'm just sorry I didn't realize it was a BOM until now! LOL! Are you familiar with the ornament of the month on Bunny Tales? They're kinda right up your alley: http://bunnyhillblog.com/free-patterns/snow-happy-hearts/. Continuing to keep you in my prayers. Love you, dear friend!!! :)

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  30. Janet, that photo of your mom in front of that beautiful quilt is priceless. Hard to believe your mom is 85! She looks great! And all your other projects, getting done! VERY impressive. I really did want to do the Buttermilk one but maybe another time. Your blocks are very inspiring!!

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  31. The BB wool pieces are so cute. I may do more of them - so far just one. I'm sure your Mom has put in enough time with quilting and left a wonderful legacy for her family!

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  32. Oh! the BB blocks are so great. I love the flag and also the strawberry. The kitty looks like my Starbuck. Your Christmas ornaments are so charming. I love simple Christmas motifs.
    LOVE your stars! the different sizes are wonderful. I hope you'll share your friends quilt.
    What a wonderful photo of your mom with her Happy quilt. She looks beautiful among the flowers.
    Great post with lots of eye candy!

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  33. Such fantastic blocks!
    I feel sad about your Mom not quilting! Not that it has anything to do with me LOL!
    But I just can't see myself stopping, and would be so lost without it.
    Do you think she will be okay without quilting in her life?

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  34. Your work is always amazing. I wonder what made your Mom give everything away and stop quilting. Does she do any other craft like knitting or crochet? I feel like I will always have a hobby of some kind to keep my hands busy. I tell my husband that this keeps me off the street....and he says, "off of the street and into the quilt shop."

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  35. Janet, I adore evry project you make...you are so talented. Love that you shared the picture of your mom with her happy quilt...she taught you well!

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  36. First off, your beautiful mom does not look her age! I love your little round button idea! You do such wonderful work. I also really like the movement of those little half square triangles.

    Have a wonderful and Blessed day
    Kristie

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  37. Love your projects and the little holder for the Buttermilk Basin blocks.
    Your mom's quilt is wonderful and she looks great for 85!!

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