Sunday, September 18, 2016

A Wooly and Wonderful Week


Thursday I did a kind of silent trunk show of wool applique at a local quilt guild to get them in the mood for the class I will be teaching for them next month. So I was trying to get a couple of WIPs to the point of flimsy so they could be in the display.
 This is a Kim Diehl design that I have made before. Still needs borders.

This was the one I made last year. I gifted it to a friend last year shortly before she died.
Then it was to go to her dear friend that had taken such good care of her during her illness.

I also added another border to Dedication Rose.
 Sometimes I love it and other times I think I will take the last border off. I'll have to ponder this one longer.

I've also spent a lot of time dying wool for the kits for next month's class, but I won't bore you with photos of that. That ends the wooly part of this post.

This is the wonderful part. Randy and I have completed our challenge. This is the quilt that arrived in the mail from her Friday. Doesn't it look great?
I love that Courthouse Steps block in the center with the other blocks forming a pattern radiating out from it. It is wonderful, Randy! Thank you so much!!
It was wrapped in this beautiful fabric. And look how fun that pieced back is!




This is what I sent to Randy.
It was really fun to swap, and we plan to try another swap when life slows down a little in the new year. Who are we kidding--does life ever really slow down?!?


The wonderfulness finished up Saturday when our church women's auxiliary brought in 5 of the Six Sisters and a bunch of their stuff.
They each spoke to us and then demonstrated some of their favorite recipes. They were inspirational, funny and delightful. DD#2 attended with me and we had a great time--laughing, crying, and eating.

This is my favorite time of year. Aside from the cooling weather, the golden hue of the sunlight and the colors of the changing leaves, I enjoy the Sandhill Cranes that migrate through our area. The other day they were so noisy and I could tell they were getting closer. I grabbed my camera and got out the door just in time to catch this. There were several more that wouldn't fit in the frame. I haven't seen this many together in our neighborhood before. I was thrilled.
This was a post of randomness, but that was my week. : )
Until next time,
Janet O.



43 comments:

  1. Good morning! I would never be bored by your pictures of wool/fabric/quilts etc!
    In my humble opinion the last border of "Dedication Rose" is beautiful and if it was mine I wouldn't take it of!
    I love watching cranes and envy you that they are migrating through your area! Lovely picture!
    Best wishes!

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  2. ilove your wool pieces...and i like the border on dedication rose...i'm seeing geese in formation around here so fall is really here...always inspired by your beautiful projects!

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  3. Love that first wool project. I like the border on the rose...leave it. sounds like a full week.

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  4. I am loving your Dedication Rose.. it is beautiful. The swap quilts are beautiful; I love hers and I love yours! What fun! Glad you and your daughter had a chance to have fun yesterday; looks like a good time. The crane pic is cool... I love this time of year, too. That moon last night was amazing!!

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  5. Random loveliness all! I do like that last border on Dedication Rose. The two swap pieces are absolutely beautiful, you and Randy make great swap partners. Your banner photo really depicts the beginning of the changing seasons there, and fall is so beautiful wherever we happen to find ourselves, there's such a peacefulness about it.

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  6. The outer border of your "Dedication Rose" is beautiful and we never get bored with your quilts ! No doubt about that Janet.... and the two similar doll quilts are sooo cute !
    I love this idea of swapping with Randy and both of the quilts are delightful !
    Congratulations for your work !

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  7. Another beautiful post with lovely eye candy. I'm off to start my day now, full of inspiration.

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  8. What? You're dying wool now too? I remember not too long ago, you weren't even interested in trying wool! And look at you now...teaching others! Love your swap with Randy. I like the most recent border that you added to Dedication Rose - looks great!

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  9. Your wool applique is gorgeous Janet! It beckons me to get back to mine - dang, I wish I had the time to do all I wanted to do! I like your border on Rose, but it does kind of demand it's own attention. And you and Randy did a superb job in making quilts for each other - Brava!!!! I'm enjoying the crispness to the air and looking forward to some lovely color, but can't help but cringing knowing that bitter winter awaits 🍂🍁🐿

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  10. Oh I wished I lived close enough to take that quilt. I love both the quilts you and Randy exchanged. Hugs

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  11. The wool appliqué is so pretty. One of these days I am going to try wool. Now just trying to get the UFO's under control!

    Mary

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  12. Beautiful! I love the border on your Dedication Rose. You are correct life does not slow down, just go for it! Am taking a wool appliqué class on Thursday--wish you were sitting beside me to hold my hand.

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  13. For openers, I miss the rainbow, but that's a beautiful fall scene, and I love the picture of the cranes too. Your felt works are really pretty. I hope you won't remove that border. Both Randy's and your little quilts are so special; gorgeous work by both of you! ---"Love"

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  14. Just home from being away nearly two weeks and caught up with all you've been up to. Love your stuff, Janet.

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  15. Super sweet little quilts, I really like the last border on the Kim Diehl quilt! Good to see the cranes, so hard to photograph birds on the wing!

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  16. You are dyeing WOOL? That's totally awesome Janet! Lucky ladies who will be in your class - they'll be learning from the BEST! How fun to have swapped little quilts with Randy - both projects are just delightful! I vote for keeping the last border on your quilt - really frames it and pulls the color out to the edges! Were the (5) sisters presenting at a stake, or ward activity? Would have been very fun to be in attendance - glad you had a good time! Great post!

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  17. Loving your "randomness" - your posts are always filled with much to delight the eye! Those sandhill cranes must have reached us yesterday - a large flock circled over the house eyeing the landing options but decided 2 shelties & a large golden retriever were a tad too much. What a great swap you had and I really like the detail of your border - think it should stay!

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  18. These are so pretty♥ Have a lovely Sunday ♥

    summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com

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  19. Wish I was close enough to take your class! How fun! Loved that you shared your week! Always a treat!

    Blessings and hugs!

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  20. Lucky girls that get to take your class!! They are all pretty excited!! Keep the border on Dedication Rose - it is fabulous!! Both Randy's and your little quilts are wonderful gifts to each other!! And the Cranes are spectacular!! Great picture!!

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  21. I like your Wool project. The Swap with Randy was perfect. I'm waiting for the Life to Slow Down too! Nothing can beat last week's BUSY-NESS! Whoa, I need a long winter Nap!

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  22. Love your wool project. Mind if I ask what type of thread are you using ?? Your posts are wonderful to read and your projects inspirational !!

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    1. Brenda, you are a no-reply blogger so I can't respond to you directly. Don't know if you will see this, but I use Valdani 12 wt. for my wool applique.
      Thanks for the nice comment. : )

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  23. If I were closer, I'd be in your class. I love your wool applique', but I am just in awe of all of your little quilts. I especially love the photo you posted of all of your patriotic decorations on your table. And, your part of the country is just beautiful. I always love your posts.

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  24. Your work all looks so wonderful. I have not done much wool work, but I wish I could be in your class. Your exchange quilts are both so beautiful. I don't know if I have seen that color combo before, but it works really well. I think you both got great gifts.

    I had never heard of the 6 Sisters. I followed the link and enjoyed looking at their website. How can they be so slim and trim and cook all that fabulous food? Glad you had fun with your daughter.

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  25. I adore your woolly works! And, I would say that you and Randy outdid yourselves with this swap. They are both sensational. Such an inspiration.

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  26. Had so much fun with you and "the sisters" on Saturday! The shot of the cranes is lovely...and I love the new header as well!
    I vote to keep the border on :)

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  27. I'm sure your silent trunk show wasn't to silent with all the ooo's and ahhh's. Your exchange with Randy was a win for both of you. Lovely!

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  28. Lovely wooly work Janet, I like that last border - I wonder what you will decide to do with it? You and Randy had a successful swap; I love both your items. What a wonderful photo of the cranes...I always enjoy Autumn too, but am looking forward to more spring weather just at the moment!

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  29. You do such amazing work. And you're sew generous. Love the two bird pieces, I'm partial to the blackbird. I didn't know you were so musical. Violin and mandolin, I'm impressed. I just know how to drive kids to their lessons~

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  30. I enjoyed your post. Just the kind of pleasant diversion I needed. Your wooly wonders look good and that picture of the cranes is amazing.

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  31. Randy was concerned that her little quilt would not be up to snuff for you but I can't see why she would be worried. She did very well making her quilt.
    I like the border you did for the Dedication Rose. Picks up the colors from the main part and adds interest to the design. Good choice.

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  32. Janet, love the way you posed my little quilt with the creamer and sugar! Makes it look so much better! VBg
    Your wool appliques are both awesome. I didn't know you were teaching a class. Remind me NOT to do a swap with you where there is wool applique involved!!
    I expect you to make a quilt with those fabulous cranes in them next up!!
    Glad you had a great week! Let me know when your life slows down...

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  33. It's so funny how *different* the two Kim Diehl pieces look, even though they're the same pattern. Prints/colors do make SUCH a difference! Your Dedication Rose piece is lovely--I hope you leave the borders. :) Both your outgoing and incoming swap pieces were just precious!! Great shot of the Sandhill Cranes...you know we're kindred spirits with regard to how we feel about fall! Bestest! Your time spent with the (five of) Six Sisters looks like a terrific way to spend the morning -- laughter doeth good like medicine! And good eats don't hurt, either!! :)

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  34. Surprise! It is me...long lost Quilt Hollow popping in for a quick peek into your quilty world. Always inspires me to get busy on my own little quilts...if only a few more hours during a day when I have energy. Love the exchange between you and Randy...both equally pretty!!

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  35. The two grey and red quilts are very different from what I think of as your usual colorways, but both are delightful. Loved to see the Kim Diehl and sorry you lost your friend. How wonderful that it will now be treasured by her caretaker.

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  36. I guess I live under a rock or something--never heard of the sisters! It was fun to check them out--your day with your daughter must have been great! Love seeing your swap stuff--you both are very talented! If I lived closer, I would be at your class, for sure!

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  37. What a jam-packed post, Janet. Your stitching on the Kim Diehl pieces is amazing -- perfection! I know wool on cotton has become popular lately but the combination must be for display-only pieces, right?

    I think your Dedication Rose block looks great with the last border, but I'm wondering what you see that makes you consider removing it.

    Yours and Randy's little quilts are both beautiful. Such tiny pieces to sew.
    --Nancy. (ndmessier @ aol.com, joyforgrace.blogspot.com)

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  38. what a nice post. I too love this time of year for the colorful show that nature provides.
    Your wool pieces are so pretty. Good luck with your workshop.
    What wonderful swap you and Randy had. the two quilts are unique and intricate. What great workmanship.
    Loved the crane photo - gorgeous!

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    Replies
    1. it is me - my computer was on my daughters profile. xo

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  39. Looks like you had a lovely week.

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  40. Love seeing your wool applique. I'm sure the ladies will love the class and their project!!
    The cranes are so cool!!

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  41. I like your bluebird of happiness! How fun for you and Randy to do a swap. The colors seem similar - was that part of the challenge?

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