Auditioning Fabric...

Brynwood Needleworks - Border Option One

 

I've joined my Dresden Heart blocks into a long row. Now, to decide which border fabric I want to use. This was my second choice, but now I'm not sure.

Brynwood Needleworks - Border Option Two

 

I like to take the photos, because I get a different effect than just viewing them on my table. Now that I'm seeing it in the picture, I'm not so sure about my first choice. I love them both, but I'm going to have to think on this for a while to decide. I really don't like ripping stitches if I change my mind.

 

I'd like to get this assembled and quilted, so I'll decide soon. Handsome and I have a graduation to attend on Sunday, so we'll see if I get it done this weekend or not. We're looking forward to celebrating my nephew's achievements. It will be fun whether I finish this or not.

 

Sidetracked...

Brynwood Needleworks - Old Glory Table Mat

 

I admit it. I got sidetracked yesterday. I was pawing through my wool projects because I wanted to just sit and stitch the afternoon away. While sorting through kits, I came across one that I thought I should do this weekend, in honor of Memorial Day.

This will become a table mat, designed by Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings. It's called "Old Glory", and it's one of the patterns in her book, "Star and Stripe Gatherings". The book is filled with patterns for patriotic quilts, table mats, pillows and other embroidery projects, and I love everything! I know I'll be creating more items from this book, but for this weekend, "Old Glory" is on the workbench.

All my pieces were traced, fused and cut yesterday. I'll attach them to the ground fabric this morning, and will stitch the weekend away. I'll get back to my Dresden Heart Cardinal table runner next week. This patriotic table mat will be finished first. You'll see. wink

 

I hope you enjoy observing Memorial Day, and take a little time to honor the fallen before picnics and other relaxing family time. I'll be back to share a verse tomorrow, and a finished project on Monday.

Choosing Fabrics...

Brynwood Needleworks - Dresden Heart Cardinal Blocks

 

All three of my blocks are finished now, so I pulled yardage of the Moda™ Martinique line that I still have from making my quilt and these extra blocks. I'm going to use the top two for sashing and borders on the blocks. Then, I'll use one of the lower two as the backing for my table runner. (I'm leaning toward the light one with the geraniums.)

My little cardinal in the middle looks like he's wearing a red tie, don't you think? I'll get the runner assembled today, and then I'll decide whether I'm going to machine quilt it or learn to hand quilt on this piece. I'll let you know which method I choose. See you tomorrow!

Creating A New Table Runner...

Brynwood Needleworks - Dresden Heart Cardinals Table Runner Block

 

In 2010, I was working on a Dresden Plate quilt using these Moda™ Martinique fabrics. I completed the quilt in 2012, and then entered it into our Florida guild show in 2014, earning a Third Place ribbon for my efforts. 

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Dresden Heart Cardinal

In 2013, I had a "Sweetheart Valentine Giveaway" using blocks that looked like these. Rather than a a round center, I applique´d hearts. Instead of a button at the corner, as I did there, I decided to tie small bows to complete the attachment stitching on these.

After all this time, I pulled these last three unfinished blocks to make into a table runner for the farmhouse. I applique´d the hearts onto the Dresden plate blocks when I was in Menasha on Tuesday, and then attached the little cardinals yesterday.

The cardinals were drawn in ink onto the muslin fabric by my artistic friend, Michelle Palmer. She usually has her drawings available in her Etsy shop - MichellePalmer. She also will do commissions on request. I love everything she's created for me, and love her whimsical, happy view of the world. I can't imagine a better finish for each of these blocks.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Dresden Heart Cardinal Block

Two of the three blocks are complete, and I'll do that last one today. Then, I'll choose the fabrics from what I have left of this line to sew them together for a table runner for our dining room this summer.