Quilt Top and Fresh Bread...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Tribute To Betsy" Quilt Top

I got a lot accomplished yesterday. In addition to making and baking five loaves of French bread, I assembled the "Tribute To Betsy" quilt top. I can't believe how perfect the fabric I bought at Primitive Gatherings this week matches up with the flag blocks I made. It's spot on!

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings "Stars & Stripe Gatherings" Fabric Detail

 

Not only are the colors a near perfect match, but the design on the fabric couldn't be better either. Look at the tiny, little stars! 

I'm going back to Menasha today to get my background fabric, and I may get another coordinate (or more of this fabric) to make the quilt top slightly larger. The finished quilt is supposed to be 57" square, but I'm thinking I'd like it just a bit bigger. I'll get my fabric, and then decide as I work on it back at home.

My plan is to finish it as done by the designer (Em & Me Designs), with an all-over stipple quilting. I think I should keep the design simple, in keeping with the flavor of the quilt. I'll finish this one over the weekend, and then I'll begin my work on the dresses for my nieces. (I can't wait!) I'll have photos on Monday to show you this finished quilt.

The Search Is Over...

Brynwood Needleworks - Fabrics For "Tribute To Betsy"

I purchased a kit for a patriotic quilt top years ago, when Kathy D. and I were visiting quilt shops in the Madison area. I started assembly of that piece over a year ago, but came to a screeching halt when it was time to join the flag blocks with the background fabric included with the quilt.

What the shop included was a blush-y/primitive dyed fabric that, in my mind, was of a color wholly inappropriate for the project. I set it aside, and figured I'd wait until I could find something I liked better to finish assembling this quilt.

Brynwood Needleworks - Background Fabric Information

 

After Sit & Stitch on Tuesday, I met up with Kathy at Primitive Gatherings (the shop). I started looking at Lisa's "Star & Stripe Gatherings" line. Kathy pulled this fabric, and after laying my flag blocks on top of it, we declared that it would be perfect. I bought the fabric and brought it home.

 

Yesterday was a "running day", but I'm home today, so I'll assemble this quilt top. This is a really simple design, putting Old Glory front and center throughout the design, with my chosen background fabric used as sashing and borders.

 

I haven't chosen the fabric for the back of this quilt (yet), but I'm sure it will be from the same line. Once the front is assembled, I'll make another trip to the shop to choose the backing. I'll show more as my quilt develops...

Old Glory...

Brynwood Needleworks - Old Glory Table Mat

How wonderful it was to be able to work on this piece over the Memorial Day weekend. Handsome and I did some outside work, but there was still plenty of time after the weather turned to sit inside and stitch.

The front is complete and the backing fabric (shown above) is already fused (around the outside edge of the mat). All I have left to do is the blanket stitch to sew the two layers together, and then a decorative fly stitch around the inside front edge of the mat. I'll do that today.

Brynwood Needleworks - Old Glory Table Mat

 

If you're interested in creating your own "Old Glory Table Mat", you can purchase the kit from Primitive Gatherings HERE. It's from the book "Star and Stripe Gatherings", which has many more wonderful, patriotic designs. I have the book, and I know I'll make a few more projects from it yet this summer to enjoy here at the farmhouse.

I had a few friends ask about our summer project for the farmhouse. I'll tell you about it tomorrow Friday. It's going to be fabulous! If you're following our farmhouse renovations, you won't want to miss the scoop!

***DISCLAIMER: I have been in no way compensated for sharing the link to this design and kit.

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.

Star and Stripe Gatherings Arrived...

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings' Star and Stripe Gatherings

 

Preorders were for this line were placed in December when Lisa B. had her holiday open house sale. Everyone at the shop was getting inundated with inquiries about when the orders would ship, because Moda™ was delayed in getting out the fabrics - and everyone who got a glimpse of this line from Lisa's sample was anxious to get theirs. 

 

The most recent update was that they were expecting fabrics to arrive mid-March. I know what a pain it can be having to calm customers when you have no control, so I just watched my order status and waited. Well, I was so surprised when I went to the mailbox yesterday and my package was inside! I had the box in the car as I headed to my doctor's appointment, and had to wait until I got back home to open it.

I'd ordered the newest book, "Star and Stripe Gatherings", which is a 100+ page collection of beautiful patriotic projects. I also ordered a layer cake (10" squares) fabric assortment of the coordinating fabric, and Lisa included a free a fat quarter of one of the fabrics (to apologize for the delay). I also ordered three tea towels (1 each - red, navy and white) that will be embroidered with designs from the book.

When I got back to the farmhouse (with a clean bill of health!), I made a cuppa tea and sat down to look through the book. I know there are at least three projects I know I'll be making in time for Independence Day. Heck, if I can free up some time, I may even get them finished by Memorial Day! If you get a chance, you might want to go to Primitive Gatherings' website HERE, to see for yourself.

Today, I'll be in the garage, working on part of the weekend project for the kitchen. We've got a space heater out there, so it shouldn't be too bad out there. When I'm finished with that, I'll be back inside to start something else. I'll be listing more fabrics in my online shop, and then I have a special project to work on.

 

A Facebook corgi friend's husband passed away last week, and Corgi Nation is having a fund raiser to help her with her expenses. I've donated three of my Corgi creations to the auction, so I'll be cutting and fusing the components for one of my Fairy Steed Corgi Pincushions. I won't fill it until the auction ends, so the winning bidder can specify whether or not to use crushed walnut shells, organic cotton, or lavender buds. The other two donations will have to wait until the auction ends so they can specify their preference for which color dog they have (they're have a few choices). Never a dull moment at the farmhouse. 

Disclaimer: I have received no compensation, whatsoever, for writing about the products from Primitive Gatherings.