A quick end of the year baby/kid's quilt

 

This little end of the year project started with a panel I found this summer at a thrift shop. For only $2.00 I couldn't pass it up.  Since the panel is marked 2002 I felt it was time to finish this piece up

I hope the mom or grandma that didn't quite get to this piece done will be happy with my results.  And, no judgement anyone, I have lots of stuff I'll never get to as well.

These are the instructions that were printed on the panel.  I almost added this piece to the back as a label but I think the quilt will go to donation so I wasn't sure that would be meaningful.  However, I think the idea is something to remember for future projects.  As a member of the Quilt Alliance quilt labels, quilt preservation and quilt documentation are all of special interest to me.  If you are interested in quilt history and documentation check out the Quilt Alliance at their website, quiltalliance.org,

As you can see from this detailed photo as well as the full photo at the top of the page I didn't follow the layout exactly but I was close.

Finished quilt was quilted on my domestic machine, 80/20 batting and a wonderful, soft flannel backing.  Size 46" X 60".

Have a wonderful day!

MaryEllen

A new exhibition

 

My piece for the Made With Love DAFA Art Exhibition at Love Field.

Exhibition date: December 1, 2025 - January 1, 2026

Members of the Dallas Area Fiber Artists (DAFA) were challenged to create a letter for an installation piece which spells out "Made with Love by Dallas Area Fiber Artists".

As you can see my letter is "I".

The piece is 10" X 14". I used various fabrics on a white satin background. A variegated pink/rose and gray paper lace piece was added on top.  Next the letter is raw edge appliqued in place.  Black accents around the letter are a combination of fabric, paint and embroidery. Beading, lace and a freeform flower were added for that all important pop.  Finally, at the top is an abstract representation of some Dallas skyline favorites.

A few of my personal photos used for inspiration.

I hope if you are passing through Love Field in the next month you will check out our installation.  And safe travels to everyone, wherever you may be headed this holiday season!

Have a wonderful day!

MaryEllen

Progress on my crazy quilt project "Hats" .

First I would like to show a view of my work set-up.  The day's here have been beautiful and as much as possible I like to work outside.  If the wind is light then sitting outside stitching and listening to music is the best!

Before I head outside I pick one block to focus on. I go through my stash and find the various threads, lace, ribbons and trims I think may work for that block.  I look for a varietey of weights and colors of threads and I try to find a special something for each block. Just a clean plain box top works great for making a safe way to transport my work from inside to outside.

Now it's time to start stitching.  These blocks are all in what I like to call a first phase.  I like to do most of the stitching with embroidery floss, and perle cotton #5 and #8 threads first.  I try to do an even amount of stitching across all the blocks.  When this phase is done I will move on to silk ribbon work and embellishments.  I like to work this way for several reasons:

1. It  gives my a chance to make a plan for each block. Picking something special to highlight while finding balance on each block as well as with all the blocks together.

2. I do silk ribbon work seperately so I can keep the ribbon smooth and so it doesn't catch as easily.

3. I work with the buttons and beads last as they can really get in the way and catch on everything. They also tend to sit up on the fabric and are harder to work around.  Finally, they are fun! But, a little goes a long way and it's easy to make an area look to heavy if you are not careful. Balance is key and having a plan already set is nice.

Focus items: vintage tatting, yo-yo, and a hexi.

Focus pieces: yo-yo's, textured ribbon, vintage edgeing.

Focus pieces: antique lace, hexi, vintage lace piece.

Focus pieces: yo-yo's, tatting, lace and wool thread.

Focus pieces: vintage lace, antique silk flower buds.

I hope you enjoyed phase one. If you noticed odd open spaces or unfinished areas that is because there is a plan in upcoming phases for those areas. I hope you will stop back and check out what happens next.

Thanks for stopping in.

Have a wonderful day!

MaryEllen