Texas is BIG and Houston is HUGE!!! So is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! There are many Go-Texan competitions as part of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and on more than one occasion I have been asked to be a participant in the “Quilts” Competition. Even having a quilt I own – take Best of Show Metro along with several other ribbons that year!
So there is a story that goes with this quilt. I purchased the top at my guild auction in 2003 and it was bidding war to the end. Luckily some folks sitting near by adversary convinced her I was not going to give up and she finally stopped bidding. What she did not know, is my final bid was truly my final bid – had she bid one more time this beauty would’ve gone home with her. I arrived home and tentatively showed my hubby – he wondered out-loud what this had cost him; I don’t think I told him that night! Fast forward to May 2004, I entered my now finished quilt in the Lakeview Quilters Guild show, out of 3 entries in its category it took 3rd. I had it appraised that year and I highly recommend you have your special quilts appraised, this one appraised for 4 x my initial purchase of the top. Some interesting information regarding appraisals – the backing fabric DOES matter. As part of the quilt I was given a beautiful Jane Sassaman for the back; that added value. I used to say “it’s just the back” but not anymore. Also, the number of years you have been quilting, your status in the quilting community and many other little things add to the value of your quilt. I have considered having this quilt re-appraised because my status in the quilting world has changed and it is probably more valuable now. Fast forward to 2006, I was asked to allow this quilt to represent the NASA/Clearlake/Friendswood Go-Texan Region and I of course agreed. Well this quilt, took Best of Show, 3 first places and a judges choice! Be sure to view the photo of the label I included below – I give these women ALL the credit for any ribbons this quilt has received. I am just the quilter and the proud owner!
Another block! The background is a Hoffman 1895, color Havana – I have been known to purchase this by the bolt! All the fabric in this quilt are batiks. The patterns for the blocks were from a book by Jane TownswickA close-up of one of the blocks in ChocolatThis is the second label for this quilt. Prior to shipping it off to Houston for the competition I wanted to update the label to include that it was part of the 2006 HLSR Quilt Competition. This label is significant to me because it reminds me who made each block and/or border. These talented women are members of the Lakeview Quilters Guild and there work is some of the finest I have seen when it comes to appliqué!
For 2016 I was asked to quilt this quilt for the competition. I do love how these wool appliqué quilts quilt up! Be sure to find this quilt when you visit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this year – be sure to share your photos! Here are my photos; but they never do the quilt justice because the quilt is not yet trimmed and there is no binding. The binding always just gives a quilt that polished look!
An overall view of Ronda’s beautiful wool appliqué quilt!A dragonfly close-up – doesn’t this make you smile?The border – appliqué and piecingA basket of sunflowersAnother view of the back – more light this timeAnd one more of the back – do you need a drool bib yet?
Wishing this quilt and it’s owner best wishes in the quilt competition for Houston 2016!
I have joined a group of bloggers on Facebook – the goal of the group is to inspire each other to set goals for blogging. I set a goal to post on Monday and Thursday of each week. Today my post is short and sweet!
I may have missed the boat on this one, I should’ve posted it on Valentine’s day, but I didn’t! Do you still love me?
This beautiful quilt uses a technique called “reverse appliqué” It gives a little bit of extra dimension to the piece. Another term used here is “cutwork appliqué” Cutwork appliqué reminds me of when we would paper and then make cuts for snowflakes….do you still do this sometimes? Have you ever done it with fabric? To add additional dimension I used 2 battings, cotton and then a layer of wool.
I hope you enjoy today’s share – even though it is a few days late!
PS – if you would like to see this quilt in person; it is part of the “Best Little Quilt Show in Texas” Fayette County Fairgrounds – La Grange, TX. February 26 & 27, 2016
Get on a boat! And sail the high seas with a bunch of fun quilters!
A special thanks to Veronica Cox of Bear Threads Designs for coordinating of our Quilters Cruise!
I would also like to acknowledge the minute of silence held on the ship to remember the reason we have Memorial Day! Several tributes were held through-out the ship during our week on board! The folks in TX were always on our mind as the state experienced un-precedented flooding over the Memorial Weekend and days that followed!
Our view as we were getting ready to leave Galveston in a drizzly rain on board The Navigator of the Seas for 7 days of fun packed sewing, sight-seeing and sipping! (Be sure to read to the end as you will not want to miss the final photo!)!
Who else sees flying geese?
Our first full day at sea was a class taught by Winnie Fleming. All of her kits were pre-cut and the students got right down to sewing! Our machines were Janome Horizon machines and were provided by Scott from Citrus Sewing Center of Ocala, FL.
The blocks and setting for the quilt Winnie chose for her class! Made with Hoffman Bali Pops, pre-cut by Winnie to the perfect size for piecing the blocks!Another pretty one!This photo is straight – the quilt on the design wall? Not so straight! Were the seas that rough?Kat photo bombing!One of 7 Linda’s hard at work!Sara’s quilt is going to be fabulous!
The evening class was taught by Susie Seed, she is an educator for Sulky! She had a fun project called split personality and students were able to try all kinds of threads and stitches while constructing their projects.
Susie Seed – Sulky Educator! And a fun lady!Split Personalities – make two faces, slice them down the middle, swap them around and you have a split personality!Split Personalities – make two faces, slice them down the middle, swap them around and you have a split personality!Split Personalities – make two faces, slice them down the middle, swap them around and you have a split personality!Split Personalities – make two faces, slice them down the middle, swap them around and you have a split personality!Split Personalities – make two faces, slice them down the middle, swap them around and you have a split personality!Split Personalities – make two faces, slice them down the middle, swap them around and you have a split personality!Split Personalities – make two faces, slice them down the middle, swap them around and you have a split personality!
My day to teach did not arrive until day 5 of the cruise, after 3 port days, Cozumel, Belize and Roatan. I was worried my students would be worn-out by this point as they had had a busy several days so far. But, my fears were quickly set aside, they were all excited and ready to jump in and learn something new! Only 1 photo from my class because I was having too much fun sharing my passion for paper-piecing!
The quilt I taught on the cruise. Landscape Table Runner – The only photo I took during the class!
There is so much to do on the ship!
When we weren’t sewing or sleeping, we were sight-seeing or enjoying ship performances. I did not take photos at most of the performances, we saw an ice-skating show, a tribute broadway, karaoke, comedians and lounge acts. My favorite was when the staff performed on the promenade with a tribute to the 70’s including The Village People! If I had not been laughing so hard I might have been able to snap some photos!
On the promenade getting ready for the circus paradeOne of the interior cabins, someone was peeking out to watch the parade. Hubby and I had a cabin on deck 2 (by the ice-skating rink)Some of the circus parade performersThe camera setting was just a tad off!
Highlights from our excursion to Cozumel….
Our first port was Cozumel, I had been here a very long time ago, probably over 30 years ago. The island has really grown up. It has a community college, a Sam’s store and lots of restaurants and shopping.We chose a short Mayan Ruins tour and scenic overview.We chose a short Mayan Ruins tour and scenic overview.All of the stones for the ruins were “mined” from underground tunnels! There are miles and miles of tunnels under the island where the stones used to be!The scenic overview! This side of the island is still in its natural form except for a couple of roadside tourist shops. No resorts etc.My handsome man!We are back on board the ship – watching other passengers que up to board.2 smaller carnival ships were also in port.
Our group after the 2nd formal dinner. A big thank you to my husband for being our photographer!
Our group after dinner Friday evening!Our group after dinner Friday evening!
Our group after dinner Friday evening!
We skipped early dinner one evening which meant I got to see a sunset!
I may not have dipped my toes in the ocean or the pool BUT I did see ONE sunset!
Sipping with our 3 favorite bartenders! Thanks Alice, Elle and Juana for keeping us entertained and “hydrated!” Our favorite place on the ship was the R Bar winding down with friends!
Alice! Classic beauty and charm! And a GREAT bartender!Elle preparing cocktails!Shaken!Double-Time!Juana – the boss! After giving the girls several dark chocolate bars we were in big trouble because they stayed up til the wee morning hours!A whole lot of shaking going on!They know when to stir it and when to shake it!The essence of Juana!Winnie, Linda and Me posing in the big framed chair – time for a little unwind!Kat joins the party!Then we added Kathy!And the party just keeps growing!Hubster was feeling left out!
A friend and piecer from Clear Lake made this beautiful quilt top and asked me to be her quilter! Her quilt was flat and very well pieced and pressed nicely too! 3 of my favorite things when I am getting ready to quilt a quilt.
Her backing was also large enough which ALWAYS makes me happy!
I love feathers, in case you have noticed! And of course Debbie’s quilt spoke to me and said “feathers please”. How could I refuse?
The overall quilt – fabulous!A second view of the overallCloser up of the centerQuilting in center setting squaresThe center starsOuter setting squares and borders
Earlier this week Shirley and I met up at the dealership while I was waiting for them to complete my oil change and a minor recall issue so I could give her a quilted quilt! That means now that she has it in her possession I get to share with you!
Full view of the quilt – lovely batiks!Some of the individual blocks….Some of the individual blocks….Some of the individual blocks….Border appliqueBorder cornerstoneFeathers in the border with variegated thread – king tut!
I love quilts with dark backgrounds – Amish with a Twist is a great quilt and this one was done as part of the block of the month program at Pinwheels and Posies in Dickinson, TX.
What are you working on this weekend? I will be at a retreat with friends working on my Paradise in Blooms. Stay tuned for photos next week! Would you like more information on Paradise in Blooms? Click HERE!
Be sure to sing that title to the Paul McCartney tune “Will You Still Love Me?”
I have been quilting for Helen for a number of years. She used to make the trip from Corpus to Houston to drop off/pick up her quilts but a few years back she started having her daughter and/or daughter-in-law drop them off. I miss visiting with Helen. I hope I am as young as her when I am her age!
The majority of Helen’s quilts that I have quilted incorporate a grandmother’s flower garden theme somewhere along the way. These grandmother’s flower garden blocks are appliquéd to a square, which was then sashed. Then the entire block was appliquéd to the setting triangle backgrounds.
The border print wasn’t quite what Helen wanted so she basted it how she wanted and then sewed it with her machine.
Helen likes to use muslin for the backs of her quilts so she can see the quilting!
The overall quilt from the front.I simply stitched in the ditch on these blocks and added feathers in the backgroundA close up of Helen’s Flower Garden BlocksIn the setting triangles I added a simple swirl and curl meander – just for texture. Lots of “ditch” stitching in the border stripe.the back of the flower garden blockThe back – you can see the ditch stitching in the border stripe better here.Another view of the back – better view of the quilting
So – will you still be quilting when you are 90+? I sure hope I am and that I have all my wonderful friends right there with me!
Yesterday I decided to load a quick quilt on the frame. A very cute umbrella quilt from Ronda at And Sew it Began. But of course I had to take a quick project and complicate it – as I talked to myself I decided I should do a different background fill in each block. There are 30 blocks. My brain can quickly think of about 10 fills and then it gets stumped. Oh yeah I also decided to alternate the fills between something with straight lines or grid work vs a more flowing or rounded design. Needless to say I had out all of my modern quilting, doodle quilting and any other book that may give me some more ideas!
Here are the photos – Ronda will get her quilt tomorrow when I see her in Wimberley for our Fire Island Hosta Retreat – she is our chef!
Umbrella Blocks using prints and batiks!Some of the fills that I used for the quiltingSome of the fills that I used for the quiltingSome of the fills that I used for the quiltingSome of the fills that I used for the quiltingSome of the fills that I used for the quiltingAnd a look at the backside!And a look at the backside!
We have been having some fabulous weather here in South Central TX – lots of sunshine and 70’s my kind of weather!
Several years back I was asked to teach my first Judy Niemeyer classes at Pinwheels and Posies. I had 2 friends that wanted to make one of the “star” quilts so I decided to teach a STARS class. They could choose from Amazon Star, Prairie Star or Dragon Star. A friend and neighbor wanted to take the class but already had a pattern that she wanted to work on “Misty Mountain Pond“. I said SURE, it was an easier quilt than the one I was teaching and it would be fun to have her join our group.
For those of you that have attended or will be attending my “Seasonal Table Runner” Class, you can make this quilt! Same units!
Well in this class I had several new quilters. One was so new I got to teach her how to use her rotary cutter. BUT, we had fun and many of the ladies in that group are still friends and most of them have taken several classes from me since that time so I guess I did ok!
Miss Drue worked on her quilt off and on for quite some time, I made a couple of quick trips down the street when she would run into difficulty and last year her quilt was completed and handed over to me for the quilting! It turned out fabulous and I can’t wait for her to see it!
The overall quiltClose up of the center medallionCattails!Close up of the medallionThe back of the quilt!Another view of the backAnd one last view of the back
And already loaded on my frame ready for quilting….. A queen size Mariner’s Compass! Photos later my friends!
Back in September I was contacted by Timeless Treasures Fabrics to join their blog tour for “The Reclaimed West” fabric collection ……
Here is a complete list of all those participating in the blog tour….. as you can see I am in great company. I haven’t had a chance to check yesterday’s blog posts, but am excited to see all the wonderful projects this week.
And Guess WHAT? There are prizes…. click here to enter to win!
My project did not need to be done until November 18th, which is after quilt festival and it would also be after my “Summer Solstice” for Quiltworx would be due; also made from “Reclaimed West”The past few days have been busy here at HollyDee Quilts. (Photos later in the post)
Anyway – I immediately replied that I would love to participate and sent in my fabric order, which was shipped promptly and drooling commenced!
Now some of you are new to the blog so you may not realize we have been building a new home and our “big stuff” i.e. the longarm were scheduled to be moved on Friday, November 14th. I wish that meant that all I had to do was wait for the movers to show up – but if you have ever moved you know – there is lots of purging and packing that has to happen prior to the move! I have been working on and off since June of this year on the purging and packing (what could be packed).
I was also quilting customer quilts up until Tuesday, November 11th!
And yes – I was trying to work on my Timeless Treasures Project for the blog tour – now I shall no longer bore you with words and will give you a photographic tour!
Tuesday, November 11, we prepped the longarm for the big move (3 hours WEST of Houston)
Here is the longarm in the old studio!And here is a quick photo of my new space – the longarm will go along that back wall. Behind that wall is the most exciting room in the house – “The Quilt Studio Closet” It is 6’x20′ with 11′ ceilings!Pieces and parts of the longarm and various machines after the movers left on the 14th!Another view – yes; I have a few machines!
Once the quilt room at the old house was ready for the movers I had some free time to either pack or work on my Reclaimed West project – I found a way to work on my project….
A folding table that was hiding upstairs – I have to be careful not to wiggle it too much because 2 of the legs do not snap in place. We have moved EVERY chair to the new house so I am sitting on a wooden step stool, using an old towel as a cushion!Progress is being made…Love trimming up the blocks!Oh very pretty!This is the photo that inspired the tree fabric in my outer border blocksGetting ready to sew the next section of borderNot sure from this piece – is it a quilt or undergarment?With a little rearranging I start sewing on 11/17 – remember this project is in today’s blog! Luckily most of the paper-piecing is complete and I will just be working on trimming units and block assembly!Assembly is in full swing!Remember the undergarment? Now you see where it goes!Something is missing!Much better with the red center squares! (Oops – got my shoes in that photo!)And it’s done! Well the top is done! Pattern is Witches Brew. This little puzzle quilt was a lot of fun to make! 23″x108″Here is the backing fabric and it will get a red binding – stay tuned – as soon as that longarm is back together I will load this one up and share!My other Reclaimed West Quilt – this one is Summer Solstice!Some of our new neighbors!
Thank you for stopping by the blog! I hope you enjoyed today’s post and don’t forget to go enter to win some of your very own “Reclaimed West” fabric and goodies! Click here to enter….
Be sure to click the “follow” button to keep up with my country life! I have a busy teaching schedule next year and would love to have you join me for a class, retreat or quilters cruise!
I recently quilted a quilt for Ronda from andsewitbegan, I have quilted more than a few of this same pattern. Many of us have been in a bee with Lakeview Quilters Guild, called Friendship Bee, each month we make one block for another member. I think our most popular block as been the Guiding Star Block. A friend had seen this quilt in a shop and asked for the pattern, she was told there was no pattern so she came home and drafted it. We have loved it – in fact I have 25 beautiful blocks of my own to make into a quilt “someday”.
Here is Ronda’s Quilt after quilting
The block!Overall – love how this quilt gets sashed!Love her borders!Another viewThe back!
I loved how Kaye’s quilt turned out – this one was quilted several years ago!
Close up of the quilting and the sashing!Kaye’s quilt – love the fall colorsThe back of Kaye’s quilt
And this is Holly’s from 2 years ago!
I have 25 of these pretty blocks to make a quilt – “someday”Lots of feathers!Getting inspired to make my quilt!It even won a ribbon! One of Holly’s first ribbons – she got 2 at this show!
