Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Playing book club catch-up

I was getting behind with blocks for the Quilter's Book Club, though I had read the book and decided on the block pattern. Wedding Ring, by Emilie Richards is about a quilt made by a  grandmother, quilted by her daughter and being repaired by her granddaughter while they all sort out problems and relationships in their lives. A fourth woman in the story is being taught to quilt and her presence and problems seem to help the other three to face their own.

My plan was to try a wedding ring block, choosing different fabrics for each woman, scrap, vintage, coordinated tone-on-tone floral, and modern. I joined the rings with the "pickle" fabric I am trying to add to each block.
I used a darker tan in the center ... to go with other blocks ... not sure if it was a good idea not.

This is my first time to draft and attempt that pattern. The hardest part was getting those little segments in the right order. (reversing the four little templates or not, on the chosen fabric).

Sewing curves is getting easier but ironing all those seams is not my idea of a picnic.

With a trip coming up, I thought I might get one more block going for this month's book, Between Heaven and Texas, by Marie Bostwick. I looked through several books of block ideas, thinking of twins, or Texas, but most of what I found was either too simple or too complicated. Finally, I found a block that I liked called "Mary's block" and thought that would work with what I have so far.
After I had all the pieces marked and cut, I thought I'd just try sewing a little bit to see how it looked. Well, it must be some kind of addiction because I kept right on going and put the whole thing together.

Again I used the two paisleys plus a red-on-red and some sunflower print to represent Texas.

The tan background has baskets of farm produce.

I have to give a big thanks to my daughter, Julie Alice, who took time out of the busy family activities to teach me how to crop a picture.
(luckily, I took notes or I may not have succeeded).

So, here I am, all caught up with both reading and blocks with a few days left. Good thing too, because now I need to cut something else to work on during the trip!

9 comments:

  1. I have always loved that pattern, but too lazy to make it, lol.
    Love your texas block, beautiful fabrics.

    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  2. You have certainly not lost your energy while in the States! No jet lag either? Wow! The Double Wedding Ring and the Mary block are both looking good and it is inspiring how much thought you put into your work. You are an inspiration to us all. Now I have to head over to my own blog and post some progress there.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A long time ago I cut out a bunch of apple core (or double ax handle is the other name) blocks to hand piece. I only work on them while traveling. At this rate that hand piecing will be finished about the time I'm 117. :) blessings, marlene

    ReplyDelete
  4. Both blocks look fabulous! I love Emilie Richards Shenadoah quilt series. I need to read them again...right after I finish Marie's Between Heaven and Texas.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hey, I like that variation of the wedding ring quilt type. The darker tan in the middle adds interest, I think. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi, Julie. Great idea to combine books and blocks. I especially like the double wedding ring with all its hidden meanings.
    best, nadia

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello Julie, very wonderful work!! Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello Julie, very wonderful work!! Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hello Julie, very wonderful work!! Hugs

    ReplyDelete