Thursday, July 16, 2009

Scraps and shirttails

First of all - I'm not going to apologise for shamelessly pinching the title of Bonnie from Quiltville's recently published book to head this particular post.

It is actually rather apt as first of all she was the person who originally hit my blogging radar screen and ultimately inspired me to start blogging myself.

And secondly it's also quite appropriate as one particular quilt of hers - 'Blue Ridge Beauty' - is the inspiration for my latest creation - but more of that later on.........

First of all I'll give you a quick peek at the latest photo of my three taken on our recent visit to Stourhead.

Sarah, in the middle, is not impressed that her 'little' brother, who's overtaken her in height, suggested a photo taken in height order rather than chronological order. Mind you both of them are taller than me with the little one catching me up all too quickly. It would appear I'm destined to be the shrimp of the household.

And here are my parents on the same trip out - they have settled in so well down here it makes me wish we'd moved them years ago. What would it be like to have a back garden big enough to accomodate that seat! Sadly I'm not sure I could fit it into my pocket to sneak it home with me though.

So back to those shirttails.

Recently Jane has made a start on an applique quilt made from an assortment of plaids

I'm a great charity shop visitor and here in Taunton we have a Barnardos shop which sells all items of clothing for 99p each - much cheaper than the other shops in town where you can easily pay four times that for a cotton shirt. So I often pop in and pick up men's shirts to supplement my plaid collection.

With the variety of shirtings I had gathered together foremost in my mind, I offered to send a selection to Jane to help bolster the variety needed for her quilt.

She very kindly sent me some neutrals for backgrounds and contrasts in exchange - I seem to go through yards and yards of WOW, COC and all other sands, beiges and creams - it would seem this particular girl can never have too much neutral fabric so her contribution is most gratefully received.

Once I'd completed the Jewel Box in the last post I thought I'd have a go at another 4 Patch/HST confection as they grow so quickly using Bonnie's Leaders and Enders theory. This time, however, I thought I'd use different block placements and decided to make it solely from plaid/striped shirtings and neutrals. That way, when Nick heads off to University in a few years time, there will be a slightly more masculine quilt waiting for him to take if he wants one.

This of course is where the design for Bonnie's lovely quilt 'Blue Ridge Beauty' makes an entry.

I've become hooked on scrappy now in a big way - as you can see from this photo the variety of plaid and striped shirtings is pretty extensive and it really doesn't matter at all where they sit, they all play so nicely together.

And here we are with the centre 36 blocks assembled.

I'm having so much fun piecing and seeing the underlying pattern emerge that I can't see myself getting bored in the near future - bet you never thought you'd hear me say that!

25 comments:

sewprimitive karen said...

Hi, Anne, your kids are adorable!

Fiona said...

I've just had to re-read the end of your post to make sure I got it right, but yes, it's there in black and white 'I'm having so much fun piecing' - I knew you'd bee converted in the end ;-). Nice to see all generations of the family doing so well.

Fiona said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
sewkalico said...

Love the new quilt. Brilliant Bonnie, eh!?! All those neutrals look yummy too and I am so pleased your parents have settled well.
I am taller than my older brother and love calling him my 'little' brother LOL

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Your kids look great...As you sound to be of a similar hight as me, then I can offer you this great tip...Acquire one kitchen chair and carefully stand on it...that way you will appear to be taller than your children. It creates a perfect vantage point to peer down at children and assert your authority! :o)

Love the quilt with the plaids (no surprise there!!) I'm just wondering what you have planned for the border...I'd like to guess there might be applique involved :o)

loulee said...

That quilt is looking great, I'm sure your boy will appreciate it. Looks like you folks had a good day out. I wouldn't mind that garden seat either.

Janet said...

I am a big fan of Bonnie's too! I also have a large stash of shirts and just love using this recycled fabric. I am making my version of Bonnie's Maverick Stars at the moment - her designs are great!
I was also lucky enough to buy her book when I was on holiday in America.
I also know what you mean about not having enough neutrals - I have also been collecting them for more scrap quilts.
Your quilt looks really attractive, I too am looking forward to seeing what you do with the borders.

quiltmom anna said...

Hi Anne,
What a gorgeous quilt that you have created from Bonnie's pattern- I love how it creates the overall pattern. Your neutrals are beautiful- it is one of the hardest fabrics for me to buy - I am always more attracted to color-
The photos of your family are lovely and the garden seat is very handsome- I can see why you would love to bring it home with you- me too.
Happy quilting,

Regards,
Anna

Clare said...

Are you sure Nick's not standing on a tree stump. He's shot up!

I've got a blue shirt that I don't want. I'll cut it up and put it in the bag in return for another colour.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

You have a beautiful family - your quilt is beautiful as well.

Suzie Sews At DOTTY RED said...

lovely quilt.

Lily Mulholland said...

Good to hear from you Anne :) Your two quilt tops are looking great. Scrappy suits you! And Nigel has done you proud with the courtyard paving. Love the finials - nice touch!

Libby said...

What a great pic of the kids . . . . don't they grow up fast? *s* And it's wonderful to hear that the folks are doing well. I think you are right about that bench - perfect for the garden - only to have enough room.

Dih Rocha said...

Olá! Conheci o seu cantinho e é muito lindo e criativo! Amei mesmo!!! Parabéns pelo seu trabalho!... Se puder, dê uma espiadinha no meu:
magiadaines.blogspot.com
Beijinhos do Brasil.

Tanya said...

Your Blue Ridge Beauty and Jewel Box are both so beautiful! You've got me thinking again...

And your kids are adorable as aways! Sarah is stunning! Can't believe she is the same girl all muddy in her rugby uniform...

Colleen formerly of South Africa said...

Loved the pics of your folks and the kids. They all look too cute. And like they might be having a good time. Love the quilt you are working on..... lovely.

Lynda (Granny K) said...

What a great quilt! I'm a charity shop shirt shopper too! There's so much material in an XL man's shirt!

Rose Marie said...

This is a great quilt and so nice to see a different version. I, too, have been collecting thrift store shirts and will be planning something soon with them.

julieQ said...

It is just so pretty! I have this pattern too, just a wish for someday, I have loved seeing your.

YankeeQuilter said...

This quilt is coming along great...are you telling us you don't have the tiniest urge to add just a bit of applique to it?!

Attic24 said...

Hi Anne
Your quilts are absolutely breathtaking, i am SOoooooo imoressed!!
They way the light/dark patterns work is stunning, you are so clever!
And I even thought your new courtyard patio looks like a large quilt made of stone....what fun!!!!!!!!!! :o)
Lxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jeanne Oliver said...

Truly incredible! I wish I had quilting skills..I don't have the patience. My neighbor makes gorgeous quilts and I am in awe of her creativity also.

Juliann said...

Looks like life if lovely at your home. You have some wonderful projects going on - I love that design for your outdoor patio. And look at how your kids have grown. Guess I should visit more often :)

Marigold Jam said...

Wow! My patchwork looks a bit sorry up against yours!! Hope that I can gain some inspiration and ideas from your blog though!

Love and thanks for your support

Jane

Jeanne said...

What a beautiful picture of the kids!
Jeanne :)