Sunday, July 10, 2016

A quiet week

Thank you all you lovelies for your kind wishes and prayers for my husband. It always amazes me how the blogging community from the four corners of the globe, support each other in times of trouble; it is a joy to behold. I feel very thankful and blessed!

We have had a lovely, quiet week with no dramas; almost boring, one could say. =) Believe it or not, my husband has been out tending his garden which Ole Man Winter has decimated. My husband figures that he has four weeks to get the garden in order before his operation, because afterwards there will be another period of time when he will have to lie low. When I look at our garden at this time of the year, I always despair at the bleakness of it. I always wonder if  Spring will truly come again and visit us, bringing with it floralicious delight.

As for me I finished stitching the backing for my scrappy-licious quilt.



Now how to quilt?? I really warmed to the idea of straight stitching lines through the diagonal corners, but as my frozen shoulder isn't up to grappling with all the bulkiness of the quilt  I decided to put the quilt on my quilting frame and stitch meandering stitches all over. The frame I have enables me to sit my machine on rollers, enabling me to stitch whichever direction I choose.


For some reason or other quilting on my frame was fraught with botheration. My frame decided not to play nicely at all! I found it difficult to guide the machine over the quilt as there are so many seams both on the quilt top and quilt backing. The needle kept getting stuck, especially in the corners, resulting in  a not so flowing, meandering stitch pattern in some areas. Also for some reason the quilt wasn't taut in the middle resulting in small puckers......so, so exasperating!

So enough was enough. I took the quilt off the frame and finished quilting on my sewing machine, moving it from side to side, up and down and round and round.....this way, that way....any which way. So much for taking it easy on my shoulder. =)


With the quilting completed I machine stitched the binding on using a pretty floral fabric.


I love this fabric. When I happened upon this pretty fabric I bought metres and metres of it. Alas this is the last of it. Are you like me? Do you get a little sad when a much-loved fabric is no more?



With the quilt finished I am happy with my scrappy quilt. I rather like the meandering effect of the quilting, though I doubt this pretty would win any quilting prizes; no perfect or precision stitching to be seen here. The bright and happy colours and pattern do make me smile. There really is something about a quilt oozing scrappy charm. This pretty does sprinkle a little sunshine and happiness on a rather gloomy, Winter's day.




Miss Maisie has given me her nod of approval.


Finally, after two years, this quilt is done and dusted. One more quilt to be ticked off the 'to do list' .........that I don't keep. =) Now to attend to some other quilts that are waiting to be finished......

My pretty, Cathedral Window.......



and my pretty, scrappy hexie........



I will endeavour to work on these over the next few months; but alas, me wouldn't be me if I didn't start one or two other 'I-just-need-to-make' pretty quilts. After all variety is the spice of life. Me thinks there just might be the beginnings of one or two more scrappy-licious quilts making an appearance sometime soon, down here at the bottom of the world.






Ooooh.....scrappy heaven!


Home is more the sweeter with a few scrappy quilts lying around.....is it not??




Wishing you all a lovely week in your Home Sweet Home.



Until the next time........



64 comments:

  1. These quilts are amazing. I love the colors and your pillow as well! You make lovely things. I did not know about your husband - hope all is well!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I could just sit here for hours looking at all the lovely squares of colour and happiness in your quilts. I love that you got the nod of approval from Maisie!!!lol I too get a little sad when I have run out of a favourite fabric....or yarn!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You were just born to quilt I believe. They are all so lovely. Your cathedral quilt looks amazing glad hubby is getting about a bit. Happy weekend with love Janice

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really?? You are very kind to say so. I have a soft spot for my cathedral quilt as well, though it does seem to take a long time to stitch...it's all those fussy corners. My husband is enjoying working in his garden....thank you for your well wishes, Janice. Kim Xx

      Delete
  4. Your quilts are so pretty, they have happiness shining from them. I must say that I am looking forward to seeing the others finished too. x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And....I am looking forward to seeing the "others" quilted too. I think I will dance a joyous dance when I sew the last stitch on them! Thank you for your lovely comments, Kay. Kim Xx

      Delete
  5. OH my goodness, such an incredible quilt that you made! You are so talented with fabric! I completely understand the sadness of using up fabric that can't be bought again! I do that with fabric and paper too. Sometimes it feels like they are too pretty to cut up, lol! I loved the picture of your quilt with your sweet dogs happy face in it too, so precious! Hugs to you today :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love, love, love your quilts, Kim...they are so beautiful and the fabrics you've used are so pretty. All the best for your husband's op. xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. I second Anita here. Your quilts are a cure for sore eyes! So masterfully done! It requires lots of effort and work, but I am sure the feeling is rewarding once you are done. Good luck with the other too. Both have luxurious quality about them!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Gorgeous quilts makes me want to dive in to the pile and smoosh them. X

    ReplyDelete
  9. gosh your quilts are so pretty!! You must have a fabulous fabric stash. Lots of happy prints!!

    Keeping your husband in my prayers.
    xx, Carol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I admit, Carol, my fabric stash is pretty impressive. =) Thank you for visiting and thank you so very much for keeping my husband in your prayers...they mean the world to me. Kim Xx

      Delete
  10. All your quilts are beautiful !!!!
    Have a quiet week !
    Hug
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your posts are always such a feast for the eyes! So much luscious color and pattern to take in. I just love all of your quilts because they have that homey, loving, cozy look to them. They are each a prize in themselves!

    ReplyDelete
  12. You always make me smile, sweet friend....you are so talented....keeping you and your husband and your family in prayer. And yes, even far reaching across the globe, we keep you in prayer. Have a beautiful week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I just marvel at these beautiful quilts! I love the scrappy one. I've never attempted to machine a quilt that large. I can understand how that would be an issue if you have shoulder issues. They are all so so pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  14. all of your quilts are just lovely, really beautiful and oh so special!! they are treasures that will be cherished for generations to come. have a wonderful sunday!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm curious what the back of your scrappy hexie looks like? I've created quite a pile of scrap hexies similar to yours, and I fear they'll not look good. But I really like the look of your quilt.

    Hope your shoulder feels better. And I love your other quilts, too. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Such beautiful and exquisite quilts with all the details. And your pillow is so gorgeous! I'm in love with everything.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, you are so kind, Carol....thank you. It is a delight to have you visit me way down here. =) Kim Xx

      Delete
  17. Your creative mind is fabulous to behold. I adore your quilts- they are just my style and color and design and fabrics. I can just see you sitting and stitching and having such fun. Love love love the home sweet home cushion. And Miss Maisie - how nice to have a friendly critic. Sometimes I come over to look at your blog and just slowly scroll down and look at the pictures - especially when I need a little lift - of when I'm feeling particularly happy - it is such a homey and comforting blog.
    Years ago (about 45 years ago) I started a cathedral window quilt - only got enough done for a cushion top.

    Oh - and I love the binding for your scrappy quilt - it is the perfect fabric - know what you mean about being sad that a fabric is all gone.
    May your week be as sweet as you are my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  18. WOnderful, cozy finish....and some beautiful WIP!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. All are lovely, The colorful scrappiness is gorgeous and backing is perfect. Wish it were mine. And the pillow is the icing on the cake of this post. praying for HD

    ReplyDelete
  20. Such richness in color and texture! Your work brings its own style of sunshine no matter the dreariness of the season or the temporary worries that life brings us. I wish you the best over the days ahead!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, J for your kind comments. Your kind wishes make the path ahead a little easier. Yes, these quilts do bring a ray of sunshine to the cold and wintry days. Thank you for visiting my place. Kim Xx

      Delete
  21. Love your scrappy quilt, I hope your shoulder was ok after the quilting!! Your other quilts to be finished are beautiful too, such beautiful colours...just want to wrap myself in them!!! I hope hubby is ok.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am in love with your colorful quilts. they are so cheerful. adding one to my to do list. someday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think every gal should have at least one colourful scrappy quilt....if not more. Thank you for popping by. Kim Xx

      Delete
  23. Kim, your work just amazes me! I love each and everyone. My sewing room is a mess right now and it's on my agenda to clean it this week. Maybe then I can get back to some of my unfinished projects. Love the darling pillow as well. Glad it's a quiet week.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, lovely Jann. Hope you get to that sewing room of yours. I look forward to seeing your finished projects. =)

      Delete
  24. How nice to know that your dear hubby is out tending to his garden, Kim.
    Your scrappy quilt looks so cheerful and makes me smile. The binding is so pretty and yes, I do get sad when a favorite fabric is all used up. Your cathedral window and your Hexie quilts make my heart go pitter patter. Your Home Sweet Home pillow is so YOU! ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  25. congratulations on a very pretty finish! I love your cathedral windows quilt, that's a pattern I have wanted to try for a while but I can never get it to look as neat as yours

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wow! You really have a talent for using up your scraps. I love your quilts, but I have to say that Cathedral Windows piece is simply stunning! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How lovely to have you visit, Jelica; thank you for your sweet comments. I can't wait to have my Cathedral Window finished and laying atop my bed, singing a Hallelujah chorus. =) Kim Xx

      Delete
  27. What a lovely post. I believe you have created a certain spring in all it's splendorous glory.
    I love the Cathedral Window with with it's bright colours peeping out. It's extraordinarily uplifting..
    Thanks, Kim!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Sorry you had such troubles with the quilting and had to finish on your sewing machine.... it looks Fabulous, I just love it and your other quilts are equally as lovely, you may just be motivating me to get mine out and finish it :) Glad to hear your hubby is well enough to spend some time out in the garden

    ReplyDelete
  29. What glorious treats for the eyes, Kim! I can only imagine the hours of hours that go into just one of these lovelies! So glad your hubby is doing well :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. All your quilts are amazing and pretty. Hope your frozen shoulder is much better now.
    Wish your husband all the best and after the operation a lot of patience.
    Hugs,
    Loes

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Loes. My shoulder is "keep on keepin' on". =) Thank you for your kind wishes re my husband. Patience is a tad difficult for one who isn't prone to sitting very long. Hope you are having a lovely week. Kim Xx

      Delete
  31. Hi: I do miss quilting so much. My eyes no longer let me do it. I love your beautiful pieces. Thanks so much for your visit and kind words. Have a wonderful week. Blessings, Martha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As we get older the problems that beset us are problematical, aren't they. How sad you are no longer able to enjoy quilting any more. Thank you for your lovely thoughts. It was a delight to visit your lovely blog, Martha. I look forward to popping by your little corner of the world again. Kim Xx

      Delete
  32. Kim,
    This is amazing! Wow! I love the fabric and it is so bright and cheerful! The quilts in progress are lovely too...looking forward to seeing the photos when completed! There's nothing wrong with a quiet week--I love them when I get them!!! :)
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Linda. I rather love it's bright cheerfulness as well. Oh, quiet weeks at this particular time are what this gal wishes for. =) Thanks for popping by. Kim Xx

      Delete
  33. Kim I would be so happy lounging on a bed and holding one of your beautiful quilts in my arms. They arelike a breath of sunshine and happiness. I truly admire you for being able to make these everyday works of art.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww....thank you so much Mary. I must admit, these pretties do add a splash of sunshine and joyous colour to our humble abode, in this rather dull and rainy season, they call Winter. =) Kim Xx

      Delete
  34. I'm a bit late to wish your husband well and admire your quilt, Kim, having just returned from vacation. That quilt will raise anyone's spirits, so bright and pretty.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi Kim, I hope your husband is well.
    I love your quilting and Miss Maisy is gorgeous too :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, he is well at the moment, Prunella. Isn't Miss Maisie a sweetie. She is my constant companion AND the best photographic model....maybe I should hire her out. =) Thanks for popping by. Kim Xx

      Delete
  36. All your wonderful scrappy quilts remind me so much of my grandmothers and the quilts they used to make. There was no new yardage in those (unless maybe the backing). Glad to hear your hubby is doing well at the moment and able to putter in the garden. Tell him not to overdo.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hello, Dear Kim, I am just now catching up.....Oh, so sorry to hear about Hubby - sending positive thoughts and prayers his way. Your lovely quilts bring such bright and happy beauty! All that floral goodness......so much work! It must bring such satisfaction to finish these beauties and admire their coziness as you go about your day. Your little sewing room corner is so sweet (despite the balky quilting frame), and the view of the hillsides with the quilts on the line is just wonderful. And of course, it is always nice to see Miss Maisie posing so sweetly. The little pillow is charming, too! I'll be thinking of all of you and sending positive, healing thoughts. Hugs xo Karen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your warm, lovely and healing thoughts, Karen; it is 'muchly' appreciated. =) Yes that balky quilting frame just does nothing for my decor at all, but it is a necessary evil! My scrappy pretties do give me a lot of pleasure and smiles on these cold, rainy and rather grey wintry days. Kim Xx

      Delete
  38. Hello Kim, thank you for this beautiful post filled with such gorgeousness on this cold miserable day here today. I just adore your quilt & think that photo of it hanging on the line with the crisp blue sky would make such a perfect postcard. I look forward to your cathedral window one ... that little Home Sweet Home pillow is rather beautiful too. Have a great week dear Kim. x x x

    ReplyDelete
  39. I don't believe in competition when it comes to art. If it makes anyone smile, it is a winner! This quilt brings so much joy, it is definitely that! However, I hope you didn't hurt your shoulder again. Oh the cathedral window and the hexie...love to see them again...like old friends!

    -Soma xx

    ReplyDelete
  40. Your quilts are so beautiful! Nice work ♥

    summerdaisy.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Summer. It is lovely to have you visit. Kim Xx

      Delete
  41. thank you for visiting so often AND for all the help when my blog went wacky!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Dearest Kim. Your quilts are heirlooms in the making my lovely. Just glorious. So good to hear that hubby feels up to gardening. Perhaps that little bit of work will yield many pleasures further down the track. I hope you are weathering all this medical stuff. It can be a trying time for partners and loved ones too. Blessings. Mimi xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so right, Mimi, when you say when someone is not well, it is a trying time for partners and loved ones, and though I sometimes begin to slide down that slippery slide, I am mostly 'good'; just taking life one day at a time....can't do much else, really. My husband is well and is enjoying his garden. It truly is a special place for him, a place where he just relaxes and attends to the job at hand. He is a rather calm man and not prone to worry. =) Thank you for your kind thoughts and thank you for your sweet comments re my quilts. I too like to think of them as heirlooms, something to be enjoyed long after my untimely demise. Kim Xx

      Delete
  43. Oh, I'm in quilt heaven, sweet friend :) Ah, what a glorious quilt you have stitched with love - it's truly remarkable. ALL of your quilts are stunning, dear one. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  44. I loved your quilt.Looks very colorful. Beautiful combination of colors!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How very kind of you, thank you. Thank you so much for popping by. Kim Xx

      Delete
  45. We have the same gloves! Mine are green. I adore your scrappy quilt. Everything you touch is endowed with beauty! Don't despair about your garden; your winter garden probably looks like my spring garden! I am glad that you have had a non eventful week. Here's to lots more.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Gorgeous quilts Kim, love that Cathedral windows one, so pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Your latest quilt has turned out beautifully, despite the trials. You certainly manage to fill Winter with colour and sunshine with all your lovely quilts. I hope you have some real sunshine and a quiet fabric filled week :)

    ReplyDelete