Friday, May 24, 2019

'Tis time to quilt



A lovely hello to all you lovely lovelies♥


My husband gifted me this sweet lady pot for Mother's Day. And......how lovely she looks with her hydrangea hat. =)



Why, I wouldn't mind sporting a confection of a hydrangea hat, myself.


Besides having fun with fabulous pots and fancy hydrangea hats, I have been stitching my Buds in A Basket quilt. All my baskets overspilling with tiny little buds and leaves are finished and have been stitched in rows of delight. I must say, seeing them all assembled together sitting ever so nicely beside each other does make me smile. (I smile a lot don't I.) Well.....when you think about it, there are so many joyful, every day things that can make us smile.





But what to border these baskets with?? A lot of dithering has been happening here this past week over the question of borders. Do I go with the scrappy borders as so beautifully presented in the book, or do I use just one fabric??

I always love a smattering of scrappy fabrics dancing around the border of a quilt, but the last couple of quilts I have fashioned have scrappy borders. I wanted a different look this time.  Besides, I have only just tidied up the 'helluva' mess that I created with the pulling out what seems every fabric from my armoire, to fashion all the little circle flowers, leaves, baskets and handles. You would not believe the mess I make when I fashion a scrappy quilt. A textile bomb always looks as if it has been detonated with an explosion of bits of fabric everywhere. I wonder.....are you the same??

So, if I don't have a scrappy border what fabric would I use. I really didn't want to acquire more fabric for the border; I wanted to use a fabric I already had.

About a year ago I happened upon this  fabric. It made my heart aflutter at first sight. I have used it in other pretties I have fashioned and I had just enough for a border, with a little to spare for the binding later on. Love, love, love all the tiny little flowers and I love that every colour is represented. This fabric has a plethora of flowers blooming all over it; roses, delphiniums, forget-me-nots, daisies.......so, so many pretty blooms. I also love that the background colour is pink and not white. The busyness of the pattern  is so very me, but would it look spiffy skirting my pretty baskets. Admittedly it certainly packs a colourful punch, but I rather love how it makes my pretty baskets of sweet buds pop. I am a little sad that this is the last of the fabric but it is always a most excellent thing to use up what's in one stash......is it not??


I love how each blossom and leaf is outlined in black. It brings to mind a fabric I might have seen in the sixties. It also evokes a Liberty feel.





So, now 'tis time to quilt. I chose a white homespun for the  backing. For a girl who loves busy, busy, busy a plain backing is a stretch for me. I didn't have anything suitable in my fabric collection and I didn't want to spend time or money piecing together a smattering of fabrics. Plain ol' Jane, I'm afraid. Though, in saying this I do consider white will be a good fit for this quilt. As to the quilting design, I am following the ideas for quilting as suggested in the book; mostly diagonal stitching, quilting around the appliques and basket weave quilting in the baskets.....easy as.

So, the next little while I will enjoy hand quilting. As this quilt is queen size, I will be fashioning other pretties whilst I am slowly quilting. AND.....there is a small matter of my applique garden quilt to be seen to. I have not picked this pretty up for a month or so. Stitching variety is the spice of my life. Juggling oodles of pretties at any given time is what makes my life beautiful.

I am linking up to Kathy's, Slow Sunday Stitching when Sunday comes aknocking at my door, as that crystal ball of mine reveals me enjoying a little hand quilting  this Sunday evening. Actually, I think I will snuggle down most evenings in the coming week and enjoy a little hand quilting whilst watching a little TV.

Thank you for your sweet visit. It is a chilly and rainy Friday evening down here at the bottom of the world, so I am off to  enjoy a little hand quilting. May all you lovely lovelies enjoy a beautiful weekend♥

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


63 comments:

  1. Flowers everywhere, quilt in the air !
    Pot with lovely hair and beautiful pictures to share !
    Thanks for this gorgeous post !
    Have a cozy weekend !
    Anna

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  2. Beautiful photographs as ever. Love the little pot with her floral hat - gorgeous!

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  3. Kim, I think you picked the perfect border for your lovely garden baskets! The scrappy border in the book almost competed with the pretty appliquéd baskets. The fabric you used combined all of the colors but complimented your handiwork much better! I know you’ll enjoy snuggling down and working among these lovelies during your winter evenings. Our spring has finally arrived, well maybe we’ve jumped to summer! Tornados have been accompanying several of our storms. The city our state capitol is in had significant damage, fortunately no loss of life! Wishing you a very happy weekend, dear friend!

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  4. Your lady vase is magnificent and I like her hydrangea hair! I have no words for your quilt - I am absolutely speechless! It is mind-blowing!

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  5. Love the border and the whimsical plant pot. I don't hand quilt because I want tiny little stitches like my Grandma's quilts. I know big stitch quilting is acceptable nowadays but it's not for me. I do a lot of hand embroidery, cross stitch, crochet, etc and my hands feel fatigued the next day. When I do Punch Needle I have to wear a wrist brace and ice my wrist and hand down afterward. Getting older is not all that fun. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  6. I love your lady vase. My grandmother had one years ago that I admired so.

    Your floral fabric is a great choice for the border of that beautiful quilt. Have fun quilting it.

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  7. Love your basket quilt and lady pot. My hydrangeas haven’t bloomed yet, but soon. Love seeing your lovely pictures, it is always a treat!

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  8. Gorgeous fabric for the borders of this very lovely quilt and I adore your plant lady vase.

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  9. I really admire your great artwork,your quilt is stunning...I wish I lived near you so I could enter to your school.I don't think I would be a good student,no talent...I tried to learn crochet but gave up.Your flowers are adorable as ever and that vase is cute!Hugs!

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    1. I too wish you lived near me, Maristella, because then you and I could share a cup of tea in one of your lovely teacups and enjoy a delightful chat. Wouldn't that be the best fun! Thank you for your beautiful visit and sweet comments, lovely lady♥ Kim Xx

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  10. Cute flower pot! Love this beautiful lady, it's a lovely gift. Love your basket quilt too!

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  11. What a delight. It's wonderful to read about all your 'dithering'; nothing better than being able to live vicariously through you. :) Your decisions are spot-on; I'm looking forward to seeing all the hand quilting finished. Tell hubby that the little vase is adorable. I can see that he knows you so well!!

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  12. Que lindo!
    Adorei as imagens.
    janicce.

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  13. I do love your new flower pot, Kim. Your husband has perfect taste.
    O my, your basket of flowers quilt looks beautiful! What a lovely array of fabrics. Wonderful orchids, too.

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    1. My husband's taste ain't half bad, is it Dixie. Winter has nearly arrived down here but I am still managing to surround myself in pretty flowers. Thank you for your sweet visit, lovely lady♥ Kim Xx

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  14. What a beautiful quilt! Congratulations on finding the perfect border in your stash!

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  15. Your husband found a fun and unique gift for you :)
    I believe you made an excellent choice on your quilt, the flowers are a great compliment to your beautiful baskets of flowers, I can just imagine the smile on your face when you saw it all completed, I know I love it and have a big smile enjoying your lovely work. That's the perfect time to sit and do hand quilting on a chilly evening :) Enjoy!

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  16. A sweet little lady to watch over your quilting days!

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  17. That vase made me smile dear Kim as I have just visited with a dear friend who lives far away & she had one very similar that she had planted a small succulent in the top which looked just like hair!! Your hydrangea hat is adorable. That quilt is looking so, so stunning & I did immediately think of Liberty when I saw your border fabric too. Have a lovely weekend working away on your quilt my dear friend xxxx

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  18. Lovely to see hand quilting and a proper hoop! Perfect for winter evenings. I too love that border fabric and the whole quilt is looking just gorgeous. I love your little lady too. Our hydrangeas have tiny flower heads at the moment - so looking forward to seeing them burst into colour.xx

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  19. That's a beautiful quilt indeed. My hydrangeas had a sad year and didn't flower as prolifically as they usually do. Might need a hard prune.

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  20. Hi Kim
    Love your quilt it is so pretty, wonderful border fabric, look forward to seeing it quilted. What a great pot with wonderful hat.
    Hope you have a good weekend and get lots of quilting done.
    Best wishes Kay c xx

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    1. I am enjoying a lovely weekend, Kay, with a good measure of quilting thrown in. Thank you for your sweet visit and lovely thoughts, Kay. KimXx

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  21. Beautiful quilting, Kim! I love your prose as much as your piece(s). :)
    The head vase looks gorgeous with her hydrangeas.
    We have gone from cool to very hot - 90°F - in just a couple of days here. Our Memorial weekend (America's unofficial start to summer) will be a hot one. Enjoy your weekend.

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  22. I love your buds in a basket quilt!! I want to make one also but my quilt will be small, much smaller. I'm thinking crib sized. Happy Stitching!

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  23. Well, yes indeed, the floral border is the perfect compliment to your posey baskets. Seeing your fabrics paired with your flowers is a delight and I especially love the orchid. Some of mine are in bloom, but not as prolifically as your lovely. I hear thunder rumbling in the background, so I guess it will be a day with the quilt scraps and not the garden for me. And, of course, you can't make a decent scrap quilt without a fabric explosion. Thanks for cheering up a gloomy Saturday morning.
    Pat

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  24. How much fun is this...a visual feast for the soul. Love the contemporary edge, despite you using all those wonderful...vintage like fabrics. Love everything about this--and can't wait to see the quilting when it's done!

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    1. You are very kind, Sandi, thank you. Yes the border does give a contemporary edge, doesn't it. I am glad I bordered the quilt with this fabric.

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  25. I love, love 💕 your baskets of flowers, Kim, and the border fabric was meant to be!! Now, I can picture you happily quilting away until you show us the finished project. It’ll keep you warm and cozy while your pretty hands are stitching! The darling lady vase is so whimsical and perfect for you from your dear hubby! 😘

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  26. The lady pot is beautiful, it fits you completely.
    How wonderful to work on your quilt so relaxed, because stitching is the most and longest work. Your quilt is already incredibly beautiful although it is not yet finished.

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    1. Thank you so much, lovely Loes. Hand quilting is a slow process but strangely enough I find it so, so satisfying. KimXx

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  27. What a unique pot that lady pot is. So pretty. Your quilt is beautiful. I will enjoy watching your hand-stitching project.

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  28. Your quilt is beautiful and I must admit I thought scrappy would be the best option until I saw the gorgeous fabric you finally choose. It is the perfect accompaniment! (and yes very Liberty like) Have fun quilting it!

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  29. Oh that is a beautiful quilt, and I am sure it will be even more exquisite with the hand quilting. The border fabric is great!

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  30. What a refreshing and invigorating blog post and I LOVE LOVE LOVE your basket quilt too... and your armoire of fabrics overflowing!!! Have a blessed Sunday dear friend! Kathi

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  31. That quilt!!! is so beautiful!!!! I really like your fancy lady planter, too.

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  32. That is such a beautiful quilt! I love all the baskets and the blooms around them, and your border fabric is perfect!

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  33. Your baskets are glorious and I love your border fabric - it feels just right. Enjoy sitting in the warm, peacefully quilting. :-)

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  34. Oh that fabric is gorgeous and so perfect for your pretty quilt's border. I must say I was surprised at how wide the border is and I LOVE IT! Not enough of the prettiness of the fabric would show if it were narrower. I love your vase too! I have a cat vase similar and I have pussy willows coming out of her head!

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  35. OH... MY... goodness... I LOVE this quilt! So beautiful! And the border you chose is perfect!
    And that it will be hand quilted makes me SOOO happy! Thanks for sharing it with us!

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  36. Wow! I love the sweet flower pot. So much fun finding the right flower hat Your flower basket quilt is so beautiful, and the floral frame was a perfect choice. Enjoy the hand quilting. It's a great and time-consuming job, but it's gorgeous! :-)

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  37. What a wonderful quilt with just the perfect fabric for the border. Enjoy the hand quilting time this week.

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  38. I love your lady pot. Her hydrangea hat suits her perfectly but I can imagine any number of floral arrangements that would look lovely. I hope she'll become a regular feature and you'll let us see all her hats as the seasons change :) Also, I love your baskets - so beautiful. I can wait to to see this quilted :)

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  39. Beautiful quilt. I so enjoy your posts. I look forward to each and every one.
    Marilyn

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    1. ....And I look forward to your sweet visits, lovely Marilyn♥ Your beautiful words delight me every time. Kim Xx

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  40. The quilt is gorgeous and I love that border fabric.

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  41. Wonderful baskets full of budding beauties covering your quilt. With hand quilting to complete it, this will look stunning!

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  42. Hi Kim, what a beautiful quilt. Your baskets make me smile too :-)

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  43. I really like the “pothead”, your husband did a great job!!! I think you chose the right boarder for the quilt, it’s going to finish up beautifully!!

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  44. Kim - your husband knows you well - the pot is the perfect choice for you, and even more so with the hydrangea hat. It is fit for a queen! I am not a quilter, but I experience deep joy in observing the creations you all sew and stitch up from your stashes. Personally, I like the plain background so that the baskets shine with all the glory. Also, I think the "busy" fabric will perfectly offset the plain background. Happy stitching, my friend!

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  45. You have found the perfect border fabric for your lovely baskets, Kim! I can easily imagine you sitting by the window and quilting this lovely top. Enjoy the slow stitching :)

    -Soma

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  46. Your new pot is adorable! Your hubby obviously 'gets' you! I love the fabric you chose for the border - I would say it's pretty well perfect. And....yes, my sewing room looks like an explosion hit it quite often (right now, as a matter of fact!).

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  47. I lllllllove your new pot, Kim. And the quilt with the pretty basket is simply PERFECT! Kisses, my friend.

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  48. Your lady vase is so wonderful and she gets to change hats often. I love the basket quilt - ad the sweet floral fabric for the border, seems just perfect. You do keep busy with your quilting. I'm finally feeling well enough to sit with the computer on a little table in front of my chair in the living room so I can read some blogs. I've missed you so much, Looking forward to catching up on your wonderful blog. Happy week ahead my dear down-under friend. Does that make us up-over friends up here? Inquiring minds want to know.

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  49. Замечательный горшочек для цветов! Одеяло с Цветами в корзинках просто чудесное!

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    1. How lovely of you to visit my little place, Tatyana. Thank you for your beautiful comments. Kim Xx

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  50. As soon as my heart stops beating so fast I shall begin...........................................................................................................................................................there...I think it's better now! That quilt of yours was the culprit....LOL! You, my dear, have picked the PERFECT border to frame this stunning masterpiece!

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  51. Your fabric cupboard had me swooning, Kim, what a stash of delight and possibilities. And that quilt! It is simply fabulous. Also wanted to see that I'm sorry to have been MIA, a hectic few weeks, and more to come as I have my summer vacation in a couple of weeks :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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  52. Oh my goodness . . . this post is a true delight. If I was near I would have to do something nice to thank your husband for being so sweet to you . . . bake him a pie or something. That vase is the cutest thing that I have seen in years. It will be one of those things that will become a treasure and every time you use it you will feel his love.
    Now for your quilt . . . it is beautiful. You have put so much love into making it. When I saw the photo of it in your quilting hoop it made me wish that I had one pieced to work on. I do enjoy hand quilting, there is a warm homey feeling with each and every stitch weaved in and out of the fabric. Oh, and the softness of a quilt that is hand quilted can never be duplicated with a machine. I have to confess that most of my quilts are done on my machine and I have gotten hooked on quilt as you go, but I do try and hand quilt at least one a year.
    This is a long comment, I do hope that I am not boring you. Before I say good bye, I just want to thank you for your prayers and your blogging friendship. We are so very many miles apart and will no doubt never meet in person, but I feel a connection of the heart. I know that if we were neighbors we would be great friends.
    God bless you,
    Connie :)

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  53. Oh, the border fabric is perfect! I actually did think it was a Liberty fabric when I first saw it. I feel like I have been absent from your blog for an age; I have much to catch up on! xxx

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  54. Don't know what I love the most the quilt or the flower pot lady. But what I can say is I would happily have them both! Anna x

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    1. Thank you, lovely Anna♥ I must admit both my flower pot lady and quilt do make me smile. Thank you for your beautiful visit, dear lady. Kim Xx

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  55. I love that pot your husband bought you, Kim!
    How thoughtful he is.
    Hugs,
    Barbara xx

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