Wednesday, August 07, 2013

Ho Ho Ho Blog Hop August 8



 Tis the season to celebrate! Well, at least the season to prepare to celebrate "the most wonderful time of the year."

After all, it took me a while to piece this bit of exuberance, all 60" of it! Going to take a while to quilt it, too. I really love this piece and can't wait to get it quilted and bring it out for the holidays! I blogged about it back in February and March and there are lots of in-progress pictures on Flickr, too.

Celebration Tree Skirt, pattern by Judy Niemeyer for Quiltworx
There are other holiday pieces in progress, too. These little house quilts surfaced in a recent spelunking expedition that also turned up several more WIPs.

Not that I'm quite sure where the line is drawn between a WIP and a UFO. These certainly had been "marinating" for quite a while.

Life sometimes throws us curve balls and provides us with upheavals. All we can do is hang on to the bar of the roller coaster and go along for the ride!
There are two of these quilts, both 4 blocks. It's a good size for a wall hanging or to toss on the back of the sofa or across the table.

The upper picture shows a close-up of the fabrics I'm auditioning for borders. I think with careful cutting and piecing I can just make it with them.

This lower picture is an overview of the whole piece as it stands. Some of it blends into the tile floor, but it really is square.

When you see it in person, the beige backgrounds blend together a little better than they do here. I'm hoping to get these finished before Christmas, too, so they can go to some of the family to brighten up their holidays!


The Laurel Burch panel (there are two of them on this cut of fabric) just needs borders and quilting and will be ready to pass along as well.

For anyone who's new to the blog, let me just say that I have a fairly large family, so there's no shortage of places to pass my quilts along to!

Laurel Burch has always been one of my favorite designers, going clear back to the days when she was Laurel Birchtree! I could see one of these little quilts as a table centerpiece, while we sip coffee or tea from some of my Laurel Burch mugs.
 This little piece was in the same treasure-trove as the house quilts. This one is all finished now.

I quilted it with curly squiggles to give the feeling of a golden garland. Do click on the picture to see the larger version--the print itself is quite charming, little old-fashioned children and toys.

Please excuse the ripply look--I took this picture on the stairs, so trust me that the quilt itself is straight!

Gee, I seem to be saying that a lot tonight...
 These little "feather tree' quilts are decorated with a lot of old buttons and a few newer ones.

I have loved buttons for a long time, and remember going through my mother's button tin when I was little and finding all sorts of treasures. When I started to sew clothing, it was fun to find the "right" buttons.

Yeah, my button collection is perhaps slightly out of hand. But these special buttons are safely sewn down to decorate the trees!

 I didn't make this quilt; it was a gift from a quilter friend. Again, photographed on the stairs for that charming "ripple" effect.

I do owe you an explanation of why these pictures aren't the finest examples of photography, don't I? Well, let me tell you that things have been more than a little hectic around here lately, as I'm in the throes of getting this house ready to sell.

After 41 years of living here, you can just imagine what it's like. The new place is smaller, by half, so there will be a lot of downsizing involved. Also much weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth--and that's just the cats. However, looking ahead to the holidays is cheering me up and helping me to focus on the end result: a smaller, more manageable space to deal with.


 One last quilt. I made this one quite a while ago, and it's still a favorite. The block is, I believe, called Grand Fir, and I'm especially fond of the colors of the attic window sashings.

Well, that's my Ho Ho Ho Roundup. What did you think? Let me know in a comment!




August 8
The Boon Docks( she got her day wrong)

85 comments:

Lee I said...

I just discovered that Archie plays. How cute!

Frederika said...

You have been very busy. I love your christmasquilts. Thanks for sharing

Lee I said...

Sorry for misspelling your name, Archy.

Deonn said...

Wow, what a great showcase - and that Exhuberant quilt... yes indeed! How lovely - can't wait to see it all finished!

Britt-Inger said...

You have so many Christmas projects to show us. And what a show. Thanks for sharing your creativity and being part of this blog hop.
Have a great day

Heleen Groot said...

That is a lot of quilts! I loved the first one the most I think.... All though I do have a slight fascination for buttons myself and loved the simplicity of those too. You can call them WIP's or UFO's.... Just as long as you don't call them NEFT's...... Good luck on the selling and moving. Your Christmas is bound to be a beautiful one!

Karen Propes said...

How beautiful, if this doesn't get you in the holiday mood, I love them all, especially the last one. I just love trees all year long. Thanks for sharing.

GNIESZKA said...

Great work ! Thanks for sharing !

Debby said...

Lovely quilts, all of them! Thanks for letting us get a peek at them.

JoyceLM said...

Wonderful Christmas quilts - thanks for sharing.

Catherine said...

Your quilts are lovely!

Gene Black said...

Wow - great work. I love Laurel Burch too. There is a piece of her fabric in my stash..It may be there a while...I don't want to cut into it.

Donna said...

Trees make such festive quilts. I especially love the last one you showed. Thanks for sharing.

Elizabeth Coughlin said...

So many great projects...impressive! I really like the first one.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

thanks for sharing your wonderful pieces with us.

StitchinByTheLake said...

You've got some great projects going on! blessings, marlene

Carol said...

I love all your projects and am not sure which I like best! Thanks for sharing all those beautiful things.

Sherry said...

Really wonderful projects, I enjoyed all of them

Linda said...

What great projects! You will have so much to choose from when you decorate your new space for Christmas!! Great job!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

What beautiful quilts and that tree skirt is so neat, can't wait to see that quilted! Thanks so much for sharing!

Vickie said...

My goodness Mehitabel, your quilts are wonderful! I will be watching for your medallion, it's just awesome !

krislovesfabric said...

Wow, all I can say is WOW!

Judy B said...

What a great group of Ho Ho Ho Projects! Your tree skirt is fantastic. Thank you for sharing.

Beth said...

That "grand fir" quilt is totally stunning! Lovely!

Betsy said...

Wow! You really endulged us!

charlotte said...

My goodness you've been busy. Love your wonderful projects.

Margaret said...

I am in love with the house quilt. It is beautiful as are all your creative pieces. Thanks for sharing

Jeanie said...

Great display of lots of projects! The piecing on that tree skirt is fabulous! Thanks for sharing your work!

Carol Swift said...

Such a beautiful array of Christmas quilts and projects...busy, busy, lady! I love Laurel Burch, too, and have sewn quite a few things with her fabric. Sounds like you have quite a bit of work ahead of you with your move!

Dee D said...

Everything is very cute.

Kathy H said...

Such beautiful Christmas quilts. You have reminded me that I have several of those patterns too so I should get going and make them. I like the idea of putting the buttons on the trees, had not thought of that for that pattern. Thanks for sharing. You have been very busy.

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

What a nice assortment of projects you have made.

Judy Cooper Textile Artist said...

Lots of great projects! Thanks for sharing.

Rosa said...

Everything is awesome!!

Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] said...

I think the button-decorated tree is my favorite :)

Leah said...

Stunning quilt top! It will be spectacular for the holidays. Love your other projects as well. Thanks for sharing.

pinsandneedles said...

Nice projects! Thanks for sharing!

Gmama Jane said...

Love your Christmas creations!!
Gmama Jane

HeatherK @ A Reformed Heath'n said...

So many different projects. I figure it'll take me a few years to collect so many cute pieces ... but I'm willing to work :) Thanks for sharing!

Quiltsmiles said...

Wonderful round up of all things Christmas-y, thanks for sharing your talents. Jane

Anonymous said...

Wow, there are some beautiful quilts there! I love Christmas, it spurs me on through the year too!

Calicojoan said...

Whew, what a gorgeous paper pieced bit of delight! That is going to be spectacular when it's quilted. I also love your houses. If it matters, I love the purple tree fabric for the border best! :-)
Wonderful treasured heirlooms to pass along!

Jane's Quilting said...

Your quilts are beautiful. I don't know if I could even pick a favorite.

Jane's Quilting said...

Your quilts are beautiful. I don't know if I could even pick a favorite.

Sarah Correa said...

These are all wonderful -just beautiful!

tink's mom said...

Lovely collection of Christmas quilting. Thanks for sharing with us.

gpc said...

What beautiful work! :)

jan said...

I love all of your projects .
xo jan

Thearica said...

Love the projects you have shared with us today.

Anonymous said...

Love your feline helpers-we have 3 rescue kitties and I'm so thankful God didn't give them opposable thumbs or us quilters would be in trouble. Our little black female Bombay would be using the sewing machine! She already has tried to "help" by pulling pins out of WIP so I have to hide things from her. Good luck with your move-we are also in the process of relocating while our home is being renovated. Thanks for sharing all your goodies.

maggie said...

Very pretty projects! Your quilts are lovely
Thanks for sharing.
cheers
maggie

maggiemine42@gmail.com

Sharon Dawn said...

I think you created a lot of Christmas cheer!! I have those same L.B. fabrics and the panel and they are in the same state as yours. I just can make up my mind and start cutting them up!! Good luck with your move. Your treasured quilts will help make your holiday in your new home nice and homey!!

Kwilt Krazy said...

Those are all lovely! The Grand Fir is my favorite!

Lou said...

Great projects!
I don't know if I could/be able to down size:(
Good luck with that!

Pieced Brain Quilt Designs said...

They are so cool! Thanks for joining the blog hop!

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

You have been busy! Awesome projects. Love them all. The celebration tree skirt is stunning.
Thanks for sharing.

Suze said...

I had to compose myself in order to be able to post a comment so I looked through some of your other posts. First, I am overwhelmed by your accomplishments. They are spectacular. When I looked there were no posts for top 2 or most creative and I know your post is close the top for today, but my money is already on you. Your Judy N. quilt is phenomenal. I can only imagine the hours and hours and hours of time you have invested in that. And, some people are better than others at paper piecing. You obviously have the talent for paper piecing, as well as traditional piecing. The Laurel Burch fabrics certainly compliment the house quilt perfectly. I recognize many of those fabrics. I made a table runner for my bro and SIL last year and used some of those fabrics. The table runner had packages in it. It was fun to do. I've been wanting to make a house quilt and like the pattern you used. Your Christmas tree quilt is adorable. I like the way the quilting resembles garland - very clever. The trees with the buttons is cute. I think many of us have memories of our mother's button boxes. My 35 year old son recently told me he remembers our using my button box to work on his math facts when he was in first grade. Your quilter friend certainly blessed you with the nice angel quilt. The hair appears to be French knots? The Grand Fir is indeed grand. I see you get lots of help from the Supervisor. I have two helpers and one is very, very pushy. I had a chuckle with the pic of Ethel with her pillowcase. I thought it looked like she has a halo. The A's are adorable in their new sweaters. About all I knit anymore (and never did much knitting) is dishcloths. My daughter asks for very little homemade and has recently requested some dishcloths. So, my needles have been clicking a little. You did a great job on those two. Do you have a pattern name for your pinwheels? They are wonderful. I wish I had the energy to be as prolific as your are. I hope you have a blessed, peaceful life in your new condo. I've lived in this house for 33 years this month. I moved in 2 weeks before my daughter was born, so it's easy to remember. Thanks for participating, sharing your absolutely incredible creativity, and inspiring us for Christmas in what is hot weather for most of us.

Sallie said...

I like the trees fabric for your cute little houses quilt.

Joanna said...

Best wishes in your new home. It can't be easy leaving or just organizing the move. Your quilts are gorgeous

Joyce Carter said...

All your quilts are gorgeous. The first one is really breathtaking. I don't think I would have the courage to attempt it. Wonderful job on all of them. Thank you for sharing. I wish you much happiness in your new home.(Just think-less cleaning-more time to sew!

Beth said...

Your tree skirt is stunning. And all your other projects are fabulous. You have been one busy lady. Thank you for sharing your beautiful work.

Linda C said...

Lovely, lovely projects! I can't imagine trying to sew and keep the house up for viewing. Most of my sewing room would have to be emptied just to stage it. Did you have to do that?

Sandy said...

I love all of the projects. The Grand Fir is really sweet! For my two cents worth, I like the blue fabric with the trees for your borders on the houses. ;-) Thanks for sharing with us.

vicki said...

What do I think... I think you have a lot of fun playing with fabric and dreaming of fun new projects.. loved them all
Hugs

Sparky said...

apologies for lagging behind today but to end my day with this view welll makes it all worthwhile..glad you were able to make it

evelyn said...

That is quite the roundup! Your tree skirt is magnificent! Love your button trees and the angel mini too.
Your will enjoy your smaller house. Less housework, more quilting time!

apple blossom said...

wonderful work thanks for sharing

Marianne said...

Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful projects.

In stitches and seams said...

great projects ... I just love the look of the trees in the last quilt.
thanks sew much for sharing with us through the hop
in stitches

VickiT said...

Wow. Such beautiful projects, especially the first one. It's absolutely beautiful. I do not envy you moving after that many years in the same house. Nope. Not at all. I've lived in my house for 19 yrs now and even talk of thinking about moving some day gives me hives, I swear. LOL Good luck. The smaller and an easier to manage space does sound nice though.

Anonymous said...

So many beautiful projects, but the tree skirt is my favorite! Thanks for sharing!

Baa. xxx said...

What beautiful things you have made. The tree skirt is a wow!

Gill said...

Fabulous projects - I think the tree skirt is my favourite!

Bente-I like to QuiltBlog said...

Wonderful christmas projects, the houses will turn out great some day.
Thanks for sharing.

Melody said...

Lots of fabulous projects. Your tree skirt is a masterpiece.

Rachel said...

I like the house blocks. Here's one vote for the tree border. Also, that is one very pretty tree skirt!

Anonymous said...

Hiya Mehitabel!!! Wow, what a lot of beautiful work! I just love ALL of your quilts. Those little houses are just darling. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas, blessed be, hugs!!! Pam

pamspretties57 at gmail dot com

Robin said...

All of your quilts are great but the first and last are my favorite two. I really really love the first one. I think I may even have that pattern or a similar one by Judy. Outstanding work!

Robin said...

All of your quilts are great but the first and last are my favorite two. I really really love the first one. I think I may even have that pattern or a similar one by Judy. Outstanding work!

BizyStitches said...

Thanks for being part of the fun blog hop. I enjoyed your blog.

LJ said...

That is something I've not thought about the difference between WIP and UFO; I think I'll shuffle some of the UFOs to the WIP. Hmmm, I better already! lol My favorite project is the Grand Fir - those attic windows really do highlight the trees. Best of luck with the downsizing.

Emily C said...

Wow, all great projects. A WIP typically gets worked on, even if off and on, thus making some progress. A UFO has been in a bin or drawer for months and is close to completely forgotten.

Cecilia said...

You have been busy! All of your quilts are pretty. Thank you for sharing.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry I did not get to post on your day I was at docs most of it but wanted to check back. Your quilts are lovely, the AB panel is very cute and yes is will serve for lots of cuteness during the holiday...nice job

Unknown said...

Sorry I meant to say Laurel Burch.....also wanted to say I just love the tree with the buttons this is adorable. Was this someones pattern? I will have to look for the designer if it is....