Sunday, May 21, 2006


I'm on the committee which plans our Guild Retreat in September each year. This year, our theme will be "Snowbound" . . . with a focus on scrap quilts, the type of quilts which one might make if confined to home during a blizzard, forced to use what is on hand. I have a notebook full of ideas, and some hand-outs already written. One favorite that I have nearly forgotten is the postage stamp basket block, based on the 1978 postage stamp. Yesterday, taking my sewing box, I went to an auction, deciding to stay, as I appliqued the handle of a left-over basket block, and completed a tea cup block . . . another UFO. When both were done, I thought about how "cute" they are, and realized I have an addiction to little blocks.

I recently finished assembling my Dear Jane top, the center portion of which was a collaborative effort with friends several years ago. I have all the fabrics selected to commence on Linda Franz' Quilted Diamonds, dubbed, "Dear Jane with Attitude" by my friend, Marguerite. I've been working on little perfume bottle blocks, made with florals and abstract fabrics with gold on them. I have 4 pieced mitten blocks made, and a stack of fabrics to continue that theme. The tea cup blocks are all cut from small scale florals to resemble china cups.
I completed the choices in my sewing box as I watched and listened at the auction, even tossing out a "sympathy" bid a few times. Anyone interested in a blue carnival glass punchbowl, 12 cups with the "S" hooks to suspend them from the side of the bowl, and a blue ladle?

8 comments:

Lois R. said...

Heh heh heh... I'm not allowed NEAR an auction anymore!

Welcome to the Land of Blog! I heard about your new blog from Laura at Pine Ridge. I'm new to the blog world too -- never thought I'd be blogging. I'm also new to quilting, so you have one up on me. Hope you have as much fun blogging as you do quilting! WELCOME!

Lois R. said...

PS. I thought I'd add another comment, cause I know just how exciting it is to get comments! I love your postage stamp baskets -- so vintage-looking.

Joyce said...

Great to meet a new blogger. Welcome to a new addiction!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Welcome Linda! Oh my gosh, I thought Laura had a way with words on her blog. I never have much to say and sure can't write it like Laura. Now I'll have yours also! I"m going to look like the poor relative - well ok, maybe I am a poor relative - but really, I"m glad to see your blog! Welcome!

Wait till you see my liberated log cabins for the retreat! I started working on the quilting this past weekend! I'll have to take some pics and post them on my blog!

Ann said...

Welcome to blogland! I'll warn you, though, it's almost as addicting as quilting. It's a lot of fun, though, sharing ideas and seeing what everyone is up to.
How funny to read about you taking work to an auction. I did that just this past Saturday. Amazing how many pple stop by and admire what you are working on. I did pick up a couple of antique quilts at this auction, though! So it was a very good day!

Pam said...

Welcome to blogging - be careful it can be addictive!!

I just started doing a Dear Jane quilt - bought the book and CD and have completed about 10 blocks. I just love the Linda Franz diamonds - they are so beautiful. Some day!!

Pam in Canada

Judy said...

Welcome to blogging!

Your quilts are lovely. Can't wait to see more of them!

Helen in the UK said...

Sounds like your retreat will be a lot of fun. Hope you'll be able to share some pictures when it is done.
String blocks are always a good scrappy block :)