Wednesday, September 18, 2019

2019 Color Challenge - September - Lilac



Jen's inspiration for the September Color Challenge block is Lilacs.  Lilacs are frequently considered a harbinger of spring. In the language of flowers, purple lilacs symbolize the first emotions of love, while white lilacs represent youthful innocence.

Lilacs have never been my favorite flower... Reason being is that as a kid I had a severe allergy to them.  And to make it worse, on the grounds of my elementary school there was a large hedgerow of them and my classmates were always picking stems of them and taking them to the teachers to place on their desks.

 Ugh!  My eyes would itch, and water and eventually swell.  

 But my dislike for lilacs never deterred my like for purple.  Purple was my Dad's favorite color and lately he has been on my mind... a lot!
Last week while camping and enjoying the Carson National Forest near Red River, NM we viewed a purple sunset.  Pictures never seem to fully capture the beauty of the colors very well, but the sky was actually about the color of the fabric from my block shown above!

 It was one of those classic 'Lifesaver commercial moments'... and some youthful innocence... 

 We quietly watched... and in my heart I whispered "Do it again, Daddy."

 Ahhh, Lifesavers... 
What is your favorite Lifesaver flavor?

Of the original five flavors available I loved the pineapple.  Of the wider variety of flavors, I always grabbed a butterscotch.  And don't forget about the Wint-o-green candies that spark in the dark!  Such fun!

 Leave a comment to let me know what your flavor of choice is... I'd love to hear from you!

 Stay Piece-ful,

 Melva
Melva Loves Scraps - Home of the Quilters Through The Generations series
Linking with:

BOMS Away at Katie Mae Quilts
What I Made Monday at Pretty Piney
Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt
Moving It Forward Monday at Em's Scrapbag
Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
Colour & Inspiration at Clever Chameleon Quilting
Mid-week Makers at Quilt Fabrication
WOW at Esther's Quilt Blog
Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter
Put Your Foot Down at For the Love of Geese
Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

Creative Compulsions at Bijou Bead Boutique


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Monday, September 9, 2019

My Favorite Block Blog Hop


I am so thrilled to be participating in the "My Favorite Quilt Block" blog hop and that you are here.  I offer many thanks to Carla Henton over at Creatin' In The Sticks for organizing the fun.

 I'll jump right in and say that my favorite block is the Log Cabin block.

 It is versatile and can be laid out in a wide variety of patterns to offer a different look.  Here are a few samples of log cabin quilts that I have made.

 The first log cabin quilt I made was a California King sized that was commissioned.  It was early in my "quilting endeavors" and my stash was very limited so I had to purchase (aw, darn, right?) fabric for it.

I used the same layout a few years later in the "For the Love of Log Cabins" that was a Bonnie Hunter Scrap Addict pattern in the Quiltmaker magazine.

It was after this quilt that I then started to play in my scrap bin and make wonky log cabins...

I have many more log cabin quilts that I could share, but I'll get to the project specifically for this hop...

 As I planned for the wall hanging that I wanted to make I realized that my love for log cabins is tied to my childhood and when I discovered the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder...

That first book "Little House in the Big Woods"  captured my attention and I remember quickly reading all of the books in the series.   The stories of Pa and his playing the fiddle in the evening... how Ma used fresh, clean snow and molasses and sugar  to make candies for Christmas treats.  

 I decided that a log cabin scene made of log cabin blocks was called for.

 I started with finding a photo to use as my inspiration and pattern...

 I cropped it down and gridded it out so that it would be my pattern and guide for colors and values of the blocks...

I pulled out my scrap bin... funny thing about that scrap bin... even though I continue to pull and use scraps from it, it never seems to get any emptier!  Just how DOES that happen?

As my blocks took place upon my design wall both my husband and mom asked "what is it?" **sigh**
Really? They couldn't see it...

I persevered... I kept thinking that the meadow and mountains and quilting would help define it.  

It is a little abstract-ish.. and the quilting didn't really help define much... unless you look closely.


I put clouds in the sky areas...


logs, a door and windows on the cabin...

 I defined the roof with metal roofing (common in our area because of the severe hail storms that can occur)...

 bricks on the chimney and smoke coming out of the chimney

 There are flowers and grass in the meadow



and rugged lines on the mountains...


Despite the abstract look, I like it!  It is 24" x 36" -  a great size for a wall hanging.  And while it is not all that I hoped it would be, it was a great challenge and lesson for me in color selection and color placement.  I could have  adjusted the mountain range (probably should have, but I was running short on time) so that it doesn't look like an extension of the roof... 

BUT, I mean, not all log cabins are perfect either!  It is not the house (or the setting) that makes a home...

My love for log cabin blocks will continue... as will my love for all things Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Here is a yummy honey nut biscuit that is "Little House" inspired.  It is one of our breakfast favorites!  Note: By using Einkorn flour I am able to enjoy them as a gluten-free food.  It is, however, NOT wheat free.  So for those that are wheat intolerant or suffer with celiac, sorry!  But for everyone else...Enjoy!
Tell me,  is there a favorite childhood book or series that you still love as an adult?  

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!

 Stay Piece-ful,

 Melva

Be sure to visit the other bloggers to see what their favorite blocks are!

Monday, September 9th

Tuesday, September 10th

Wednesday, September 11th

Thursday, September 12th

Friday, September 13th
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Friday, August 30, 2019

Thrift Shop Finds and Pattern Testing

The week had been long and we needed some time away to unplug and shut out the world.  The world was shouting and we wanted to retreat and hide... and heal.  But we also had not seen our girls or the grands for waaaaaaay too long 6-8 weeks???  How did this happen?  Oh, a quick trip to Lincoln happened and derailed some plans.

 We decided to make an "errand run" for some special groceries that I cannot find in our little town and make some thrift shop stops.  We scored with some much needed work jeans and shorts for Dave and I.  As I waited on him in the fitting room I perused the fabric section...

 I found three items that followed me home.  I even passed two of the up once and then they just jumped into the cart the second time I made my way around the rack.



 First up was the Bronco fabric.  I have several Bronco shirts ready to be made into a quilt and this fabric will we perfect as the border...  


Next up was the Harry Potter panel.  My first thought was "ooohhh!  My Becca Boo would have loved this as a quilt when she was younger!"  

 I thought that since she is nearly 30 (again, how did this happen????) and married that she might not appreciate it quite so much.  

 But since it was priced at just a few bucks it was just too good to pass up.  I figured someone would like it.  So it came home...



The final piece that jumped in was this large poppy print... There was something about it that caught my eye the first time around and then the second time the price tag sealed it... $1.50 for 2 yards!

 We finished our errands and picked up the grand daughters and headed to Pueblo State Park to set up camp.  We had a great view of the lake and an easy walk down to the water where we skipped rocks and looked for fossils in the shale rock.  They were everywhere!

 That evening as we enjoyed s'mores around the campfire I mentioned the HP panel and Becca got super excited about the possibility to get a quilt featuring the panel.  Her husband, David... not so much.  I think he even said something like "don't encourage this Harry Potter obsession."  

 But I think I know what she will be getting for Christmas!!!  He is a minimalist and likes the contemporary, clean, sleek look.  I think I will do some sort of Irish Chain in blues and greys for the top and use the panel for the backing.  The best of both worlds so that they both can enjoy it.

As the sun said good night we did too.  The neighbors in the campsite right next to us however did NOT.  Their vulgar language and music kept Dave and I awake for several more hours... with not a ranger to be seen or heard to enforce the quiet hours.  **sigh**
The girls, however...


seemed to sleep fine! 

While it was only one night and anything but remote and quiet our souls were soothed just being able to hug and love up on our family.  There will be time for some quiet soon.  It will involve long bike rides and time relaxing.  But in the meantime...

 I have some pattern testing to do for Shannon Fraser Designs.  She will have a pattern release next month... be sure to watch for it!



Is it bad that when I see "Yard Sale" I think fabric???  I mean it IS sold by the YARD!  lol!

 Have you had any great thrift store finds?  

 Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you.

 Stay Calm and Quilt,
Melva
Melva Loves Scraps - Home of the Quilters Through The Generations series

 Linking with:
Can I Get A Whoop Whoop at Confessions of a Fabric Addict
Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie
Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty
Peacock Party at Wendy’s Quilts and More
Scrap Happy Saturday at Super Scrappy
UFO Busting at Tish’s Wonderland
Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate
What I Made Monday at Pretty Piney
Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt
Moving It Forward Monday at Em's Scrapbag
Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
Colour & Inspiration at Clever Chameleon Quilting
Mid-week Makers at Quilt Fabrication
WOW at Esther's Quilt Blog
Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter


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Sunday, August 25, 2019

2019 Color Challenge - Red Orange & Marigolds




Marigolds provided the inspiration for the August 2019 monthly color challenge block of the month focused on Red-orange offered by Patterns By Jen.

The name Marigold is of English origin and the meaning of Marigold is "mary's gold" and usually symbolize passion and creativity. 

 This block really did spur on some passion for me....

 The pattern called for just two colors.  


The problem I ran into was that I didn't have a large enough piece of a print fabric to make the block - that wavy stripe-y fabric, topographical looking print in the middle of the 1/4 block...  And I really, REALLY wanted it... I was passionate about wanting to include that fabric!


 I had to make a way for it to work... So, a slight pattern adjustment and creativity was required.  I love it, though!  And it wasn't even difficult.  I am glad I used it.

 This happens to everyone, right?  Sometimes a mood will hit and you just HAVE to do something or make something...  Something far from the plan that you have.  I know some quilters refer to it as a "DrEAMI" moment - Drop Everything And Make It.

 Life this week has been filled with challenges.  Not anything life threatening, but small little obstacles and detours... ALL WEEK!  I could use some fun DrEAMI moments in my studio to sooth my soul and calm my mind... or a quick camping trip to escape the realities of life. 😉



What sort of DrEAMi moments have you had lately?  

 I'd love to hear from you...  Leave a comment.

 Piece Out,
Melva
Melva Loves Scraps - Home of the Quilters Through The Generations series
Linking with:
Scrap Happy Saturday at Super Scrappy
UFO Busting at Tish’s Wonderland
BOMs Away at What A Hoot Quilts
Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate
What I Made Monday at Pretty Piney
Main Crush Monday at Cookin’ Up Quilts
Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt
Moving It Forward Monday at Em's Scrapbag
2019 Color Challenge at Patterns by Jen
Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
Colour & Inspiration at Clever Chameleon Quilting
Mid-week Makers at Quilt Fabrication
WOW at Esther's Quilt Blog
Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter
Put Your Foot Down at For the Love of Geese
Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation
Creative Compulsions at Bijou Bead Boutique
Can I Get A Whoop Whoop at Confessions of a Fabric Addict
Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie
Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty
Peacock Party at Wendy’s Quilts and More

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Monday, August 19, 2019

A Time For All Seasons BOM - August


As we traveled down the two-lane highway on our return home from Lincoln, Nebraska I had set the repairs and hand quilting aside since I just couldn't do it anymore.  My hands were a little tired and my eyes said "no more" - they would no longer focus clearly as we moved down the slightly bumpy highway.

 You know that saying about having enough coffee to thread a sewing machine while it is running?  I felt like that was what I was doing most of the day since the two-lane highway wasn't silky smooth.  Threading the needle and trying so carefully to take the proper sized stitches and getting the needle in the right place... all a challenge.  And I was done with it.

 I took in the view and the smells of the freshly cut fields of hay...

I was taken back in time to my childhood and my days in 4-H and "fair time".

I participated with some of the home economics classes like sewing, knitting and crocheting.  There was an interview and the fashion revue.  I can't recall if it was my first year of second year of 4-H but the date and time for the interview was mid-week and in the afternoon in a small town about 30 minutes from our house.

 Now, as a child I don't EVER remember showing up late for anything.  I mean ANYTHING.  My parents were prompt people and taught me that if you are  5 minutes early, you are on time.  And 10 minutes early was even better.

 Back to the interview day... I remember running down the stairs from my bedroom and interrupting Mom's tv time  (General Hospital) asking "Isn't today the interview for 4-H?" 

 She jumped up off the couch and told me to change my clothes and get ready. FAST!  Now remember it usually took 30 minutes to get to the extension office... I know that she was speeding... and praying that a state patrol didn't stop her.  We made it there in record time!  In just 20 minutes she dropped me to run in while she parked the car.

 I had made it in the nick of time!  Keep in mind that there were many afternoons that I would spend at the pool, so the fact that I was home was a big surprise.

 I don't remember much else.  I don't remember how the interview went.  I don't remember how my projects did... though I know I had a Grand Champion, a Reserve Grand Champion and a couple first places but I could not tell you what projects they went with.  There was a long skirt for Sewing I, some small projects for Knitting I and Crocheting I... and I was the only one from our club to go on the next year with Knitting II.

 It's been a few years since then...  whew!
And apparently I really liked red and purple... I remember wanting to use the two colors together in a project and was told no by both my Mom and the knitting instructor.  I was just ahead of the trend of the red hat society ladies!  haha!




There were some gorgeous sunrises and sunsets over the fields...  

 A friend from high school still lives in the "neighborhood" where I grew up.  I say neighborhood loosely because the closest neighbors were a good distance away.  She lives about 1-1/2 miles from my childhood home... she took the pictures below.






So my first block for the August A Time For All Seasons block reminds me of the cut hay fields and the sunsets...













And my second block caught me dreaming of an upcoming trip that Dave and I are planning for late February along the Gulf Coast of Texas... Sand and Sea.







We have had some suggestions from friends...

 "Corpus has some really nice museums, and good beaches, and there is Surfside RV Park & Resort if you are camping. And the USS Lexington aircraft carrier is there to explore, if you like that sort of thing. Galveston has a great beach and beachfront area, great architecture to see just walking around the historic area as well as historic home tour, a couple of gardens you can tour, fishing piers, an entertainment pier and a state park."

 "Mustang Island State Park has just opened for beach camping again."

 "Definitely check out the ferry ride in Galveston bay. It’s free and you might see dolphins among all the bird varieties!"

 "Kemah, just north of Galveston, is kinda’ nice. Quaint shops and a boardwalk with restaurants (and beer for Dave). Been there a few times."
Do you know of any additional "Must See" attractions? 
Do you know anything about the space center?  Where is it located?  Are there tours?  

Leave a comment to let me know.  I'd love to hear from you!

Stay Piece-full,

Melva
Melva Loves Scraps - Home of the Quilters Through The Generations series
Linking with:

BOMs Away at What A Hoot Quilts
Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate
What I Made Monday at Pretty Piney
Main Crush Monday at Cookin’ Up Quilts
Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt
Moving It Forward Monday at Em's Scrapbag
Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
Colour & Inspiration at Clever Chameleon Quilting
A Time For All Seasons BOM at Sew Incredibly Crazy
Mid-week Makers at Quilt Fabrication
WOW at Esther's Quilt Blog
Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter
Put Your Foot Down at For the Love of Geese
Creative Compulsions at Bijou Bead Boutique
Can I Get A Whoop Whoop at Confessions of a Fabric Addict
Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie
Finished or Not Friday at Busy Hands Quilts
Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty
Peacock Party at Wendy’s Quilts and More

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