Quilters Meet & Greet :: Give Away!

Welcome to Melva Loves Scraps and the 2018 On-line Quilters Meet & Greet blog hop that has been organized by Benita Skinner over at Victoriana Quilt Designs.  There will be a link to participate in the grand prize give away at the end of this post.  You will not want to miss out on this opportunity!  You will have all month to be able to join in on the fun.  Don't miss it...

Melva Loves Scraps was originally started in 2011 when I participated in a weekly scrapbooking challenge.  I soon lost interest in the challenge and the blog went to the wayside until I submitted a block for volume 8 of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks publication in 2013.  Shortly after, I decided that this would be a great way to document and share the stories of my quilts and some of the thoughts and experiences of life as I make them.  

Last year I started the Quilters Through The Generations series.  It features individuals that have a long line of quilters in their family.  I started with my family tree and have expanded to include many other quilters.  I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of the quilters featured in the series... I hope that you will too.


So, a little about me...

I love scraps.  I love vintage quilts and I love preserving the stories of quilters and the quilts they make.  

I am a Homemaker who has a passion for all things quilty.  I especially like a scrappy look.   I love the challenge of working with scraps, remnants and cast-offs to make something beautiful.

This doesn't just apply to quilting, but with life in general!  I enjoy cooking and frequently watch the Food network for new ideas and to learn about food pairing profiles.  Given the fact that Dave & I are empty-nesters, this means that we have plenty of leftovers.  I love accepting the challenge of transforming leftovers into new meals.  

I have shared a few of my favorite recipes that allow me plenty of time in the studio as well as offer ample serving sizes for the two of us for several meals - just look for the "No Guilt::Go Quilt" titles.  I will often transform some of the chicken meals into soup by adding some veggies and stock.   

In addition to my passion for quilting I also have a love for scrapbooking and have a serious need to get caught up... I am two+ years behind!  

My blog helps me to document the quilts that I make each year with the stories of who the quilts are for, the thought process of creating them and how I was able to face or overcome challenges with each project... transferring them to my photo albums is easy and quick!

Some of my favorite quilts are featured on my Gallery tab at the top of the page.  A few of my older quilts that aren't included in the gallery are:





Broken Star - When I was asked by a friend that had started the quilt from a kit 20+ years ago if I would finished it for her I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  I happily accepted the challenge but soon found that the pre-cut pieces varied in size... some up to 1/4 inch difference.  This, along with the inaccurate seams of the pieces that had been assembled made for a real test to my skills and desire for quilting.  You can catch the whole story over here (the link is the conclusion of the project and includes all of the posts that involve the Broken Star)




Desert Oasis was made at a time of our lives when we were uncertain of our future.  My husband had been placed on administrative leave and we were uncertain of what our future held.  Would he have a job?  Did I want him to be allowed to return to his job?  Did he want to return?  

While we waited for the powers-that-be-in-charge, we learned that my dad who had been in the nursing home for 4+ years with Alzheimer's was experiencing kidney failure....  **sigh** When I finally mustered up the energy to return to my studio (with the urging of my wonderful hubby) there were two projects that helped bring healing to my spirit and soul. 


Desert Oasis is one and the other was Green Pastures.

The idea for Green Pastures came to mind while sitting at my dad's funeral... as the 23rd Psalm was being read.  He was one of my greatest cheerleaders and always believed in me.  So when I questioned whether or not I could free motion the scripture into the quilt I felt him saying, "You'll never know if you don't try."  And try I did... you can see some of the detail at the link above.














The Amish Inspired Half-square Triangle helped me to overcome my fear of feathers.  No profound or meaningful story with this quilt, but it is one of my favorite because of the richness in the colors and knowing I conquered my fear of feathers.

You can catch a peek into my studio over on the Studio Tour tab at the top of the page.  It is a place of sanctuary for me... It is a cozy room that I have made the most of every inch of space and storage.



I hope that you enjoy your visit and take some time to look around.  I invite you to decide to follow me here on the blog or through Bloglovin'.  I can also be found on facebook and instagram.  

Life is not just a destination... It is a journey.  Won't you join me in my life's journey.



Blessings,

Melva

Don't forget about the Give Away!!!

Simply click the link below and follow Benita's directions when you get there. :)

Give Away!

As an added bonus I am giving away a pattern for a 66" x 74" quilt called City Lights.  This would be a wonderful scrappy quilt!  

Want a chance to win it???  Follow me and leave a comment (before 11:59 p.m. 9/30/18) to let me know where/how you follow.  Simple as that!   

If you are a no-reply blogger, be sure to leave your email address with your comment.