Tuesday, September 4, 2018

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. :)



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.  









52 comments:

  1. Lovely scrap quilts! And yes, life is a journey.

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  2. Nice to meet you, Melva!! Great post. :)

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  3. You have lovely quilts! and i love the idea of No Guilt: Go Quilt - It is nice to learn more about yoU!

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  4. I follow your blog on Bloglovin'. Love your quilts. Going to look at your studio.

    https://prayersformymom.blogspot.com/

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  5. How nice to learn a little more about you than normally comes out. Love the idea of the Green Pastures quilt. I follow by e-mail.

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  6. I also love scrap quilts I have an abundance of them, and try to incorporate them in every pattern I work with.

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    1. Scraps a wonderful and can always be put to use!

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  7. I love your Amish Inspired Half Square Triangles, Melva.
    Thanks for being part of the Quilters Meet & Greet! <3

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  8. Thank you for your post, Melva. Life is quite a journey and sometimes can be a bit scary. I love your quilts!

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  9. Beautiful quilts and a pleasure to meet you!

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  10. I love scrap quilts, too (and am giving away my own prize for the Meet and Greet!!) Off to visit your tabs at the top of the page...

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  11. Your quilts are beautiful and I especially like those that have a heart meaning for you! I follow you via email.

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  12. Love the green pastures quilt! What a treasure!

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  13. The Meet & Greet is such a great way to get acquainted with fellow quilt bloggers. It's nice to meet you and your quilts, Melva!

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  14. Melva, I have been following you by email for a few months now. I love your blog items. I admire scrappy quilters and am trying to get my scraps tamed to be ready for quilting. Your quilters stories collecting is so much fun. Thanks for sharing your passions with us!

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    1. Thank you Dawny. It is rewarding to know that others are enjoying my musings, though that is not the complete reason for my posts. Good luck in the prize drawing! (fyi, you come up as a no-reply blogger, you may want to email me or leave your email address so that I can contact you if you are selected as the winner.) :)

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  15. Nice post. I can sure see why you called the one quilt Broken Star. I think I follow by Bloglovin. I get regular emails telling me when you have a new post. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  16. I have been a follower for awhile by email. And I was glad to see all of these beautiful quilts again.

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  17. Hi Melva! What a touching story of Green Pastures. I can just imagine that voice telling you that can conquer feathers, and you sure did. I know he was proud of you! I have enjoyed your quilters through the generations series, as a few friends of mine have been featured. I will certainly check out your studio space, as I really enjoy seeing how others have their's setup. I follow you on Bloglovin' and I sure do enjoy reading your posts. ~smile~ Roseanne

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  18. Nice to meet you ;) I enjoyed your post, and I'm following with Bloglovin

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  19. I love the Amish quilt's colors, too. Scraps are heavenly and I hate throwing away even small pieces. Thanks for sharing with us all.

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  20. So nice to meet you. Love your studio

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  21. I enjoyed visiting your blog, thank you for sharing.

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  22. I also love scraps--you have some beautiful quilts--the Broken Star which must have been a real challenge turned out beautifully!
    barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

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  23. Hello, I've been following your blog via email for ages. Thanks for the quilting inspiration.

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  24. Your broken star is amazing. Love the colors, and know the challenge on some quilts.

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  25. Oh Melva...I've followed you for years and I love scraps too.

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  26. hi there, super cool quilt patter give away. I like your journey and one similar to many of us who make quilts and give them away.

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  27. I just started following you by email. I love to try new patterns and rarely make a pattern twice.

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    1. Thank you for becoming one of my regular readers! Good luck in the prize drawing.
      PS - you may want to leave me an email address so that I can contact you if you are the winner. :)

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  28. I have followed your blog for a while now via your website. I really must get my scraps under control and make something. Thank you for sharing your quilting journey with us

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  29. Life sure is a journey! I've been quilting for quite a few years now but only in the last 5 or 6 years have started on scrap quilts.

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  30. Scrap quilts are the best. I love the Amish one.

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    1. Good luck in the prize drawing.
      PS - you may want to leave me an email address so that I may contact you if you are the winner :)

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  32. Nice to meet you on the Quilter's Meet and Greet! Your Broken Star quilt is wonderful!

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  33. Replies
    1. Thank you for helping to make the M&G hop a fun and successful event. PS - You may want to leave an email address so that I can contact you if you are selected as the winner. Good luck in the prize drawing!

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  34. Loved touring your sewing spot!!Is very cool spot! & Thank you for chance to win your Pattern too! I follow you thru Email & Bloglovin :) bearpaws9(at)copper(dot)net

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  35. Oh, Melva, what a beautiful post! God is amazing. Thanks for sharing part of your journey. I think you really get to know God when you are tested to the max. My first husband walked out of me and our two children just 8 days before Christmas when they were seniors in high school. My son felt that he needed to go with his dad. It was the path of least resistance for him and he was headed down a drug path. I had lost my high paying job and had finally found a contracting job. My self esteem was already shaken and I was emotionally a mess dealing with childhood drama which I still am fighting. I was left to put our daughter through college and pay for her wedding. I travelled to Chicago, Houston, and Oklahoma City for contracts sometimes not returning home for three months. It was horrendous work. Sometimes I was bored to tears because the company wasn't prepared for me and other times I was overworked and working every day. I worked in horrible conditions sometimes. I was thankful to be working. The last day I had a contract, I came home and went to the doctor the next week to find I had breast cancer. By that time, my son was back living with me and my daughter was in NM. My son was drinking so much, he couldn't promise that he would go get me something to eat every day. I moved in with friends 60 miles away. For me, I had no choice but to lean totally on God. I knew if I died, it was a perfect healing and if I lived, God got the credit for the healing. Either way God got the glory. Honestly, that's the closest I have ever been to God. My son husband died. Now my first husband is in the hospital and our son told him that he could handle his dad but his dad said I could come see him any time that I would like. It's difficult to forget about all that he put me through AND I need to let my children know there is forgiveness. There is a difference between forgiveness and taking back. I'm absolutely amazed that you could put the Broken Star quilt together. Wow - what a job! I hope the person knows what a feat you accomplished. Thanks for sharing some of your storms. You are a lady of great strength!

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  36. Thanks for sharing your story! I poked around your blog and had fun reading some of the stories in quilters through the generations. What wonderful legacies to share!

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  37. I enjoyed seeing your quilts and reading the stories behind them. Thank you for inviting us to come for a visit!

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  38. Great post! I follow you on email.
    cathylouwilson@gmail.com

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  39. I always love your use of scraps! Follow you at Bloglovin' :)

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  40. What beautiful memory quilts for your Dad and the green pastures. We have just sold our home, and do not have a new one yet, 7 weeks is not long to find another. I read your words and get inspiration to cope with whatever happens. The colours in your Amish inspired quilt are gorgeous, bright, and so beautiful. And I will add you to my blogger list.

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  41. Hi Melva! What a lovely post - Your greener pastures quilt is so touching. What a great idea. Also love the Amish style quilt. Gorgeous colors. I am off to poke around your blog a bit more! Have a great weekend.

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  42. Cool quilts. I'm a new follower via Bloglovin'

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  43. I love the amish inspired HST quilt. My first quilt I made was inspired by an amish quilt.

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  44. I've enjoyed my visit, but will need to return later for a more in depth look. I've many moew logs to visit (where did the month go?) and time is running out.

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  45. I am a new follower in IG. You have some very beautiful quilts.

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  46. It's lovely to meet you Melva and interesting to read your story. I love the idea of the generations series and I'm a great scrap lover too! And a new follower :-)

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