Treasured

This is the second quilt I made for one of my daughters.  She picked out several fat quarters and I made this patchwork square throw quilt for her.  She is a down-to-earth girl and loves the outdoors and simple style.  I love the backing with is the polka dots and I had it long arm quilted with a swirling circular vine pattern. I have the binding yet to do.  

Treasured

My youngest still likes hugs and kisses,
not in public, but allowed behind closed doors.
Sometimes he forgets, holds my hand
as we walk sidewalk or street; almost brings me to tears.

Perhaps little boy sweetness lingers a bit longer,
as my girls flirted with independence
far too early.

Yet I've found a way to wrap myself around them -
carefully choose color and pattern,
piece and pin often past midnight,
prayerfully secure layers with flourishes of design ...

an heirloom perhaps, worn-out, treasured,
maybe bring tears to their eyes
knowing they are loved.

by Margaret Bednar, August 3, 2018

Almost Finished 1890's Reproduction Throw Quilt

This is the first quilt I made.  I did not know about fabric grain, and the stretch may be off a bit but the tumblers are small and I don't think it will make a difference.  I tend to pin a lot so it may take me longer to quilt, but I truly get satisfaction out of my corners lining up.  If mine are close I often don't rip out for supposedly that adds to the charm (or so I tell myself).   I had it long arm quilted with a leaf motif.
















I have the binding to still sew.  I purchased the AccuQuilt Go Big electric fabric cutter and will be cutting my binding on the bias with it.  Supposedly it is very easy.  I will post the completed quilt when I am done.  

"Heatwave"- a poem that gives a slight nod to quilts

Heatwave

A fever oscillates across my skin
swigs stamina and strength from my bones,
yet offers no toast to acknowledge my hospitality.

I'm just "southern" enough
to graciously welcome unwanted guests,
find beauty in wilting leaves

bowing temporarily to a stronger force;

enjoy the ballet of grandmother's quilt
as it lifts a corner,
flutters gracefully as fever exhales;

imagine I'm a bartender
serving shots during happy hour,
carefully pour each living thing a drink -

temperance observed;

join the hens in a silent brooding,
thankful the border collie
rallies strength to scan for the devil;

look forward to the lick of night
when the visitor rests
and the yellow haze behind my eyelids

finally fades to black.

by Margaret Bednar

1890's Reproduction Fabric Tumbler Throw Quilt

I have stated a tumbler throw quilt with 1890's reproduction fabric.  I found a fabulous double-strip tumbler ruler (4-1/2") that allows me to cut out five (or ten if I layer my fabric) quickly.   Creative Grids

I had a nice assortment of about 28 patterns within a short period of time.

The design is from a Better Homes & Garden magazine.  I will have it professionally machine quilted.  My next update will be to showcase the finished quilt!

Will post finished quilt soon.

Black floral tablecloth made by "Birds of the Air Quilts"

Photo courtesy of Birds of the Air Quilts

I commissioned the MOST AMAZING tablecloth from my blog and FB friend, Ruth Mowry.  I highly recommend her artistry and craftsmanship.  Click on the link below!

birds of the air quilts: Black floral tablecloth: An old blog friend, who is also a Facebook friend, asked me to make a holiday tablecloth for her long narrow table. She and her husband h...

"The Quilt" a poem

The Quilt

One of life's simple pleasures
is the smell of butterflies and clover,
of sunshine after spring showers -

of capturing the day with a clothespin
and wrapping oneself up with it for the night.

by Margaret Bednar 

Batik Tote Bags with Leather Handles

Amity Farm Batik - Carol Law Conklin:  Etsy Shop

I ordered five gorgeous batik fabrics from artist Carol Law Conklin of "Amity Farm Batik".  Click HERE to see the many art fabrics she offers in her Etsy shop, not to mention cards, cutting boards, giclee prints, mousepads, puzzles, ornaments, pillows, silk scarves, trivets, and originals!   (I also ordered this year's Christmas cards from her.

You can find her on Facebook under Amity Farm Bartik.  Her webpage is amityfarmbatik.com and she also has a blog:  HERE

It is especially fun to "walk" through her gallery HERE

I have a few quilts to make, but the first sewing project I will eventually tackle (after 15 years of not sewing) will be quilted tote bags.  The other four fabrics I purchased are below.

I want leather handles and I will have fun picking out the background fabric for each bag.  I have linked a few free pattern sites but I don't know if I will use any as I want to walk through two of our local sewing/fabric shops first.

Easy Quilted Tote - free pattern

100+ Free Tote Bag Patterns