Quilt Sandwich

Sweetness

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:12:00 +0000

It was enjoyable to have time to do some sewing "just for fun" this weekend. Here's the result:

I was inspired by the colors of conversation heart candies and the piecing that my friend Christine used with her fabric from Cultured Expressions. You can see Christine's energetic wall hanging here. My sewing started with the directions for a pyramid pattern in Freddy and Gwen Collaborate Again by Gwen Marston and Freddy Moran. And I think I read Anna Marie Horner's blog often enough that I was probably influenced by her use of combining large and small print fabrics together.

And here's how it's cheering my dining room up while it's still a bit grey outside this winter:

...the conversation hearts inside the glass hurricane are the finishing touch! Now if my family can keep their hands out of them :)

Table Runner's

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:34:00 +0000

Recently I've been filling my evening "for the fun of it" sewing hours by creating table runners. Playing with lines and structures is what I'm currently drawn to (no pun intended!) Seeing these all lined up in this post also makes me realize what colors I'm currently being pulled to.

14 x 72"

This shorter table topper is for sale in my Carrot Top Studio Etsy store where I am selling items to raise funds for my January mission trip to La Croix, Haiti. The mission website is here. You may also purchase this table topper/runner below for $37.00 + 6.00 shipping/handling.


13 1/4 x 37 3/4"

T-shirt Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:57:00 +0000

It was fun to go down memory lane while patching this t-shirt quilt for my son as a high school graduation gift. Thanks to a friend's tip about using an iron on interfacing on the t-shirt pieces the project was smooth sailing!

Winter Table Runner

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:34:00 +0000

Winter will officially be over in four days....and I finally got the new winter table runner done! So I guess I can smile and say I'm ready 'ahead of time' for NEXT winter. Now what shall I stitch up for spring and how long will it take for me to complete it?

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:04:00 +0000

It's cold OUTSIDE! It's cold enough that I had to "warm up" the dining room with a quilt on the table. It's not really warming the table but when I glance into this room it looks warmer and that makes me think I'm warmer! Freud would like this?

I did this snow day piece many years ago when I had lots of sitting around and watching the kids play at my feet time. The elements are all embroidered in the tradition of redwork. It was fun to create and snowmen always make me smile therefore I continue to enjoy it. Hope those that sit around this table do also!

Waiting

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:24:00 +0000

This 20 x 20" piece was created for an exhibit inspired by Mary the mother of Jesus' life. Mary's ability to wait, hope and expect has always stirred me. Our lives are filled with times of expectancy. Mary is a model for us. This leads me to think of a portion of Romans 8 as translated by Eugene Peterson:

All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.

The layers of the fabric represent the times of waiting and expectancy beyond what is familiar to us, the bright spots and the dark, the rough and smooth--all necessary components of our lives.

Used in art as early as the year 250, the purple hues remind us of Christ's royalty. Blue was chosen as an accent to represent the sky at sunrise of the new day we wait and hope for.

Pieced Pillows

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:12:00 +0000

I was inspired by Intuitive Color and Design and posted about it here so I ventured into new creating pillow covers for our cozy up and read in chairs. They were fun to piece and play with the design elements as the blocks grew. AND I used only fabrics from my stash....it's a challenge I occasionally give myself so the fabric doesn't pile up to the point of me not knowing what I have!

Fabric Prep

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:51:00 +0000

I've been studying the scriptures on Mary. My contemplations have been surrounding her:

simple trust in the grace of God,
her solidarity with the poor,
her call to ministry,
and her practice of prayer.

All this pondering is leading to a piece of fiber art. So while the sun was shining brilliantly this morning I took time to monoprint a series of blue fabrics that will hopefully be suitable for this little work of art. This type of process is so exhilarating for me. The end results are always full of little surprises.

Hopefully I'll be posting the finished piece in time for Advent.

Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:21:00 +0000

Intuitive Color and Design by Jean Wells was my read for the weekend. Every now and then a fiber arts book gets me so excited that it consumes my thinking and acting (and sewing) and planning....and that's where I'm at this Monday morning. Oh my the energy that is flowing! Jean has generously shared great instruction, many tricks and tips, tons of photographs and great resources (more books for me to investigate!). I've already started new pillows inspired by this gem of a book and I'm guessing this will only lead to other projects. Fun!

Do you need to jump start a stagnant studio? This might be the book for you!

Finished!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:29:00 +0000

This 33 x 39" wall hanging lived two years as an UFO. It was so much fun to finish it this weekend! It is machine pieced and machine quilted. The border piecing was inspired by the book, Collaborative Quilting. Now to find an empty wall to hang it on!

Yo Yo Spider

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:06:00 +0000

My teenagers surprised me by requesting that we continue the tradition of placing these treat bags on their bedroom doors this year. I wasn't going to bother but I can understand because who doesn't like to be surprised by a treat now and then...despite their age?! The treat bags came to be when I had leftover fabric and yo yo's from another quilting project. Quilters never throw things away do they? May there be a fun trick or treat in your near future-Happy Halloweekend!

Improvement

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:19:00 +0000

Because I can't quilt all day everyday it can take me a long time to complete a project. A year ago I was stumped with this project. Many of you were kind enough to chime in with good ideas. Quilters are so generous-thanks! I think I've made so progress by adding the stars, door and pumpkins as seen below. What do you think?

I've got the itch to keep on stitching this one, so maybe I'll be able to post that the project is complete next week! First, a few days to ponder how to quilt it while it occupies the design wall. Hmmmm......

Table Runner

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:21:00 +0000

The fall schedule has gifted me with a little extra sewing time. So replacing the boring, commercial table runner on the table that our family gathers at to celebrate meals and time together became a reality. I knew I wanted rich fall colors and that it should be fun and not stuffy. My other criteria...no pattern and no purchases of new fabric should be made! In the mood for squares I started with the central patches that are a bit whimsical the way that they are set. I chose a more structured border in order to ground the center. The machine quilting is tight in quarter inch, all over, vertical and horizontal stripes. Sharing a meal with family and friends is important to me--I take great pleasure in preparing the food, love eating food, but more importantly always look forward to the conversation! So now this happy quilted piece will be joining in at the table.

Paper Pieced Compass

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:42:00 +0000

When cleaning out the studio this summer I found a paper pieced compass square leftover from my brother and sister in law's wedding quilt (was that 13 years ago?) Because paper piecing is not one of my favorite techniques and this pattern was work for me I just couldn't throw it out. Therefore a new wall hanging emerged! It's created out of scraps that were in the studio and I was just playing with blocks and color and not being too concerned with exactness. I am pleased with the results partly because I really enjoyed the process. It is machine quilted in a variety of horizontal and vertical lines using several different thread colors. Below is the original wall hanging that was gifted at the wedding many years ago...I probably should work on something new for their 20th anniversary because thankfully my quilting has improved!

Old Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:28:00 +0000

August found me meeting the goal of scanning all my loose photos (those not in scrapbooks) into the computer. This boring, simple task left me feeling greatly accomplished! ...and I found photos of a few of the quilts I've made over the years that I forgot about.

Here's the pillow I made for the young lady I mentored while she was going through confirmation. She's now preparing for life beyond high school. I can't wait to see what God has in store for her!

This is a snippet of the quilt I made for my sister's first born. The building block pattern was chosen because we spent many hours as children building and creating with wooden blocks. My sister went on to study and become a professional architectural engineer.

It was espcially fun to find this photo of my first quilt. It was a wedding gift for friends we'd dated with in high school. The Eleanor Burns method of strip piecing this log cabin pattern had me instantly hooked on quilting!

Colordao Get-Away

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:51:00 +0000

I've just returned from a delightful week in Colorado. In Denver a trip to the Great American Quilt Factory filled my quilting itch. I picked up some fat quarters, a jacket pattern and "paper weave" background (stay tuned on this one!)

Hiking in Vail turned up these wonderful textues and line variations on rocks. I'm guessing they'll be inspirational for a project somewhere down the road. I've always been drawn to lines (no pun intended!)

Lastly a small joy was being able to work on some hand work on the plane. Instead of scissors I carried this yarn cutter. It worked great and I had no issues with getting through security.

Stumbled Upon....

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:21:00 +0000

...this book as I was combing the bookstore shelves for summer reading. Of course the cover caught my eye! Story sounds intriguing also...so pool side I'll be checking out Happy Families by Carlos Fuentes.

Spring Ritual

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:24:00 +0000

What am I up to? Combining favorite activities of sewing and being outside in the gardens...Spreading my thread cuttings from winter in the garden to see which birds chose to use them in their nest building!

Happy Earth Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:19:00 +0000

This quilted wall hanging was spotted years ago at Camp Crestfield. A lovely statement for Earth Day--which is really an everyday celebration. How are you celebrating today?

Wellness Roadtrip

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:25:00 +0000

As many of you are, I'm at a point in my life that there is so much I'd like to fit into a day! I know that I can conquer what I'm called to do with peace (not frantic anxiety) if I take care of myself by eatting well, exercising and finding daily quiet time with God. One of the little things I do is to eat an apple for my morning snack. Beyond an apple a day, my friend Kathy is loaded with great ideas for getting through your day with optimal wellness. For years I've watched her grow in her faith, maintain a solid marriage, and parent her four children (one with special needs) by His grace...and eating well and exercise. She's taken her passions and is sharing her experiences at Wellness Roadtrip. If you strive for encouragement on how to "fit it all in" in a day, you will absolutely enjoy her perspective.

Jesus is risen!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:05:00 +0000

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women the women bowed down their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! (Luke 24:2-6)

Do you look for Jesus among the living? Do you expect him to be active in the world and in the church? Look for signs of his power—they are all around you.

This is Lent art journey image #8.

Jesus cares for His mother

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:03:00 +0000

And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. (John 19:25-27)

Who is your family? Our families are precious gifts from God, and we should value and care for them under all circumstances. What can you do to show your love to your family?

This is Lent Art Journey image #7.

Jesus is nailed to the cross

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:32:00 +0000

When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:35-37, 45-46)

Jesus raised his voice to God with words from Psalm 22. When we feel the sting of rejection we too must keep in mind the hope and victory that God promises us.

This is image #6 in the Lent Art Journey.

Jesus is stripped of His garments

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:11:00 +0000

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it." This was to fulfill what the scripture says, "They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots." And that is what the soldiers did. (John 19:23-25a)

A prayer suggested by the writings of St. Augustine

Father, we pray on behalf of those who cannot

reach out to you at this moment.

Protect those who are facing adversity.

Strengthen those who need courage.

Keep watch over those who weep.

Tend the sick, give rest to the weary,

bless the dying, soothe the suffering.

Dear Lord, let the victims of cruelty and oppression

know that you are

with them at this moment.

Amen.

This is image #5 in the Lent Art Journey.

Jesus Speaks to the Women

noreply@blogger.com (Carrot Top Studio) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:17:00 +0000

A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us'; and to the hills, 'Cover us.' For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?" (Luke 23:27-31)

The tears of the women were nothing compared with what was to come. How can we assist in giving life to all, developing individual natures and encouraging each person’s inner strength? May the Lord grant us freedom from our selfish concerns and let us join with our sisters and brothers in a partnership of living.

This is image #4 in the Lent Art Journey.