Monday, March 02, 2009

Cottage Fabrics

OK—The photo does not in anyway do the fabrics justice. They’re just wonderful.
I justified the purchase as needed therapy, my contribution to economy stimulus, and cabin fever rebellion. Saturday Don was feeling “antsy”. It was gorgeous outside but with a scheduled high temperature of 13 degrees we opted for a lunch date in Green Bay. The Quilters Connection was having their end of the month deals. Just looking at the displays will inspire anyone. The quilt I’ll make with these fabrics will definitely have scallops I’ve decided, and probably lay on the porch swing through the summer. The colors are quite a contrast from the browns, reds, and greens the keep me warm through the winter.

Walking to the register, I look at the checkout girl, “ That’s my husband on the cell phone by the door, please just ring this up and do not say the total out loud…It doesn’t hurt if he doesn’t know….” She grinned I paid for my fabric and Don lived happily ever after.

“So, how much does a trip to the quilt store cost?’’

“Don, you really just don’t want to know…”

We’ve been trying different wines from Door County Wisconsin. We went and picked out a couple of new ones. We stopped at the meat market on the way home and picked up pork chops for grilling. It was a great day.

Yesterday I finished quilting my Four Seasons Quilt by JoAnn Mullaly. It just took a week. I started to attempt a fancier pattern, but I had studied hers in the photos and she had just done a meandering pattern and it was something that I didn’t have to think too hard on. The quilt speaks for itself. It didn’t need dressing up. Several have contemplated decisions on whether to quilt over the embroidery. I quilted right over mine. Here is a snapshot. I really like the look and don’t think the quilting took away from it at all.

I’ve got bulletin boards to set up for my Sunday school class this week as a new quarter begins. I’ve opted for a cabin theme this quarter…”You’re never out of the woods…until you Know God…” Maybe I can share pictures later in the week.

I’ve got a little girl with Chicken Pox in class. So I think that definitely merits a new box on crayons for her. I’m off to Wal-mart today.

Gratitudes:
Fresh pot of Soup for Supper tonight
Ribbon
A 20-year-old embroidery hoop

19 comments:

Pat said...

Love your new fabrics. I can't wait to see your new quilt. There are just some things that husbands don't have to know. I had my Seasons quilt quilted. It was a rust to get it finished as a Christmas gift. I asked not theto have the stitchery quilted. I like yours. I will remember that for next time.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

yup - what he doesn't know won't hurt him - do they really want to know how much we spend on fabric? :) sounds like a good day in Door County - we love that area too but do not get a chance to see it often.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

Juliann in WA said...

Your new fabrics look very springy and I think we all need a dose of that right now. I get to go to Buggy Barn this weekend! One last visit to Spokane before the daughter gets married and moves to Colorado. Wonder what kind of quilt shops will be in her new neighborhood?

Lori said...

what husbands don't know makes the ride home frmo the quilt shop just that much more pleasant! ;)

Unknown said...

Very pretty fabrics Melanie, some of those colours and designs live in my stash. How long before all that snow in the background of the photo begins to melt? Love your winter project for the FSQS. Sounds like you had a lovely weekend.

Stina Blomgren said...

Oh...what a wonderful day you two had...and your purchases is just wonderful...it will be a perfect porchquilt!!!
And I love the quilting on your Seasons quilt... these decisions on how to quilt makes me sooo mixed-up!!!

Anonymous said...

Lol... my husband prefers not knowing those totals too :o) I love the quilt! It turned out gorgeous and you are right...quilting over the embroidery didn't take anything away from the finished look.

I still need to head up to Green Bay to that quilt shop! So many have gone out of business in this area :o(

Jeanette said...

I love your 4 Seasons quilt! Are you doing the Basket BOM, too?

Carol said...

Love your new fabrics...look like spring. Your Four Seasons quilt is just awesome...love the quilting.

Libby said...

Love the quilt . . . I have no problem with quilting over embroidery. I think it just adds a little bit of dimension.
Can't wait to see what you choose to make with your cottage fabrics - they will be just right for the summer porch.

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

I love it - "it doesn't hurt if he doesn't know." Very clever; I'll use that phrase sometime.

Beautiful quilt.

Journeying said...

Quilting over the embroidery was obviously a good choice - the quilt looks great. And your new fabrics! Well....not that I'm a pastel person by any means, but they remind me of wallpaper at my grandmother's house and so I really like them. I do like the cottagey look, and a quilt with these will be just perfect on the porch swing. I can just imagine using it on a cool evening with quiet conversation...or on a cool morning with a cup of hot tea and a good book...you're on to a good thing, Melanie!

sewprimitive karen said...

Wines from the Door Peninsula Winery or various wineries? Your fabrics are sooo pretty.

Perry said...

This fabric is gorgeous. I recognize some of it, I bet it is hiding in my stash. You will have a fine looking quilt. I think it is written that husbands are not to know what the bill from the quilt store looks like, lol. Your stitchery is wonderful.

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Gorgeous fabric....when I ever refer to how much any thing costs...its just $25...might be $5 or it might be $50 or even $100 but when I need to say how much it cost it is always $25...my DH thinks it is funny...love the quilt as well..

Karen said...

Many of these fabrics are familar to me. I used them in making a quilt for my daughter and it had scallops!
I agree that husbands don't always need to know the total on fabric purchases!

Claudia said...

Everyone needs some new fabric, especially in the winter! Your quilt is lovely.

Alice Grace said...

Love the fabrics, love the embroidery! I had seen someone else do this pattern, thanks for the link! Great job!

Holly said...

I love how you meandered through the stitchery. I have a quilt or two with stitchery in it and haven't known quite how to have it quilted. Now I know it will look great. I can just see a comic strip of your conversation exchange with the checkout lady at the quilt shop! Gave me a chuckle.