Friday, July 23, 2010

Verity’s Quilt

I’ve always wondered what it would be like. Never had the chance. It was announced on Sunday that there would be an after-church luncheon in honor of our church secretary’s first grandbaby. Quilting is almost always a plotted process for me. I knew I wanted to make a baby quilt. I went home--- ten minutes later I had the pattern, A Moda Bake Shop Ruffle Quilt. Fabric was the next item on the list. I had won ten jelly roll strips a while ago.
I kept seeing pink and brown, but the fabric cabinet kept saying something else. I threw in 4 fat quarters from Faded Memories line and we had enough for a top. The backing--- leftovers from a quilt from Chelsey. In a couple of hours I had the top made.

I don’t have a serger, so I pulled this out.
A ruffler…. It sat on the kitchen counter all of Sunday night. I asked Don—“You remember this..” He laughed--- how could he forget. The last time it was used was 22 years ago when I made curtains for Eric’s baby’s room. It was memorable…because I cried the entire time. It was not a fun process. The premise of the ruffler was great--- but actually using it was horrible for me. Don even tried to help to stop the tears. Yep—my guy was sewing… or at least trying to.

But 22 years later, I’m older, more mature, a better seamstress—and definitely not pregnant. It would be a no brainer, or so I thought.

The next morning I hemmed strips for ruffles. They were pieced and peachy—four similar fat quarters, but I really liked the look. I attached the ruffler and went to town….for about twelve inches. Floods of bad memories came pouring back all at once.

The only difference is that I’m older and wiser now--- and I didn’t cry. I just laughed. I disassembled the ruffler, put back on the sewing foot--- and sewed. I just started pushing and pleating the fabric as it went under the needle. They are a little wonky, but I think it made a great look.

I machine quilted the piece, and then attached the ruffles—finished.
A minor hiccup came when the quilting thread kept breaking. I went to town and purchase a new thread I have never used before. I loved it—no lint and the strength I needed.

The last baby quilt I made I spent about $50.00 in fabric. It took two weeks to piece. The pattern came from a quilt book that I paid $24.00 for. I still love the book, so I guess it doesn’t count.



The point is that quilting doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and maybe it’s a lot more fun when you don’t try so hard. I studied fabric choices for two weeks on the other quilt. The conquest of having the fabric already and fate taking over that the fabrics had been predestined for this quilt kind of appeals to me.

On the summer side of things….my blueberry bushes that weren’t suppose to produce blueberries for two years yielded enough blueberries for Blueberry pancakes for two last weekend. In my book it was a great harvest.


We’ve been tubing down lazy rivers this summer. The ratio of weeds to garden plants is low as the pups and I spent tons of time out there. The windows are open as the temps have stayed in the low 80’s.



I took some vacation time off of work. But seven days into it I was laid off indefinitely from my job. It happened last year, but this year it’s not the travesty it once seemed. Things happen for reasons we don’t know. Last year it was for two weeks, this year it could be permanent. I refuse to dwell on things I can’t help. No sympathies please---if I’m not sorry, you shouldn’t be either. Chin up…

Our church has a coffeehouse that is opened on weekends. We’re the hosts tonight. I’m bringing hand sewing just in case it’s quiet.

Gratitudes:

Watermelon---no seeds
Windfalls
A brand new spool thread.

21 comments:

Unknown said...

Just love the new baby quilt, and that ruffler sounds like a nightmare to use. In situations like you're in now I like to hold fast to Jer 29:11. God always has good and wonderful plans for us, and although we may not understand the why at the time we can always know that He has something super in store for us.

Marian said...

What a wonderful post - this is why I love to read blogs. I am sitting here with my coffee getting ready to start my day and now I have a great feeling in my heart because of your outlook that things just seem to work out - the way the quilt just came together, ruffling your way, being grateful for your blueberry "harvest", and knowing that there is a greater plan for you. Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

I love your aditutde, to both quilting and life!

I'm with you, there is no point worrying/fussing until you know for sure, and then it's time to find a solution not fuss.

Barbara said...

What a lovely quilt you made and what a lovely attitude you have. It is so true that things happen for a reason (usually unknown to us at the time) but it really doesn't help matters by making yourself crazy about things out of your control. Good luck to you and keep your spirits up.

Stina Blomgren said...

what a wonderful quilt.. and I love the ruffles... :o)))
And Blueberries... lucky you... well .. I guess mine will come in a few weeks..lol...

Diane Fay (littlealma) said...

Wow, what a neat thing for your church to do, and then what a wonderful thing for you to do! I can't ever imagine just "whipping up" a quilt!! It is beautiful!

And that is also a great attitude to take about the job too - just think how beautiful the lily is and how much more He cares for us! (I have got to start memorizing where those come from!) Have a wonderful "vacation"!

Hugs from Michigan - Diane

Anonymous said...

The quilt is beautiful! What a nice job, Mel :o) I won't give you sympathies, but know that I totally understand, as I now am facing the same possibility.

Susan Tidwell said...

Things I love about this post: 1) quilt on white picket fence with bright yellow flowers, 2) blueberries that make a smiley face on your plate :), 3) unexpected opportunity to have time off from work and the good sense to enjoy it, 4) turning tears to smiles and not letting the ruffler have its way with you. Have a great weekend!

p.s. the word verification is sewing-related: presses

Fiona said...

Great post, Mel, that saying 'seize the day' was never so true as in these times.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Isn't having a stash to raid a wonderful thing! Your baby quilt turned out just beautiful, and who needs that old ruffler anyway. :)

Angie said...

That quilt is the most adorable little thing!!! Great job, girl! I'm just so glad to find a new post from you. :) Would love to have shared your blueberry pancakes with you!! I just went to IHOP this a.m. with a friend for pancakes. :D They were yummy, but I bet yours were divine!! My two little blueberry bushes are still in their pots :( altho they have blessed me with a few blueberries. :) So hot here that I haven't been able to get outside and do ANYTHING for over a month now. I envy you your 80's temps. Enjoy your temperate days and time off.

Libby said...

I left my blueberry bushes behind . . . hope they are okay *s But like you we are enjoying some blueberry pancakes, thanks to the Farmer's market.
Enjoy your garden and quilting time . . . you have earned it!

Kim Brackett said...

The quilt turned out to be really pretty. And you seem to have it all figured out -- your attitude about quilting, your job, etc. Thanks for being an inspiration.

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

You're a gem; the quilt is wonderful. I think you could look at my baskets of scraps and do something beautiful with all of it; wish you were here.

Hugs to you; so sorry again about the job situations for both you and Don. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.

Greenmare said...

that quilt is adorable!!!!!! I love the look of it, so soft and kind of antiquey!
we were in your territory a couple weeks ago and everyone was saying that the berry picking was fabulous this year. we'll be back up in 2 weeks again, keep the weather nice for me!!!

QuiltNut Creations said...

absolutely love the quilt!

Anonymous said...

Hello from Argentina!!!
I love your blog, is very very pretty!

sunny said...

Love your baby quilt. And it must feel so nice to know that it came together so quickly and with a minimal amount of shopping. I may have to try some ruffling, and I'll do it Your way!

Darlene said...

Melanie, I'm sorry - I missed this post about the job lay off. Things will be just fine - every day is a new day. :-)

There are Angels watching over you - don't forget!

Tazzie said...

Gosh Melanie hon, I'm so sorry about your job situation. Here's hoping that this door closing is making way for another door to open with a wonderful opportunity behind it.
Thinking positive thoughts for you.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Unknown said...

HI! I just came across your blog and see that you made my ruffle quilt that I had the tutorial for on Moda Bake Shop!!! I LOVE YOUR RUFFLE QUILT! It turned out amazing and I love your colors! Great job!