New Toy

No, I haven't been idle while not posting for 4 months.  I got a new toy, a Brother 400SE.  I've never done machine embroidery before, but this stuff is fun!!!

After monogramming a gazillion towels for Christmas, I was dying to do something more challenging.  Ask and ye shall receive!  A customer called and wanted a lap quilt done in "a religious theme" for her church silent auction.  I found some lovely redwork cross designs from a couple of sites and went to town.  I think it turned out really well.

There are twelve 12" blocks and 6 different cross designs.  I used twelve different colors of thread for the blocks.  The fabric is a selection from Joann fabric and my stash.  I think there are ten fabrics in all, plus the backing.

I'm considering using the basic quilt design for a new class pattern, with the option of applique, fussy cut, etc, for the middle of the blocks.

Second Block Finished

I finished the second crazy block!

 This is a close-up of the silk ribbon wreath, fan, and monogram.

#3 is ready to go!  And I think I'm ready to start trying to add fabric photos with number 4.

    

A Crazy Treasured Friend-oops! I meant a friend's crazy treasure!

This beautiful crazy quilt belongs to my new friend, Roxann.  It is about 24-30" square (I didn't measure it) and was made by her greatgrandmother in the 1920s-30s.  Katie Todd was born in 1852 and died in 1938.  The backing and border was added by Roxann's mother in 1986. 

Check out the beautifully embroidered rose and the nifty little appliqued bow.  How cool is that?  While the overall effect of the quilt is dark, many of the fabrics are very light and keep your eye moving.

I've really enjoyed seeing all of the designs Katie used for her seams.  I've been getting overwhelmed thinking that my quilt won't be "authentic", but seeing a true Victorian crazy has made me realize that I'm way too uptight over the whole thing.  No, it wasn't made in a strictly Victorian year, but who can say that Katie wasn't a true Victorian woman?

I love the scalloped looking effect of the white on black in the middle-left area.  Can't you just imagine where she might have salvaged all of these fabrics from?  That pink might have been her daughter's best dress and the green her ball gown.  The stripe looks like it could've been her walking dress.