Thursday, June 25, 2009

Vintage CQ...Wheel Blocks' Seams Stitched

I got some stitching done on the wheel blocks in Cleveland last week and on the planes going to and fro across the country.
It was enough to give me a wee reality check on my plans for the size of this quilt.

I think I am going to downsize...;-)
I can capture the feel of the original quilt and also merrily discover my own interpretation of it, without having to make it so large.

I decided to use the same stitches and types of thread throughout this central section of the quilt, so as not to distract from the nice geometry with too much clutter.

A fly stitch between the triangles, and a blanket stitch around the four-pointed stars...that was it.
For the fly stitching I am using 2 ply silk floss from Vicki Clayton. The button hole is of Stef Francis silk perle from Maureen Greason's Vintage Acquisitions.

Here is how they look pinned to my design wall.

I am going to add one more row of four blocks along the bottom.
When these are sewn together, of course there will be the flystitching to do along the seams between the blocks as well.

The black stars are so eager to have their three-dimensional flowers embellished in their centers...
Soon now!

In the meantime, the garden grew so much while I was away.
And we had our first harvest dinner the night after I returned home! Snap peas, celery, onion, spinach, garlic, basil, oregano....all fresh from the garden, with a handful of strawberries for desert! Sooooo good.

This new hod was made in Maine and purchased from Territorial Seed.
It feels wonderful in my hands as I load it up...it's going to get so much use this summer!

10 comments :

Vicki W said...

It's coming along great!

Amy Munson said...

Your vintage recreation reminds me of some vintage blocks I have. I started sewing them together at one point but I dont think I ever finished. I will have to do a little digging and post a photo on my blog.

Raspberry said...

Congrats on your garden! I have big fat tomatoes.....that are still green. :) But looking good.

Shogun said...

I like this quilt, it is pleasant to look at and it looks like the real crazy quilts I have seen. The deep rich colors are wonderful.

Summerset said...

Oh pretty, all those colors look like little gemstones.

Debra Dixon said...

Funny how the ideas in our heads change when reality sets in! Been there too. . .

Barbara C said...

It's looking great. I like the subdued embroidery between the patches: small details can have a big punch.

Susan Elliott said...

Bring on the flowers!!! What a beautiful table you've set for them...
And, I learned a new word today, now I know what a "hod" is...thank heavens you included a picture...who would have known?? I guess I was the last to know...I bet you look cute carrying it around your garden, picking vegetables, and getting Robert all stirred up!! Why "hod"?

verobirdie said...

I did not know "hod" either. Anyway, this one is cute.

Jean said...

Your quilt blocks are doing tricks to my eyes! One moment it's the circles I see, then the next it's the black stars! Very neat....
Your little basket or hod is nice... I've always enjoyed baskets. The only "hod" I can relate to is that of a hod carrier which is someone who carries the mortar for brick layers. Interesting.... no wonder people have such a hard time learning English!