Tuesday, June 8, 2010

And Finally... What is New???

Finally, I get to show you some new things that I have been working on. First of all, you have seen my latest block of the month in an earlier posting – but I’ll show it again. I love medallion quilts. They have a lot of complexity which, for me, translates into a lot of visual interest. This quilt, the “Coxcomb Medallion,” is a little different – I inserted a ruffled swag into the interior of the quilt, instead of adding it where it usually ends up: the final border. And the center block is appliqued – so this quilt is a combination of piecing and applique, which keeps it interesting.

Next, my new fabric line for P and B Textiles will be shipped in July to shops that order it. It is called “Sing a Song” and illustrates eight favorite childhood songs. I love the border fabric for this quilt – it is soft and bright; it sings “happy” to me! The four leading colors (blue, yellow, green, and pink) are very rich, but they also have a complementary soothingly pale partner. Beneath the fabric swatches, you will see a quilt made using this fabric. I am so thankful for friends Debbie S, who did a fantastic job making the quilt based on a pattern I designed, and Cynthia C who did an extraordinary job of quilting it for me. Caring for an ill family member has filled the past six months for me, so their generous gift of time and energy are much appreciated.


Sing a Song fabric by P&B Textiles



The Sing a Song Quilt (50 x 50")
Third… I have been working on my own Baltimore designs. I have always wanted to make a Baltimore album quilt and I am now putting the pedal to the metal and sewing like crazy! The designs are all complete – sixteen brand new, original 15-inch blocks based on classic vintage Baltimore album quilt blocks; and four wildly elegant borders with exquisite vases full of blooming flowers, buds, and berries. I had so much fun designing these blocks and borders – I am ready to tackle another set of similar blocks as soon as I finish making this quilt. The current debate (in my head and among friends) is: hand quilt or machine quilt? My gut says I need to hand quilt this quilt once I finish the top; hand quilting would be in keeping with the era in which Baltimore album quilts were birthed. But my head says I should give myself a tiny little bit of breathing room and spend only a week or two machine quilting the quilt instead of spending innumerable sleepless weeks pricking holes in my fingers (no, I don’t use a thimble to applique or quilt – they bother me!). Time will give me the right answer, one way or another. So here are the blocks and the borders – ten blocks and one border are finished. My deadline to complete the quilt (including the quilting) is mid-September. I feel like the little “I think I can! I think I can!” train, chugging along with every ounce of energy I have! So here are the blocks -- you have seen a couple of them in an earlier posting - but I am putting them all together here. The first picture is one of the borders -- they are each different, with different vases in the center, and different vases in each corner of the quilt. Below the first picture are ten of the blocks - I still have a bit of embroidery to do on some of them. Time seems to be escaping me!





















I still have 6 blocks that need to be appliqued - and three more borders. Wish me well… and I hope that you each enjoy some lazy days of quilting as we enter a long, sweet summer!

Sue
©2010 Susan H. Garman

16 comments:

  1. Dear Sue, Wow!! Wonderful beautiful things!! I'm excited about your new fabric -- I'm working on a quilt for my first granddaughter with your Mother Goose fabric, so the new fabric will be perfect for granddaughter #2! And your Baltimore blocks are marvelous! Can't wait to see the last six!! Best wishes, Robin

    ReplyDelete
  2. DANG girl! You always amaze me! Beautiful work!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Everything is so beautiful: the fabrics, the Baltimore blocks - everything! I'm still working on TQS 2009 BOM, but hope to finish it this year :) Iwould like to try these Baltimore blocks of yours some day...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Inspirational.
    I'm just in awe.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I know you are still working on it but I have to ask. Will there be patterns for the Baltimore Appliqué? It would be beautiful hand quilted. I guess it will tell you either way. What inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Well, the long hiatus between blog posts was well worth the wait! Gorgeous work--all of it. Hoping you'll be making the Baltimore blocks available. Hope all is well. Sally

    ReplyDelete
  7. In answer to Meredith's question, yes - there will be patterns available for the Baltimore blocks and borders. They are slated to start at Quakertown Quilts as a block of the month (as patterns with or without fabric kits) in October 2010. That's why I'm racing to finish the quilt... and write up the instructions!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sue, The Baltimore Album is just gorgeous. All my favorite classic blocks, bias baskets, eagle, American flag, beautiful bird of paradise. The borders are wonderful. I can't wait for October and will watch Quakertown website.
    Happy Stitching this summer...
    Cheri

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sue, you keep out doing yourself. Love the blocks.s

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is incredibly beautiful...my favorite Baltimore blocks, hands down!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Sue,

    Can you tell me how to start your Medallion block of the month.

    Regards,
    Jill Buttel

    ReplyDelete
  12. In response to Jill's question of where this block-of-the-month can be purchased... it is available from Quakertown Quilts (www.quakertownquilts.com - check the online store and BOMs) and various other local quilt shops.
    Best wishes -
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sue, you are insane! Insanely genius, but insane none the less. :-) I can't believe the incredible amount of work you've done for your Baltimore Album design and quilt. It's just phenomenal and I can't wait to see the finished result. As for me, I'll finally be starting the trick or treat quilt. Thank you for being you!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Am trying to find a place where I can join and follow your blog but could not find it. I am doing your applique that is on Ricky and Alex web site. I am just in LOVE with all that you have done. Some day hope to be half as good as you.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Your BAQ is simply stunning. It sounds like you do all of your own applique - so maybe you can help with a question. With all those hours of sewing, how do you protect your fingers from bloody holes - in particular, I have problems with my left index finger which is stabbed each time my I push the needle into the fabric.
    Denise

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, your blocks are amazing. I'm headed off to check out Quakertown Quilts right now!

    ReplyDelete