Under the Needle - September

September has been a slow month in my sewing room. I haven't made much progress on much of anything. I did finish my big stitch table runner. Well, I finished the stitching on it and I am currently hand stitching the binding down as time allows

 I quilted several sets of yet more pot holders:

 And I pulled out this fabric:

to make an apron

Back in the day, when the kids were growing up, I made a lot of their clothes:

And it was fun:

I loved it:

And they were always SO excited when they got up in the morning and found something new I had made for them.

Our girl will fuss at this next one and surely comment on my fashion choice for her, but I still think she was pretty cute in  those rompers.

                                               

I always had to alter the patterns - adding 3-4" in length to everything. This is why:

.

Both kids were built like colts...all arms and legs.

Now, these paper patterns make me crazy:

But I really wanted an apron from this fabric and I will use it often:

I love the brown gingham bias:

And the straps that cross in the back

I ordered this Clover bias maker

All I can say is, this would have been SO handy back when I was making clothes! I love it and it'll be great for when I'm making all the ties for the drawstring bags I keep making.

My love of quilting has steamrolled my desire to make anything else these days that does not require quilt stitches. On the other hand, I have to admit that a lot of sweet memories came rushing in when I pinned that paper to the fabric.

Somehow, aprons and drawstring bags pale in comparison.

Barn Quilt Blocks Part II

This is the last of the Hondo River Quilt Barn Trail Blocks. These are the 12 that are on the various buildings at the county fair grounds:

Putting the paintbrushes away...for now!

Barn Quilt Blocks

Today I thought I'd add a post with the individual photos of the quilt blocks we made for the Hondo River Barn Quilt Trail. So, lots pictures minus the usual chatter.

                                                          
All the quilt blocks are 4' x 4':

Some of the business owners requested particular colors - this one includes Kubota Orange as it is displayed at New Mexico Machinery and they are also a Kubota dealer.

This one was designed for Pecos Flavors Winery - they also have a wonderful little deli that is a popular lunch destination:

 And this one was purchased by a local nursery called The Greenery:

This one was purchased by the local quilt shop:

This is the only one that is 2' x 2' - it sits behind my co-worker / quilting co-hort and me and the auctioneer at the sale barn. My boss is also a quilter and a member of our tribe. You just never know where you will encounter a quilter. :)

Some of ya'll have asked whether this was a fundraiser. The answer is no. We initiated this as a community development project to help promote tourism, local businesses, and preserve history in the area. The businesses paid a fee and and that went towards the lumber, paint, and flyers. Any extra we have goes towards scholarships and charity community projects.