Thursday, February 28, 2013

February's NewFOs

Somehow, it doesn't seem like there's a lot to show for February.   For my first NewFO, I took the remainder of the two charm packs of polka dots and stripes, and put together a little baby quilt for the local hospital's layette project. 
I
I bordered it with some Kona red fabric left over from my grandson's superhero quilt from last fall.  The back is made up of pieces left from other grandchildren's baby quilts, and the batting was also pieced from foot-wide strips left from another project, so this quilt came entirely from stash. 

This one was simply ditch quilted around each of the squares, and some loops, hearts, and the word Baby were free motion quilted around all the borders. 

Another shot showing a bit of the back.  This should be a great little teaching quilt, for colors and shape identification, not to mention counting!  It's also very soft and lightweight, perfect for dragging about the house!   The quilt finished at 38 inches square.

My other February NewFO is this little wall quilt titled Betsy's Closet - In Stitches, by Acorn Quilt & Gift Company.  This sweet little quilt with its nine embroidered blocks will be the test of whether I can relearn a skill my mother began teaching me at a very early age, but which I have not practiced much in at least 35-40 years!  My mom and I embroidered countless pre-stamped dresser scarves, doilies and pillowcases when I was growing up in the 1950s, mostly with simple stem, chain and back stitch, and the occasional french knot.  We didn't do any of the fancy work seen on some embroidery blogs, something I would dearly love to learn ... someday!   But I digress - here is the start of my little embroidering adventure:
And here is the completed first block.
I'm thinking of tackling this in a block a month fashion and hope to have it completed by the end of the year.

One of my January NewFOs was completed this morning.  The little angel has had her unruly plaid skirt tufted or tied, free motion quilting completed, and the binding is now all stitched down.   Here is Sophie's Quilt, ready to be sent on to its new home. 
And more embroidery practice.  You can read more about the creation of this little piece for a special mom of an angel here and here.  This tiny quilt finished at 10 by 16- 1/2 inches. 

I'll be linking up with Barbara at Cat Patches for the February NewFO Linky Party and Giveaway, and hope you'll stop over and see all the new creations this month.  You can even join the party and enter your own NewFO's - with no pressure to finish any of them!  Now that's a deal not many of us quilters can resist! 

13 comments:

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I'm always so overwhelmed at how much work everyone gets done compared to mine....grin. It's a lovely quilt and I adore dots!!

Barbara said...

Your little baby quilt is so cute. I actually love just a stitch in the ditch grid. So classic. Your little stitchery is coming along, and your January finish looks great! Thanks for linking up.

Kyle said...

February is a short month but you've completed a lot. It's a sweet little quilt for someone who will love all the dots and stripes and colors. I like your solution to the angel dress.

Unknown said...

I love, love and love your creations!!!! The baby quilt is adorable and Sophie's Quilt is more than adorable.
No doubt you are a very talented person!
I'm your new follower here!
Marisa from
http://passionetcouture.blogspot.ca/

Ray and Jeanne said...

Someone is going to love that baby quilt - so cute! You've got a lot done! ~Jeanne

Margie said...

That baby quilt will be enjoyed I'm sure. While visiting your blog I noticed you had some old Singer items. I to enjoy old sewing items and old machines, but living in a very small house hinders the collecting part a lot! I also live in Oregon and it is nice to see someone else from our state!! Will be following you blog!!

Teresa in Music City said...

What a wonderful baby quilt! Some little child is going to treasure that bright and colorful bundle of cuddliness! And the tied skirt of your angel worked out perfectly! Great job!

Lisa in Port Hope said...

A quilt to be used and loved, perfect. I hopped in from the NewFO link.

Marti said...

What a bright and cheerful baby quilt. I love the free motion quilted word in there too. I need to learn to do that. Your wall hanging is a treasure, I love all the detail.

Ivory Spring said...

Beth, what beautiful projects!

Thank you for stopping by to visit me... :) I hope you enjoy the article in MQU magazine.

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Cute little mini quilt. Sew tiny!

Grit said...

Your work is so cute.

Greetings from Germany, Grit

Martha said...

I love your little embroidered block, so very cute!!! I do enjoy sitting and doing embroidery, it is so relaxing and one of those wonderful projects that you can take along any where!!! Enjoy :^)