Another Block Study Done

Another summer project finished.  This one was a block study that gave me a hard time.  Running out of fabric, pieces moved around, my sewing machine breaking, it was one thing after the other. But, I finished it!

The name of this block is Road to Oklahoma.  I first found this block in Carrie Hall Blocks by Bettina Havig (page 61) blocks included in this collection are circa. 1900-1935.  

I then found the same block listed in The Quilter's Album of Patchwork Patterns by Jinny Beyer.  Road to Oklahoma can be found twice on page 70 with minor construction differences.

Notes list the block as: "Road to Oklahoma in the Ladies Art Company 1897".  "The Road to Oklahoma in the Kansas City Star, June 4, 1947". "Road to Oklahoma, Nancy Cabot, Chicago Tribune, August 16, 1937".

Since neither of the books showed full instructions to make a  finished quilt I was on my own. Using the picture of the block and a diagram of the pieces  I assembled the felt made sense.

I also played with how to put the blocks together in a fun layout.

I really like a few design elements of this layout but as a whole I wasn't totally sold.

So I decided to check Pintress for other ideas.  Sure enough there were several Road to Oklahoma quilts.  I found the order I put the pieces together was different but the results were the same.  However what was more interesting was I found another layout which I really like and believe to be the original intent.

I was excited to see two great designs emerge as I laid out the blocks.  Which I named the stars and the arrows.

The Stars:

The Arrows:

Road to Oklahoma: 56.5" X 56.5", Flannel backing, Meandering quilt design done on my domestic machine.

I hope you enjoyed today's quilt.  Remember to experiment when you use a new block.  It can be really interesting to see the different looks you can get as your quilt grows beyond the one block.  Also, look for ideas on how another block could be added or what impact a different fabric/color might make. After finishing one of these block experiment quilts I'm always filled with new "what if's".  Maybe I might go back and try and make one of the element from my first layout work, with the addition of another fabric? 

Working on a design wall is really helpful.  I'm lucky to have a large wall space but even a small board that you can put a handful of blocks on and then step back from is so inspiring.  

Have a great day!

MaryEllen

Water Lily Update

 I just knew this would happen!

Do you even just have that feeling about something?  When I "finished" my Water Lily piece something just didn't feel right.  So when I pulled it out to register it for a local show I decided to add just a bit more.  Of course I missed the show deadline but I'm much happier with the piece.

My first blog post about this piece was way back on May 1st. Here is what the piece looked like at that time.

And now here are the things I added.

I had this wonderful doily in my stash which made great leaves.  I cut this piece apart, gathered and stitched single leaves down by hand to give a more 3-D effect 

I thought a little wildlife would add some sparkle.  Using personal photos for inspiration I made a few dragonflies'

I also added some very tiny water bugs.  Looking like little black dots, these bugs are common on the water lilies at the lake.

And then there are the wild grasses.  I used hand dyed satin, rolled and secured in place to give the feel of the wild vegetation along the shore.

And now I think I'm done!  Well ya never know?

Have a wonderful day!

MaryEllen

Lace collecting and stoage

 

Anyone that follows me or has seen any of my work knows I love lace, buttons, vintage textiles and all the other wonderful bits and pieces in the baskets of leftovers at the thrift shops.

Above is a sample of my finds from this summer.  I thought today I would share a quick post of how I organize everything.  

First a disclaimer, I would love to have everything in archival boxes and bags!!!  But that is not in my budget or workable for my space.  I do have some items stored in archival products.  They are things that are special and I will not be using in any of my projects.  It is also why I don't collect antique quilts or large pieces.  They deserve better than I can give them.  Hopefully they find a home that can give them the respect they are due.  

Most of the things I have are damaged, unfinished, sweet but not unique.  Most I plan on using either in projects, learning the techniques used to make them or used everyday in my home.  It makes me so sad to see all these little beauties made with such care and love abandoned and forgotten.  To me, if I can add a little of them to my work it's like giving them and their creator a second chance at being seen and appreciated.

So the best I can do is give them a clean, organized, dry space out on the light. A quiet place to rest until inspiration hits and I find a way to play with them.

First, if I can't find it then it won't get used.  Or, if I can't find it I'll waste all afternoon looking through everything till I do.  That usually involves a mess!

Boxes:

#1 Vintage hankies (collecting for a quilt). #2 Special pieces ( small pieces I will not cut-up). #3 Vintage fashion (items like collar pieces).  #4 Pillowcases and aprons.

Boxes:  Things with colors and piece I may use around the house.

Boxes:  #1 Black lace of all types. #2 Vintage trims.  #3 Cutters (pieces in very poor shape, great for cutting up and adding to art projects.

And then there is all the other stuff.

New ribbons and trims. These are all sorted by color.

                                   Buttons and beads and all the fun crazy stuff.

Hope you enjoyed the tour and maybe found something helpful.

Have a great day!

MaryEllen