It's a Barn Raising

I’m almost finished with the Mayeux Barn Quilt that I’ve been working on.  It’s a mixed media piece based on a photo of a barn somewhere near where my grandparents lived.  I haven’t driven there to see the barn, although Rich and I think we’ve seen it in the past while driving around the parish.  

The structure is unusual for barns in our area.  It’s basically a straight-side, two-story structure with wings on all four sides. Also unusual is that it’s built off the ground like a house would be.

Making it was lots of fun, but I think my favorite part happened tonight while I was adding the paint.  I like to paint in the grass and soil.  

In this case the soil is reddish brown because the barn is on the banks of Bayou des Glaises.  As the bayou overflowed its banks, it left red sandy silt in the region. 

That red soil is rich for farming, but I know it from playing in the fields around my grandparents’ home.  In my memory the soil was always freshly plowed which made it cool and soft.  I’m pretty sure that our 100 degree days made it hard and hot for my bare feet, but I choose to remember the good memories.

Happy Quilting,

Mary

Another (almost) finish--signature wedding quilt

You may remember that I've been working on a signature quilt commissioned by a friend for her friend's wedding album.  The idea is that instead of guests signing a guest book, they will sign individual blocks on the quilt.  

Well, it's finished!  Yay!  Actually it's only the top that is finished.  I serged the edges of the top so that it won't ravel and will look neater on the table.  The bride chose the colors and the client made all the other decisions, but because we are friends, I advised her on several points.  I also built a couple of designs in EQ7 so she could envision the finished quilt.  She was really grateful for the EQ7 pictures.

One reason that I wanted to write this post is that I made a huge oops! while working on the top today.  When I started this morning all I had left was to press the two halves, stitch one seam to form the barn raising design and add the borders.

But when you can see the end, you should look twice before taking a step.  (I've been reading a book with lots of proverbs, sorry.)  So I pressed and stitched, then realized that I'd stitched the wrong seam.  Aww, come on...it's three steps from the iron to the machine: how'd I do that?  barn raising design  

Rip, rip, rip! and back to the machine, this time to sew the correct end of the quilt.  What'd I tell you: look twice before taking a step!
Happy Ripping Quilting,
Mary







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A New Commission

When I was contacted recently to make a wedding quilt for someone getting married in a couple of months, I suggested that the client allow me to build the quilt in EQ7 and give her some options.  She knew only that the bride wants a signature block.  So I went with a simple, traditional signature block, built it in EQ7, and then planned a couple of different settings for her.  I chose to use the colors of blue, yellow and white because they are bright and happy, and the white provides a great space for signatures.

The furrow setting is simple and easy--every block will face in the same direction, which means that signatures will also face in one direction.

Setting 1

A quick turn of every other block gives a nice diagonal stripe with a secondary star pattern for the next setting.  Again, easy and simple and fast to piece.

Setting 2

The settings get a bit more complicated from here, but they are also more interesting.  Setting three is a pretty lattice that alternates between blue and yellow squares.

Setting 3

This chevron setting in four would likely be very popular with a young couple, so I recommended it.  I like the blue and yellow bars between the white chevrons.

Setting 4

 My favorite is this barn raising setting in five.  I would choose this one if the quilt were for me, but of course, it's not.  So the client will make the final decision. 

Setting 5

She just needs to make a few decisions...colors, setting, and size for starters.  I just hope she can make them quickly.  I'll need to get started as soon as I finish my sister's red and white chevron quilt if it's going to be completed in time for the wedding.  And since this quilt will serve as the bride's guest book, it's rather important!

Let's have a bit of fun: leave a comment telling which setting you prefer.  We'll see which one is our collective favorite.