NewFO linkup for May!

May was a busy month in the sewing room and I feel pretty good about getting some things finished that have been on my list, including all my Craft it Forward requirements! This cooking mitt and apron is one of my favorites, and since I never did share pictures, I think it fits perfectly for Barbara's linky party over at Cat Patches NewFO.

I have a hard time holding back once I get an idea, and since I had quite a bit of bias binding leftover after I finished the apron, this mitt just HAD to be added. If it's shape looks a bit odd to you, well, it is! It was on purpose though - I think it makes for better control. I may have to make one for myself to test that theory out..

Summer is here with a vengeance here in Nevada. We are talking hot! Have you fired up your Q yet?

Such a Staunch Finish - The Story of A Brave New Quilt

Now that this has been received by it's recipient, I am so happy to share this mini!

I have never been quite so compelled to make something for another quilter as I was with this one. When I requested some inspiration from Kelly O., two of the clues she shared were her love of Tula Pink and her love of inspirational mini-quilts for her sewing space. I also love Tula, but hmmph, I don't have ANY (I know, right?). Instead, I knew I wanted to share some of my favorite scraps.

Month's went by before I was quite suddenly hit with the inspiration for Sew Staunch.

Early this month, as we approached the week marking the one-year anniversary of the tragic death of Kathreen Ricketson, the inspirational Author and Blogger from Australia who, amongst many other things, founded Whipup.net. I was inspired to create this smaller version of Kathreen's quilt, 'Sew What', as published in her most recent book, "Brave New Quilts".

It has been some 14 years ago now since I was so fortunate as to spend several weeks Down Under.

While there, I frequently heard the term 'staunch' in casual conversation. Generally, it was used in appreciation of a 'mate', or in reference to something quite revered. This memory came to me as I reflected on Kathreen's work ethic, her devotion to family, sense of adventure, and her bold design style. She was so inspirational in the crafting community worldwide, and I have thought often of she and her husband's surviving children over this past year. My imagination tells me they are Staunch Aussie's, and I do hope they are faring well. These things were on my mind as I created this piece, and it is possible a tear landed here or there. It served as an inspiration to me while making it, and it is gratifying to know that it is likely to do the same for Kelly :-)

Linking up this inspirational finish, with appreciation for the hosts at several of my usual linky places: NTT with Kelly, Can I Get a Whoop Whoop, LAFF, TGIFF, and Lets Bee Social with Lorna...

Looks like Kelly is giving NTT a break this week, but I found the link to IQuilt at her site and I will linkup with Gemma at Pretty Bobbins for the first time :-)

Looks like a fun place to party!

 

And check out this new Linky I found,
A Stitch in Time with Elizabeth over at Such aSew and Sew! 

A Fun, Vintage Find - Orphaned Quilt Blocks

Ty and I went to a few garage sales this weekend, and I found a quilter! She really is a quilter, so she was not parting with stash, but she did have a stack of nine old blocks that were sold for $1.00. These are from an exchange in the 80's. Some have the quilter's date of birth, like my favorite one, pictured above. Isn't it sweet? This next one is not signed, but oh, so cute.

I actually did a quick search online to see if I could not find any of these quilter's. I am not real great at detective work, but I do think I may be able to get an address for this one..

How would you feel about receiving a block in the mail that you made some 30+ years ago? And would it bother you knowing that it never was completed? I thought maybe I could make a pillow with it, or a quick wall hanging.
Here is one all the way from New Zealand:

And one from Washington State, my old stomping grounds:-)

And the last one from the swap is a Purple Hexie:

They are really great workmanship, although all the background fabrics are very very lightweight. I think one is muslin, which is a bit sturdier.

This next one I found interesting too. It is a bit 3D - the edges are folded over, not at the seam, but 1/4" from it so as to form 'flaps'. It was only partially finished, hand-stitched on a muslin foundation with penciled gridlines.

I do love a good save, so I added a two more rounds to make it 6.5", and will mail this in to the Add-a-Border Robin I participate with.

Sharing these today with those partying with Lyn for BOMs Away, and with Jen for Building Blocks Tuesday!

Thanks for stopping by and hope yours is a great & sunny week!