Monday, July 27, 2020

July Mini - doll quilt with three flowers



This month I made a sweet doll quilt,  from the "Esse and Ayla" doll quilt in this beautiful book by Susan Smith:



I used some of the leftovers from Charlotte's baby quilt and my "Soft Quilt for Hard Times" as well as bits from the 2 1/2" squares bin.  Hand quilted it and bound it with some leftover fabric from last month's mini.  


On a cloudy day, hard to get a photo - this is real life - foyer not staged;). 


Pinning it here for a photo gave me the thought that I could use this wall near my machine as a design wall.... mmmm maybe.  We aren't really supposed to put anything on the walls.  But, the interior walls are paper thin and it's easy to just use a pin or an old machine needle, which won't mar the wall paper.  


The other day David had two days off work and one of those days, we beat the rain, just barely, and ventured out to Hibiya Park - it was a short train ride away.  Socially distant the whole time - train and stations nearly empty, wore masks, didn't touch a THING.  It's the first time we've been on a train together since February.  


Hibiya Park is the first Western style park in Japan, created in 1903 in the style of a "thickly treed" German park: 





Benches all but empty.... 



In Tokyo you never know what you'll find - this monument shows an ancient Viking epitaph: 




Bluebells so pretty: 




Loved this old expressive tree: 





Thanks Wendy for gathering us for our monthly challenge to make a mini!  I am finding that it guides my quilting life in a nice way, during this stressful COVID time.  I will link here to The Constant Quilter when Wendy posts our links!  

xo
Cynthia 



21 comments:

  1. What a charming little quilt. I love the potted flowers and the soft colors. It look really nice hung by your sewing area.
    That park looks lovely. Wow so few people. It must have felt great to get out and enjoy the flowers and trees. Thanks for taking us along. I always enjoy public parks and botanical gardens.
    perfect pink rose. Did is smell pretty too?

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  2. Such a sweet little quilt and perfect for July's mini! It made me smile as soon as I saw it :) Looks like a beautiful park to visit but it must be strange with no one around. That's one beautiful rose!

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  3. You let your creativity shine through this sweet July mini. Thanks for taking us in your walk today. To be in a park in a huge city and finding it empty would feel strange but such a special treat.

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  4. Oh what a sweet, beautiful little quilt! And what memories it will hold from these crazy times. I have hesitated buying that book because I just don't "need" one more book, but I may have to brake down. This is gorgeous! That park looks so inviting. I am amazed at how quiet it was. It makes me realize that at least your part of the world is serious about social distancing. Maine is in full tourism swing. You would never know by the summer traffic that there is a pandemic. Most summer travelers are respectful, but there are those who pay no attention to rules or to signs or to the safety of others. I makes me feel very thankful for those who do. I will link this little gem in on Friday.

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  5. You whip up these small delightful quilts in no time! It is looking very nice on the wall where you can see it while working.
    I love Hibiya Park, it has a lot of 'rooms', I mean different parts each with its unique feel.
    The Rune Stone was something I came upon by chance many years ago, and I was astonished. Since then I make it a habit to go past the stone every time I am in the park. I have never seen the benches as empty as that!

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  6. I just love this new little doll quilt! Isn't it amazing what a few scraps and leftover pieces can create. Your park visit must have provided a lovely respite from the cityscape views outside your building. It must be somewhat tropical and perhaps not too cold in winter for that wonderful palm tree to have grown so large?

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  7. Your little mini is adorable! I have that book, but haven't made anything from it yet although there is a lot of inspiration there. The park looks lovely and must have been a restorative visit for you both!

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  8. Love, love, love your sweet little mini. Just makes me sigh with pleasure! You could possibly get some tall pieces of foam and make a portable design wall? They are supposed quite easy to put together.

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  9. Beautiful little quilt and beautiful park - thanks for sharing! I've been wanting that Susan Smith book for a while and seeing your quilt just strengthens my resolve to get it. Kudos to you for managing to live well in a small apartment! Gladi

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  10. Such a soft, sweet little quilt, Cynthia. You do so well, it is hard to believe you have limited stash on hand. It looks really nice clandestinely hanging in your apartment. :)
    Oh, I am so happy to hear you were able to get out for a peaceful and beautiful visit to a park. Nature is so restorative. Thank you for sharing the interesting sights with us.

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  11. That is a sweet doll quilt, and is making me think about my tin of two-inch blocks where the lid can hardly fit anymore.I haven't been to Hibiya park for a very long time. Parks in my area are not so classy, and they are empty too.

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  12. What a fun mini! Thanks for including a picture of your sewing area - I can just picture you stitching away and enjoying the process!

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  13. And what a beautiful mini quilt it is.

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  14. How very sweet your mini is. I started the quilt from the cover of that Susan Smith book. I have not shared a picture of the progress as of yet.

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  15. I'm impressed that you have been able to stay off trains in Tokyo since February! I was also surprised that you didn't seem to run into too many people because the news always shows how people are ignoring the "suggestion" to social distance.

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  16. A lovely mini in soft, sweet colors! I very much enjoyed seeing your pictures from the park - such beautiful big trees!

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  17. What a sweet little quilt. It looks especially sweet next to your sewing machine. Just the perfect size.

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  18. How adorable! I must look into that book ...
    Nice park to explore. I wonder what the "epitaph" means.

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  19. Your Mini is charming! Love the soft colors, applique and patchwork. Very sweet composition! And thanks for the tour!

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  20. I love how you created the flowers in your little quilt, and the colors and fabrics you used are both calm and cheerful. And welcoming in your entryway.

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