Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Progress on "A Soft Quilt for Hard Times"

I'm almost finished making these simple blocks.  Inspired by Fun with Barb's "soft quilt for hard times" concept.


Lots of rainy days lately....

I cut the logs to size.  It's easy piecing, four blocks at a time. 

This will be a "Spring/summer" version of a quilt I've made over and over, it seems.  I wrote about it here on my old blog.  Square in square,  raw edge appliquéd.   Combination of machine and hand quilting. 



Very improvisational, casual and scrappy, fall/winter.  The blocks are 8 or 9 inch square.  Over time, wabi sabi for sure.


The first one I made, in 2003,  has seen lots of very hard use.... and I've repaired it a lot through the years - just layering patches on very casually by machine.




This time, I'm going for a cool and smooth look.  That's why I'm piecing it in a traditional way, log cabin style, no raw edges. 

All the while, trying to keep positive.  Daily FaceTime with little Charlotte is a treat.  (When will Japan open its borders..... and when would I feel OK about traveling to the U.S.?)




What else these past couple weeks?  Masks masks and more masks...


A visit to the ever whimsical and refreshing Blue and White - limited hours these days:


My little needle books still on offer:


AND.... lastly.... I can recommend this breath-of-fresh-air animated musical series - Central Park - all star cast, a lot of heart, big laughs, catchy music. 

Quilters - "we gotta do it while we can"! 


xo
Cynthia 

19 comments:

  1. oh my little charlotte is sooo precious! you are truly blessed....

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  2. First of all, that Charlotte is just gorgeous! What a sweetie. I can't imagine how hard it is for you to be separated. We will just keep hoping things will settle soon. Your blocks are so soft and pretty. Just what we all need to see right now. The essence of cool and light. Enjoy the day.

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  3. Those blocks have Charlotte's name on them, soft and sweet. I made a raw edged flannel quilt as well using the same technique. Got the pattern in Littleton, Co, did you? I'll have to check out your latest recommendation. Quilting with Mel was a good one.

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  4. Aw, sweet Charlotte on her wonderful quilt! So hard waiting for the time when you can safely travel to see her but having access to some face time helps.

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  5. Beautiful baby, beautiful quilts! This pandemic is so hard on us grandparents!! Hope you get to hold her soon. Gladi

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  6. Your soft quilt is going to be beautiful.
    So hard to not be able to cuddle that little bundle of cuteness. But how nice that you can Facetime and see her, in spite of not being able to leave the country.
    DH's last living aunt on his mother's side just passed away in Canada. We'd had many experiences with her over the years and felt close to her. We had always planned to attend her funeral when the time came, but Canada won't let us in. Hard times.
    Mask making is the chore that never ends, isn't it?
    Haven't heard of Central Park.

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  7. I love the soft floral print against the sharp solid middle pieces,
    Log Cabins are always in season and always loved - no wonder they turn wabi-sabi!
    Blue and White looks cool, but masks are hot in summer, aren't they?
    How lucky we are, now that we can't travel freely, that we can use Face Time to follow the growth of the little ones!
    Queenie

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  8. What a darling photo of sweet Charlotte on her beautiful quilt! I'm loving your improv blocks--sounds very therapeutic to work on that way--something I think I need--lol!

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  9. There's a new mask pattern that's much easier and more comfortable to wear--taking my guild by storm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AzeR7QCbQg I made seven of them yesterday. Or google orange.dot mask (and look at the tutorial after hers).And streinb is my husband. I'm mcampscompataoldot com

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  10. The floral print in your blocks is so pretty and feminine.
    The baby.....a delight to behold!

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  11. I'll be looking forward to your progress on the Soft Quilt for Hard Times. Already the colors are soft but bold at the same time!

    Charlotte is adorable on her pink log cabin quilt! When will we be able to visit the States again? That is the question... I'm wishing I could get there by December (grandchild due) but yes, the question is still will most of a visit be used up with quarantine? Stay safe! Stay sewing!

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  12. My latest granddaughter was one one the first of December and I have yet to see her in person. This years trip was doomed from the start. They are thinking of coming here now but I don't think anyone from the states can get in. Though I am glad for facetime and skype and zoom, the real thing can't be replaced.

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  13. There's definitely comfort in revisiting our quilting favorites. Your current LC blocks in lighter colors have a very soothing vibe!

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  14. Thankful for FaceTime!
    Charlotte is precious.
    Love your quilt - no wonder it’s a fun go-to project.
    Happy Stitching!

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  15. Charlotte is so beautiful! What a sweet face. She looks very calm and happy. We should all channel that energy.
    I hope you will be able to go see her soon.
    Your log cabin blocks look calm and pretty.
    I'm one of those people who loves rain, especially walking in the rain. The world smells sweet, but I hope you get some sunny days soon.
    stay well xo

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  16. Janet (rogue quilter) told me about your blog, and she was right...fun! Your sweet little Charlotte is so beautiful. What a gift! It's so hard to rely on just FT for interaction, isn't it? I'd love to spend some time in Blue & White! That's my kind of place. It looks serene and cool! I am really digging the look and style of your improvisational/scrappy quilt in progress. It looks like childhood and home and comfort. Enjoy! Nice to meet you! :)

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  17. Your new quilt is beautiful --I love the softness of the colors-- and your old quilt is so charming and looks so comfortable. I love the stitching and how you used the colors and fabrics.
    Now, Charlotte is just something else! Beyond beautiful and too cute for words.

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  18. Just having a look back over your posts... Love your older quilt, the raw edge applique caught my eye! And, the shop looks amazing, I'm a big fan of b&w. Yes, very hard not being able to cuddle little Charlotte, she's beautiful, crazy times right now.

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