Readin' & Roamin'

Quite a few years ago I read the 5th book in Jennifer Chiaverini's Elm Creek Quilters series. I did not like it enough to continue the series, but recently I was at the library and picked up the first book in the series: The Quilter's Apprentice. I quickly read it and really enjoyed it. I just finished reading the second book-Round Robin. It really pays to start a series like this at the beginning where all the characters are introduced and their personal histories are revealed. Contrary to my first impression, Jennifer Chiaverini can tell quite a good story and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I'm beginning to feel like the Elm Creek Quilters are old friends.


DH and I got up bright and early Saturday morning of this long Memorial Day weekend to head for Millinocket and Baxter State Park. We wanted to make reservations at BSP headquarters in Millinocket for our vacation in July. We will be staying at a cabin on Daicey Pond for one night, then two nights at Lower South Branch Pond in a lean-to right on the water. Bliss!

Luckily, we were able to book a cabin for Saturday night, too. We stayed at Daicey Pond at Blue Lodge, a 2 bed cabin, out of the rain and bugs. Showers fell briefly during the evening and we were glad to be snug and comfortable.

On Sunday we drove to Kidney Pond and hiked half-way around the pond to Lily Pad landing.

We were good stewards of BSP and did not remove the Kidney Stone.

Redwork fini

Finished object! I used three Jo Morton fabrics to finish off my little redwork piece. It measures 7 inches square. I made a "crumb catcher" border with the yellow. I remember seeing this demonstrated on The Quilt Show once, but I did not know which episode so I just made it up. I cut 1 inch strips then folded them in half and sewed them around the redwork center.

Then I applied the green strips. I used a machine feather stitch all around the green border. How do you attach a wire hanger to your quilts? I made a little bias strip sleeve and sewed it on with the hanger inside. Works for me. This little quilt fits in a small space between a doorway and a bookcase. I like tiny pieces like this tucked into tiny spaces rather than on a large wall.

Redwork

I've been having fun today trying my hand at redwork. I have not embroidered anything for years. One of the first crafts I tried when I was young was embroidery. I made a wreath of flowers on brown fabric. It was made into a pillow for my mother. It was very lopsided and poorly made, but I was very proud of it and so was my mother. I think the design was from a Woman's Day magazine.

So, while I have done some stitchery since then, I haven't done much, but it does come back to you. I made up this little design from something I saw in a book. I used a chalk-like tracing paper to transfer the design. Then I went over it with a blue quilt marking pen. I used 2 strands of embroidery floss.


The finished wreath measures about four inches across. I cut the fabric to 6 inches and am auditioning fabrics to go around it. I have some green Jo Morton fabric that looks good. Fun!