Friday, October 21, 2016

Sew & Tell

I felt I needed some wall quilts to put out with my September school decor, so I started by making a cool pencil quilt for the wall by the kitchen!


I wanted primary colors... but wish I'd chosen two lime greens with less value different between them.  I really love the architect handwriting fabric I used for the background!!


Do you do that?  I always find myself critiquing my quilts when they are done... shoulda, woulda, coulda...


The pencil points were done with paper piecing... and I still don't enjoy doing paper piecing at all. YUCK! 


It takes forever as it is so counter-intuitive to me!!  But it certainly ensures perfect piecing and points.


Then I needed a new quilt for over the fireplace.


So I designed and created my BAA (big ass apple) quilt.


This took forever, too... auditioning fabrics for the apple.


I made the pieced background and free-motion quilted a stipple all over it first.


Then I appliqued the tree branch and leaves and apple on top!


I sketched out the apple on paper first with crayons, and the leaves were originally the correct size for the apple...


but when I made them that big on the background, they really took away from the apple, which I wanted to be the focal point...so I made them much smaller.


I am happy with the way it turned out and I got lots of compliments on it!!


I also have a new antique child's school desk, that my dear sister Sally gave me. I cleaned it up and it sits now in front of my quilt ladder in the family room.


I put a pencil and apple and a stack of vintage Dick and Jane books on it!!


It's all put away now, as all my Halloween decor is out!  YAY!


Yogi wants to know what you are working on these fall days? 

27 comments:

  1. Your quilts are beautiful! I love how you have them displayed.

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  2. I love both of the quilts! I was wondering about the pencil points, so thanks for explaining that. I just came down to my sewing room with the intention of making a tiny little pumpkin quilt.

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  3. Love the apple quilt.... I find that when I walk away from a project after its done and let it rest for a couple of days I like it much better next time I see it.

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  4. Love your pencil and apple quilts. I've grown quilt fond of paper piecing myself, but that took at least a good 10 years now! LOL!!

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  5. WOW! Love your creative work! Your blog is one of my favorites for great inspiration. Your quilts are interesting and beautiful. You are so gifted in your ability.

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  6. Your quilts and wall hangings are always amazing Polly... just love that Apple.....the gorgeous old students desk does bring back memories...oh such a short time for the Student Decor to be out......

    Hi Yogi.....

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  7. Your quilts are amazing! No quilting at the moment but I am knitting a sweater and making Christmas cards. Hi Yogi!

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  8. Love your BAA quilt, perfect name for aperfect quilt!
    I'm with ou on the paper-piecing subject I know how to do it but I don't like to do it. I know why it's necessary for some patterns but honestly give me trditional piecing and I'm happy:-)
    Say hi to Yogi and tell him I'm making my Tlua Pink City Sampler blocks, some drawstring bags and a quilt I've designed myself (no paper-piecing;-)

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  9. Oh my! Love love love :) Would you come help me decorate? I'm so stumped after spending the past two years remodeling this old house.
    If you ever do patterns, I'll be one of your best customers :D

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  10. For me your quilts are stunning and love your fabric eye.Grat job!

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  11. Love your pencil quilt and your apple quilt is gorgeous! I always look forward to seeing your projects and your sweet Yogi. Have a lovely weekend!

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  12. Those are beautiful. I LOVE, LOVE the pencil quilt.

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  13. Did that cute little Yogi just get groomed? He's so cute and FLUFFY!! Both of your quilts are so fantabulous! I just can't believe how creative you are--pencils and apples. TOO CUTE!! LOVE!

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  14. Love them both, but the apple is stunning! I never thought of doing the applique over the quilted piece. That is clever!

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  15. Splendide trapunte e la mela vien voglia di mangiarla!!!!! complimenti e un saluto dall'Italia. Silvana

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  16. Splendide trapunte e la mela vien voglia di mangiarla!!!!! complimenti e un saluto dall'Italia. Silvana

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  17. What an inspiring post! I love your apple quilt and you give me inspiration to plow ahead on the one I'm making - of a Greyhound (dog) no less. It's a Christmas gift and there's no pressure there, right?! Your pencil mini is perfect and I wonder if you would share the source of the pattern, please? I love paper piecing and that one is perfect - you did a great job. Hugs to Yogi!

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  18. I like the pencil colors just as they are. And the apple looks so shiny and delicious. ;-) All your quilts are beautiful. And so is your home.

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  19. Both of your quilts are gorgeous!!! Love them!!

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  20. well I love both of them...both autumn like and perfect placement too...way to go.

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  21. Hello Polly, Your quilts are amazing, Love the colours of the pencil quilt, the apple quilt is wonderful, perfect above the fireplace. Yogi's cute little face!!

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  22. Your quilts are lovely and Yogi is looking fabulous. Woof from Douglas the Westie in the UK to Yogi. Xx

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  23. Hey Polly! WOW! Both new quilts are amazing - well done! I had a good giggle at your BAA name for your quilt, as we often refer to our house as BAH ... big ass house! Usually when we've spent the morning of a lovely sunny Saturday vacuuming and mopping the floors!! :0) Big Bear Hugs to you and Sweet Yogi! KRIS xx

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  24. Hello, I have just happened on your blog and have spent many happy hours just combing through all your wonderful makes. I do have a question for you, Do you sell a pattern or have a tutorial on how to make your adorable bunny pin cushion from the June 17, 1009 blog post. You stated something about making it from a couple of small log cabin blocks. It is darling. I adore bunnies. Your little Yogi is just darling. I have 3 dogs of different breeds. My email is, sungoddess105@yahoo.com Thank you for sharing your time and talent. Your blog is a delightful mix!

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  25. Wow!It's so nice to see someone using my pencil quilt design. It's gorgeous. Love the colours.

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  26. Wow!It's so nice to see someone using my pencil quilt design. It's gorgeous. Love the colours.

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  27. As always, your work is gorgeous. Love your ideas, colors, patterns....love it all!!!

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Thank you sooooooo very much for taking the time to leave a comment! I am always happy to know that someone is reading my ramblings!! Polly :-)