Thinking of Fathers

I just finished this quilt top,

all made from shirts that were worn by my father, my husband and myself.

It includes seven pockets,

several shirt buttons,

a few labels,

 some tucks,

and a very special paisley that belonged to my dad.  

The shirt backs will make up the quilt back.

I'll quilt this one by hand, feeling the gratitude for 

my father and my husband, 

and how they've contributed to who I am today.

Happy Father's Day!

Tennessee Lightnin' Strikes Again

Tennessee Lightnin',  54" x 70",  is now quilted!

It started back here, with some old shirts bought with friends on a trip to Tennessee 

and inspiration from the book, Bold Improvisation by Scott Heffley.

It had another border for awhile, but it just wasn't working for me.    

I quilted it with straight lines, using the free motion foot.  

The trick is turning the quilt at each corner, so you're always sewing forward or backward, 

not side to side or diagonally.  At first I tried it with the walking foot, but the fmq was faster.

I kept the diagonal quilting lines going in the border.  

It's hard to see, but it makes a nice overall texture.

Even the binding got to join the diagonal dance!

Now for more play with fans.  Hmm, straight or diagonal?

"Hourglass"

I finally finished this top, after starting it last summer and putting it away for awhile.

"Hourglass"  (aka Courthouse Steps) 64" x  78"

Made from shirt scraps and vintage fabrics.

It's my rendition of this quilt from Roderick Kiracofe's collection.  

Photo courtesy of Roderick Kiracofe

"Housetop, variation" c. 1950-1975, African American

From the book, "Quilts" by Roderick Kiracofe.

  

I'm not sure how I'll quilt it.  I'm thinking about lots of red ties. 

Whatever I do, it'll be awhile before my hands are free.  

They're occupied with this one for the next six weeks.  

It's got a date with the local quilt show in March!