Tuesday Archives #45: Medallion Quilts

Happy Tuesday Archives everyone!

 Time to dig through your past posts and share any and all posts that highlight Medallion Quilts you've made or are a WIP. But, I'm going to admit right here and now, I have NO IDEA what a Medallion Quilt is as I sit and create this post/linky. (Be kind to me, I'm still a relatively new quilter) Seriously, the closest I've come to a Medallion Quilt is reading Round Robin by Jennifer Chiaverirni (It's part of The Elm Creek Quilt Series...Thank you mom for keeping me supplied in these wonderful novels!!! I love them!!!) I am literally LOL at myself right now! So what does a novice quilter do...she Googles....Medallion Quilts!
Here's what I found:

MEDALLION QUILTS:  

Sooooo..here's the definition:

Medallion quilts are quilts that are designed with focal areas at their centers.

Medallion quilts can be made up of either patchwork or applique (or both) or sewn using other quiltmaking techniques. The center medallion is typically surrounded by quilt blocks, setting squares and/or multiple borders.

Okay, then I googled images and feel in love with this one: 

(I'm thinking: "WOW!" as I create this post/linky)

This is from http://www.gloriouscolor.com/store.php?cat=237.

Just BE! My Mini Word Quilt...

 As I shared last week right here, I find affirmation in using a word to "define" my year of growth and self exploration ahead. I've been so inspired by your New Year's Quilty goals and commitments, but for the first time in my life, this list making, goal orientated, do three things at once kind of gal is finding herself content to:

Yep! Just content to BE....ME right now and quite honestly, I'm rejuvinated and excited about this new found peacefulness. I'm motivated to simply enjoy the process of quilting as my craft, my creative outlet, with no deadlines or commitments. This little 11"x14" wallhanging now hangs right at my desk as a daily affirmation to be peaceful and to look forward to the year of self expression I have ahead of me!

 Funny thing is, I actually think that by doing this, I'll  find myself PLAYING with my quilting more and well, who knows what might come out of this creative little brain of mine! So how about you? Just for fun, comment and complete the phrase: Just BE...

With smiles,

V:)

A Heartful of Fabric!

Our yongest daughter has the best "eye" for fabric. She surprised me with this heart full of  fabric that she found at one of her favorite thrift stores. The background fabric is large enough, that I'm thinking with a few appliqued sunflowers, 

it would turn into the perfect summer tablecloth! 

Her thoughtfulness made my day and these certainly make for some wonderful stash builders. With a heartful of smiles & wishing everyone a happy Saturday.
Today is a good day to make it a great day!

V:)

Scrappy Tulip Bed Quilt

After writing yesterday's Tuesday Archive post about Machine Applique, I was reminded of this quilt I made before I started blogging (Oct. 2012). This wonderful assortment of 56 scrappy tulips were inspired by Kim Schaefer's Flower Festival book (it includes 50 Applique Blocks to "grow your garden").I took her Tulip Lap Quilt pattern and grew it into this queen size quilt. After having been displayed in the local quilt store for a bit...

...it found it's way to my parent's geust room. My mom was so kind to actually text me most of these pictures yesterday and flattered me when she replied:
"I only let special guest actually use the quilt." LOL!! 

The Applique Process:

I really did have alot of fun creating these little appliqued flowers... 

...and watching them grow on my design wall.

I used a button stitch to machine applique each flower to it's neutral back.


Here's a few close-ups of my our favorite tulips:

We love our dogs!

We enjoy our wine.

Quilting Trick:

Here's a great way to "try out" some designs without having to use a seam ripper later! Save your dry cleaning plastic or use any other thin plastic and lay it over your quilt. Then, using a black sharpie, doodle your FMQ patterns.
 As you can see, we kept this quilting simple.

The Back:

And don't ya love when you have enough fabric leftover from another project to create a back...it's like the BEST freebie isn't it! I had enough scraps from the tulips and fabric from my Underground Railroad Quilt to create a scrappy back:

With a special label:

Thanks for the pictures mom and for taking such good care of this quilty hug!
With smiles!
Val:)

Tuesday Archives # 44: Machine Applique

Happy Tuesday Archives everyone!

 Time to dig through your past posts and share any and all post that highlight Machine Applique. I'm going to save the use of Marking Tools...of which I admittably have never used yet...for next month as I'm running behind this morning and need to get myself out the door to work. (smiles!)

MACHINE APPLIQUE: 

Anyhoo...have you seen this Machine Applique BOM being offered at Quilt Doodle Doodles? It's adorable and looks pretty easy. Click here to read more. I love applique, both by hand and machine, so find myself looking forward to seeing past post of yours I may have missed.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing today!