Friday, September 10, 2021

Smaller quilts and au revoir


As promised in my previous post, here are the last small quilts I finished. This first one was made from various black, white, gray and pickle green blocks. Many came from Jan either as completed blocks or smaller components that I combined into 12" blocks. I quilted this with a nice swirl and used a black and white stripe for the binding.


Some penguins make the back fun, too. I like to use novelty fabrics like this to make the back a surprise for the little person who receives the quilt.


And speaking of fun, aren't these cats a kick? They have the funniest sly looks on their faces as they contemplate the birds on their heads! I don't remember when I made the rail fence blocks, but they seemed to play well with the kitties and that blue tree fabric, so I stitched them together to make this little quilt.


The back continues the pink/turquoise/red and cat themes. I love that tree fabric so much!


This next piece is made from a bunch of 3.5" squares of nautical and Hawaiian themed fabrics. They were part of a bundle I bought on eBay. I added a pink polka dot border and binding to make a sweet 40"x40" baby quilt.


The back used up a couple more chunks of pink, a color I don't use often. Both this piece and the first two in this post were donated to Little Lambs.


This bright little quilt is a bit random. I had the rectangles in a ziplock baggie and started sewing them into columns as leader/enders. After the columns sat around for a while, I decided to set them in green, but didn't have quite enough. So they got strips of coordinating fabrics in between. It kinda sorta works? I think I mostly wanted an excuse to use the stripe as a binding. I love the black, green and orange together!


The back used up greens in various shades from light to dark. This quilt was sent to Quilts Beyond Borders as part of their Navajo Initiative.


And finally, this quilt is sized to be used on the lap of a wheelchair user. It's about 36"x50". I've had the panel full of tools for a while, waiting for inspiration to strike. I dare you to read the words without breaking out into song.


Jan sent me these super cool Dresden fans and that was just the inspo I needed! The colors are perfect, and the shape of the fans mimics the saw blade in the panel. Only two fan blocks were finished, so I stitched the rest together and set them on various creamy backgrounds. I think a retired woodworker will really like this quilt.


The back has chickens and roses because, why not? I do love a good chicken fabric, don't you?

And on that note, this will be my last post. I started this blog to document my quilts, back when I made one every few months. Now I finish about one a week and have found that I absolutely dread taking the photos. Quilting brings me tremendous joy, and I love every part of the quilting process. But honestly? The blog photography was starting to steal that joy. Today the SD card on my phone died, destroying a bunch of photos, and that was the final straw. Admitting that I was done blogging feels like a huge relief. 

I appreciate all the kind words and support I've received through your comments and emails. Rest assured that I will still be quilting! If you follow Kat's blog, she usually takes photos of the pieces I donate to Covered in Love, so you can still see some of my work there. 

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I'll see you around in the comment sections of other quilt blogs.

32 comments:

  1. Oh, I'm sad!! But I'm happy you feel relieved. I love that quilt with the woodworking tools. I love your creativity. I will see you at Sunshine!

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  2. I too am sad that this will be the last post. Happy you feel relieved. I totally understand. I love the quilting process but, getting photos and posting have become a chore. on my blog the last two quilt posted the photos were not good and I did not have much to say. I will miss seeing your amazing quilt on your blog, which you have another great group today. So happy I found your blog and all the best to you!

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  3. Thanks for your blog over the years. I've enjoyed reading about your quilt making process and your life on the water. Glad we can keep up at Sunshine.

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  4. I'll miss your periodic updates, but totally understand your desire to end the blog. I've never blogged and couldn't deal with the constantly changing formats and technical difficulties had I tried. But I thoroughly enjoy seeing what others do. It's good to know you'll keep up the quilting since so many worthy organizations benefit from your talent of using up leftovers. Enjoy your continued journeys.
    Pat

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  5. I'm sorry to see your blogging end, Louise, but I do understand. Photographing quilts is challenging and takes time (and space). I'll look forward to hearing from you in comments from time to time, and I'll keep up with your travels through your hubs posts!

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  6. Wait a minute while I pick my jaw up off the floor, You will be missed in the blogging world my friend!! I hope you keep in touch. But I do understand it does get to be a chore taking pic's and then the writing. I sure have enjoyed seeing your creations, you really found your niche of putting together odd pieces and making then fantastic. Keep on quilting!

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  7. I do hope you will leave your blog in place as inspiration for others even if you are no longer adding new posts… good for you for focusing on the joy.

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  8. I'm sad to hear you won't be blogging anymore but I understand why. I really just use my blog to have a record of all my quilts but I know it does take time & effort to put it all out there. I've really enjoyed watching your quilting journey but also your life on the water. Wishing you health & happiness :-)

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  9. I've enjoyed getting to know you, Louise, through your blog and quilts. As myself and fellow bloggers all say, I get it--it does take time and effort and spending time quilting is a lot more fun! God bless you & your DH and your travels, and quilting!!!

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  10. Oh, I'm so going to miss you and your blog, Louise! I was so glad to have found you via Covered in Love. Your quilts are so inspiring that much beauty and quilting can emerge from scraps and pieces. I wish you and your husband continued joy in your adventures onboard. Happy cruising.

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  11. You make the best scrappy quilts, Louise! I'll miss reading your updates, but glad to know you'll still be quilting as you sail along on the boat. Enjoy!

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  12. Oh I'm so sad, as you do the BEST with orphan whatnots and I love the way you write. I totally get what you mean about blogging taking away time (and joy sometimes for me too, but mostly it's the time). I have so enjoyed getting to know you and considering us friends through our off-blog chatting. Is Sean keeping up the travel blog? I follow that one from time to time too, so at least I'll know where you are. :-)

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  13. I so enjoyed reading about your quilting and sailing journeys. I shall miss your posts. I am glad to hear you will continue with sewing quilts. Covid zapped my mental energy and I took a long break from posting. Writing and photographing does take time. Thanks for all you’ve written. Happy adventures ahead.

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  14. I came to the same point a year or more ago - I like to post on IG now - much faster, you snap a pic or two, post a brief statement, and folks can see what you're up to. Easy peasy. So you might consider that avenue. It's fun to stay connected.
    I will miss your high seas adventures. Happy Sailing!

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  15. Oh Louise! My heart went thud when I read “au revoir” in your title. For a second I didn’t want to read on because I didn’t want it to be the end. Reading your blog posts over the years has been a real treat. I have learned so much from you about design and creating beauty out of assorted bits as well as blessing others in such a tangible way. I’ve also enjoyed seeing where your travels take you and how you live and quilt on the boat (the quilts hanging on the boat were what drew me in), and extending our conversations a bit beyond the blog. But I totally understand your reasons for wrapping up the blog. I will definitely continue to watch for glimpses of your quilts, and I hope that Sean will continue the travel blog because although I skip the technical parts (don’t tell him), I really like the travelogue, and at times, just knowing that you are both safe. I hope you will leave your blog up because there is so much that quilters can learn from your past posts. I wish you continued joy in your odyssey, both on the boat and in quilting. ❤️

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  16. I also found you through Cover in Love. I was so amazed that you could do quilting on a boat! I loved reading all about how you have set it up so that you can do that. I also did not want to read that you are stopping your blog. I can understand that it could be a chore to take the photos, but I will really miss your blog. I wish there were a solution so you wouldn't have to stop blogging. I am being selfish. I do love reading your husband's blog about your travels. That also amazes me, I guess because I am home bound and used to love to travel. Anyway, I for one really will miss your blog. I wish you happiness and more great travels.

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  17. I will miss seeing your quilts and posts. I have enjoyed seeing where you were going next and how you quilted in your "home". Stay safe and enjoy your travels.

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  18. Well, this is a "bad day in Blackrock" for me after hearing that you will stop blogging. I totally understand how time consuming, frustrating & stressful it must be to always feel like you must *deliver* to your readers. I've truly enjoyed the short time that I've known you through this blog & through CiL. You've allowed me to cry with you at times & laugh out loud (which is rare for me) with you at times & just be overwhelmed with your talent & kindness to all the charities that you participate in. You've been a blessing to my soul & I will keep following Sean on his blog in hopes to get more glimpses of you & how you are doing as y'all travel the oceans, seas & waters on Vector.
    I wish you all the best with your freedom to enjoy doing the things you love to do. If you ever decide to blog in some way again, please let me know so I can follow. Hugs to you, my friend.

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  19. It's me again because I realized that I didn't even comment on your last quilt beauties. It's so hard to pick a favorite but I guess I'm sort of drawn to the kitty quilt. Such fun fabrics will bring a smile to anyone's face. I really like the leaders/enders quilt you made. I think I'm drawn to that pretty green fabric. I love how you can visualize who would like to have one of your quilts....like the retired woodworker! You produce such fun & fanciful quilts that will be loved by those who receive them. Saying thanks just doesn't seem adequate to you for all you do & have done. You are very, very special indeed!!

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  20. Oh, Louise-- I will miss your fun updates and colorful quilts, but I completely get it. Best wishes for all your sailing and quilting! Hope you'll drop in from time to time.

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  21. I'm sad that you won't be posting any more, but I understand your frustration with photos and the pressure to post. I hope you can still use my orphan blocks in the future. I love what you've done with my pickle green cast offs, and that Dresden and panel wheelchair quilt is fantastic. Thank you for all you've done.

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  22. Oh my - say it ain’t so! I have so enjoyed your blog and chatting (and laughing) with you over the years. You’ve been such a wonderful online friend and source of inspiration. I’ll also miss hearing about the adventures that you and Sean have. Yes, I’ll see your work over on Kat’s blog and I’ll see you in the comments sections here and there. But it won’t be the same (sniff). Having said that, however, I am glad that the decision has lifted a load for you. Wishing you smooth sailing and smooth stitching! Big hugs and a Margarita toast to you!!

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  23. I echo many of the sentiments already voiced: appreciation and enjoyment of your blog, of the quilts made, skills learned and sheer pleasure of another's quilting journey. You have such a lovely generous heart.
    But I really understand your feeling the freedom of saying au Renoir to the blogging.
    Long may your quilting bring you and so many others pleasure and enjoyment. And may your sailing take you to new delights and adventures, with much gratitude and thanks for all your work, Lynn

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  24. I’m really going to miss reading about your adventures and your creations! I will watch for your quilts at Kat’s blog! I have learned much about how fabric and love can make a fabulous quilt! I hope you enjoy your sewing and sailing! But when it’s not enjoyable to blog, then by all means make a change! Be safe! Thanks for sharing your most unusual life!

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  25. Thank you for the many beautiful and inspiring quilt posts and the glimpses of life at sea. I particularly enjoyed the video of how you quilt on the ship. Fair winds and calm seas to you and Sean.

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  26. You will be missed! You provide sew much inspiration for others. I sure understand!

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  27. I'm sorry to hear I won't get to read about your quilts and boating life any longer. But as a person who has drifted away from blogging myself, I understand. Sometimes we just need to concentrate our time in the areas that bring joy and let go of the things that steal joy. I'm sure there are many more wonderful quilts to be made in your future and many more people who will benefit from your generosity. I wish you all the best. Cheers.

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  28. Thank you Louise for sharing your many adventures and quilts with us!!!! I have so enjoyed seeing your CIL quilts (that is how I found you) and learning about living on a boat! You have been a great inspiration to me. I wish you well and will miss your stories. Hope to catch you on Kat's blog!!!!! Big hugs!

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  29. no, no, no...... but i understand.... hoping after a break you rethink and redefine - and resume..... kathleen

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  30. SOOO very sad to read, Louise! I have been a long time mostly lurker, but have thoroughly enjoyed reading about your creative processes. Your creativity has truly amazed me. I’m not a blogger, but understand it must be very time consuming. I wish you the very best and hope that you enjoy focusing your time on something that feeds your heart!!

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  31. I'm so sad! I just got back to blogging and reading blogs yesterday, and I was especially looking forward to yours. It's always been one of my favorites. I'll keep an eye out for you on Kat's blog and say hi to you there once in a while. Take care!

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  32. Oh Louise! Well, I'm glad I got to read your posts and be inspired when you were writing here. I will keep checking every once in while! Best wishes! June

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