Tea Party & Quilts

I recently was asked to speak at a Ladies Tea Party at Grace Fellowship Church.  It was a joy to be asked and was so fun to see and hug many sweet gals that I have known for years.  Always fun to share my love of quilting, love of all things vintage and weave it around treasures of the heart and our spiritual treasure in Jesus!

Each table had a hostess and set her own table and service for her guests!  This happened to be my place setting.  The china was Jan's mothers, a beautiful Noritake pattern.

A place card at every place!

I didn't get around to every table......so here is a sampling.  They were all wonderful!

Loved the crochet tablecloth!

My kindred spirit, Jan!  We have been friends for decades.....I won't say how many, but we have a rich, diverse history.  And we just pick up where we leave off when we see each other, which isn't often enough.  My gift from her was this wonderful centerpiece.....minus the vase of flowers.  All these things she had especially picked out for me.....so sweet and special.  I have it all setting on my dining room table.....just as she had it here!  I will love you ALWAYS......my balcony friend!

These are some of the few quilts that I brought to share.  Those "ladders" came from my Grandpa Kullmer's garage when we were moving them out of the house on Chestnut St. in La Porte City.  They would have used them in their garden, for I am not sure what.  As soon as I saw them.....they had quilt display written all over them.  I have used them downstairs in "quilt world" ever since.

Loved the white tulip stem at every place.

Wonderful place mats with hat and gloves......just right for a tea party!

Oh, and the bunting with hankies to pick up your name tag.  Joyce greeted you as you arrived.  It was a pleasure to meet her! If you want to make a BUNTING for your next event check out this posting.

Sweet little pink roses were the theme here and what sweet little favor boxes for each guest!

Loved this with sequin covered Christmas ornaments arranged like a tree!  I love those ornaments.....have some of same ones on my Christmas tree and they fit right in with the pink roses! If you would like to see some of my Christmas decorations, check out this posting.

How colorful and beautiful!

Pink, white, delicate and sweet!

This floral china was gorgeous!  And the little favors had little butterflies in scenes that moved, so cute!

Love me some blue....all different place settings with yellow roses.  Perfect!

This is an old classic pottery pattern.....have always loved it.  So pretty and the centerpiece was wonderful too!

Thank you for including me in your special day.  The food was so cute and yummy, right down to the shortbread cookie dipped in chocolate that looked like a tea bag.  Complete with a string and tag!  Thank you ladies for ALL your work to make it a special time for everyone!

Dear Jane Challenge

A few days ago.....I hit another great milestone!  The top triangle border is all quilted including 2 blocks in on the top edge too.  I have done that on all four side now.  Another happy dance happening!!!  I did it that way so that a big chunk of the blocks would be done when I moved to the center of the quilt.  I had already done quite a few of them popcorn style all over the top.....so I am down to 70 blocks left.  So exciting, the end is in view!!!

Well that's cute....got my foot too!

Today in the Civil War is the anniversary of the Second Battle of Ream's Station.  We have not been able to visit the Petersburg area....looks like we could spend quite a bit of time there. If you click on the link to the Ream's Station virtual tour part way down the page, it gives you a sense of the characters involved and the stories behind them.  As in many of the battles, it was about control of railroad lines and supply chains.

I am going to suggest 2 blocks for you to work on, since I didn't get to blogging last week.....sorry!

E-5 Rising Sun

G-5 Poof

I inked around 20 some names of our family that served in the civil war.  This name is starred so Henry is one of my husband's direct ancestors.......a great-grandfather.  Many of the names are cousin's, so I just chose to mark them, so I could easily tell between the many names.  This might be something you might consider.  It really does look beautiful and adds a wonderful layer of meaning  to your "Jane."

Dear Jane K-1.....Crooked Creek

Well, I am having horrible internet issues this morning.....not sure if our router is not working or Wild Blue or what.  Most irritating.....so I will be lucky to get this posted!!!

Dear Janers, 

My challenge to you this week, is block K-1.

  I also would suggest to you, if you haven't already done so, take some time and do a seam allowance check, especially if you are not doing these blocks by foundation piecing.  I recently did this again while working on another project.  I just wasn't that happy with how some units were fitting together.  So took the time to make some adjustments on my needle position and stitched out some samples.  I have a Viking Designer 1 and I set my needle for straight stitch with the needle in the far right position, then moved it 2 clicks to the left to be set at 5.0.  On my machine I found this to be much closer to a scant 1/4" seam, than the built in 1/4" seam setting or the 1/4" foot.  So if you are just not quite happy with how your patchwork is fitting together.....take the time to do this.  I promise it will make your work cleaner and a lot less effort to fit together.  Especially on these tiny blocks.....so if you blocks are shrinking....I would highly encourage you to spend the effort....you will be glad you did!

Crooked Creek K-1 unquilted

Crooked Creek K-1 quilted

Tips for K-1

I am always so amazed at how the hand quilting transforms a block from good to excellent.  I love the texture and depth it adds.  I am trying to do a block/triangle a day.....I don't quite make every day, but am making progress.  Hopefully by giving you these challenges, it will help spur you on in your Dear Jane journey!

Here is a little back ground history 150 years ago this week.

Dear Jane L-1

Anyone on the Small Quilt Dear Jane list up for a challenge this week?  If you have not already done L-1.....do that block.  I will be quilting mine.  Tips for L-1

I am posting pictures on my blog because I can't access that in any of my Yahoo Groups. So irritating......

Another one bites the dust!  Yea!