Just back from a four-day quilting retreat, I have to show off what I accomplished.
The challenge this year was to make a quilt from old scraps. I got the top (the flimsy) done except for a bit of border trim. Once I get that done, it will be time to put some batting and backing onto it and start quilting to hold the sandwich of flimsy, batting, and backing together.
I had pre-cut fabric for making bags last year, in case I ran out of things to sew. The first bag I made this weekend was the light green one with strips of dark green. It had been a while since I made a bag and I forgot to put pockets on the inside of the lining of the green bag. So I guess it can be a book bag or something like that.
The others all have pockets in them. The smallest bag has a Japanese design in the center; the other side has a different design on it.
Here it is again, turned the other way, so you can see the back. It’s also a Japanese theme but this time a floral design. The bag is a bit narrow, but one of the quilters suggested it would be practical for bringing a bottle of wine if invited out for dinner.
The next post will have some of the work done by other quilters at the retreat.
If you’re still in a Valentine’s Day mood, it’s not too late to check out my website for more about my books. They are all about love and drama, three on the west coast of British Columbia (The Wind Weeps, Reckoning Tide, Marlie), more love and drama on the Baja Peninsula (Orion’s Gift), and a love triangle in postwar Europe (Julia’s Violinist).
As Adam Sandler said in one of his movies, “Love, love, love.”
Find out more at http://www.anneli-purchase.com
February 17, 2020 at 3:30 pm
I can’t even imagine how much work that is. Just wow.
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February 17, 2020 at 4:33 pm
Lots of hours of input, for sure.
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February 17, 2020 at 3:35 pm
As Jaqui said, the amount of work put into creating this must me huge. Beautiful work Anneli! ☺️
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February 17, 2020 at 4:34 pm
Exactly. Thanks, John.
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February 17, 2020 at 3:57 pm
Beautiful quilt in the works! I think I’d go cross-eyed!! I don’t think I would have the patience required for that quilt!
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February 17, 2020 at 4:35 pm
It all starts with a million 2.5″ by 3 ” rectangles and then you just sew the whole mess together.
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February 17, 2020 at 4:05 pm
Wow! And I can’t even sew a button. Very nice, Anneli.
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February 17, 2020 at 4:36 pm
Funny thing is, Jill, I hate sewing on buttons!
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February 17, 2020 at 4:47 pm
There’s hope for me!😉
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February 17, 2020 at 4:48 pm
You bet!
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February 18, 2020 at 3:57 pm
🙂
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February 17, 2020 at 4:12 pm
Beautiful work, Anneli. Your quilt in progress looks amazing!
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February 17, 2020 at 4:37 pm
Thanks, Belinda. Wait until you see what the other quilters have done with scraps. Mine is quite simple, but it’s colourful.
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February 17, 2020 at 5:01 pm
The flimsy is beautiful and the bags too! You are very talented.
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February 17, 2020 at 5:02 pm
Trying hard. Always room for improvement. That’s one thing about quilting – the sky’s the limit.
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February 18, 2020 at 4:12 am
I love that bed cover. Very beautiful……….
Keep-on quilting 🙂
Cheers !
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February 18, 2020 at 10:00 am
It will go onto the bed in the trailer for the next Montana trip.
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February 18, 2020 at 5:03 am
Excellent!
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February 18, 2020 at 5:19 am
While looking at your large quilt, my eyes got crossed. Its a beautiful quilt! And the bags are very pretty, each of them. I admire your patience and fantasy.
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February 18, 2020 at 10:01 am
Thanks, Ursula. The scrap quilt is just that – scraps of many of the fabrics I’ve used and had bits left over. I think I need to use one of the bags for myself. My old one is getting worn out.
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February 18, 2020 at 5:45 am
Fantastic! 4 days of intensive sewing – what finishes!
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February 18, 2020 at 9:59 am
Feels good to have something to show for the effort. Thanks, Laura.
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February 18, 2020 at 6:32 am
Wow! These are gorgeous. You’re very talented, Anneli.
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February 18, 2020 at 9:57 am
I’m still learning, Jennie. Some of the women in our quilt guild are real experts. They make beautiful things. I had lots of good tips from them at the retreat.
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February 18, 2020 at 4:46 pm
That’s wonderful!
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February 18, 2020 at 7:56 am
What a beautiful job on those bags. I’m a fan of those earthy colors, the browns, and the green one, too. I’m always looking for something light to carry my laptop or tablet in. Those look good for such a thing.
Glad you were able to enjoy a getaway for quilting.
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February 18, 2020 at 9:56 am
Perfect for laptops. I have one that is oversize (a tote bag) and it works really well for a book bag or a laptop bag. It was good to have a few days away and wonderful to get back.
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February 18, 2020 at 10:56 am
For me the word quilt was new vocabulary – now i know, thank you.
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February 18, 2020 at 11:38 am
I think in German a quilt is called a Steppdecke.
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February 18, 2020 at 3:59 pm
Welcome back! Your work is incredible and beautiful. I know I wouldn’t have the patience (much less the talent) for quilting. I guess you could say I have patience for words, but not thread, unless it’s threading words together. ;-0
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February 18, 2020 at 4:51 pm
Threading words, yes, and then on the rewrites, you quilt them.
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February 19, 2020 at 10:19 am
Excellent metaphor!! xo
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February 20, 2020 at 5:09 pm
Beautiful Anneli! I especially like the bag with cream and beige leaves. Did you remember pockets in that one? I use the gorgeous bag you made for me constantly. Always has something tucked in and a safe place in my den. Lovely workmanship.
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February 20, 2020 at 7:33 pm
Yes, it has side pockets. I only forgot to do pockets on the first one. all the rest have them. Glad you like them and that you still like your “old” one.
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February 21, 2020 at 4:43 am
Such beautiful makes! Your quilt is spectacular even before it’s finished!
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February 21, 2020 at 10:45 am
I liked the idea of using up scraps. I was getting too many, and there was no need to come up with a masterpiece. Just a fun and colourful quilt.
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February 21, 2020 at 1:37 pm
Really like all the work you did on your retreat, Anneli. The bags look beautiful and sturdy too, and the fabrics are gorgeous. The Japanese back and front is so elegant. And that quilt is astounding! All those little pieces, oh my goodness the patience it took to figure that all out and sew it together. Fun title, too. Impressive.
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February 21, 2020 at 2:35 pm
My mother-in-law is a tiny woman and she liked the small bag. I had hoped this would be the case so it is now hers. Otherwise it would have had to serve as a wine bag for me to take to dinners out. Thanks for checking out the posts, Jet.
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