Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Ohio Star Quilt




It was time to make another quilt.... so...
I first started out making a few watercolour sketches of how I wanted the quilt to look. 


I liked the simplicity of the pattern, "Ohio Star"... just triangles and squares.


pretty easy...  drew them on graph paper, then glued the shapes to plastic lids and cut them out with an exacto knife... this makes long lasting templates... started drawing the shapes on fabric, then  cutting..

 refined the colour placement.. each block will have 4 colours.. for now I am just cutting out the pieces for the 7 1/2" blocks, the windowpane strips will come later... 
I will be changing the tiny square in between each strip to red instead of white.. when the time comes to cut them out.

the pieces for 1 block are cut out...  that cool pin cushion was a gift many moons ago from Morna Crites Moore, stitcher extraordinaire.

I am using this wonderful old treadle to work on. She is not a highly decorated machine like many old machines but she is a workhorse.  I bought it a couple years ago from a former Home Ec teacher and before her it was her mothers. 

 some plains and prints


 and work in progress




Full view of the old 1936 Singer treadle sewing machine. love that this is foot/human powered and non electric.  I know I have mentioned this before, how much I love the old machines, but what is not to love about a hardworking machine built that many years ago that stitches as well as it did when it was first made.... just a few drops of sewing machine oil every now and then is all it asks for... and to dust away a few particles of lint... pretty easy upkeep. of course it is only straight stitch but prob. 99% of stitching is straight stitch at least for me... and she makes the loveliest straight stitch.

 can you imagine, this machine is 79 years old.. truely awesome!!



Liking how they are turning out so far...nice and bright. 
so onward we go......


of course, the dog would rather lie in the sun.

*
Cheers for now from Desideratum Art Studio in St. Martins, New Brunswick

12 comments:

A Heron's View said...

Good to see that you are creating even more beautiful family heirlooms
to be handed down through the family :)

Dogs have great sense don't they ?

Gwen Buchanan said...

So True about dogs, Mel! Gotta love them!!
also loving making this, so we are both pretty satisfied. I'll be in jewelry production soon so I'll enjoy this while it lasts.

Guillaume said...

I love quilts. I find them soothing.

Linda H said...

Love the look of the new quilt! Scrap quilts are the best! Will enjoy watching your progress!

Maya Sara Matthew said...

Thank you for sharing the process of creating the Ohio Star Quilt. It's a beauty.
Have I wished you a Happy New Year? I hope 2016 will be a very fulfilling year creatively speaking, wishing you good health and happiness in abundance.

Gwen Buchanan said...

I find them soothing too Guillaume, it is nice to hear that guys enjoy them too!!

Thanks Linda. Love making functional objects.

You're very welcome Maya, I always love seeing the progress of creating so I am forcing it on everyone who visits here. Happy New Year to you too!!

cathyswatercolors said...

Your quilting posts are the best!

Gwen Buchanan said...

You are adorable Cathy and I adore making quilts!

secretgardener said...

The view of the the landscape & things on the windowsill too.
Or St Jerome, in his study, dog or lion at his feet, landscape through the window, a vase of flowers on the sill, arches . . . .

Gwen Buchanan said...

secretgardener, you have a gift of words and observation and appreciation. Thank you so much for this!

Nancy said...

Your Ohio Stars are beautiful. I need to make a quilt for my new grandson and considered Ohio Stars (maybe because I live in Ohio, but I would love them anyway). I chose a different pattern that I'm not so excited about. Seeing your stars makes me think I should reconsider them again!

You have a beautiful blog!

--Nancy. (ndmessier @ aol.com, joyforgrace.blogspot.com)

Gwen Buchanan said...

Thank you so much Nancy. I'm sure the quilt you are making for your grandson will be beautiful and highly treasured. xo