Sunday, June 28, 2009

Quilting Cousins


I have some very talented cousins on my Dad's side of the family. Once a month a few of my girl cousins get together, we take turns hosting. At one of the Fall get togethers we decide on a theme for the quilt that we will give away at the family picnic. All you have to do to receive a chance to win, is to show up at the picnic.

This years theme was Summer or maybe flowers..everyone did flowers! Previously we have done Christmas, Fall, Winter and Spring. The squares are handed out in the Fall and we have several months to come up with our design and complete it. Then one of my cousins squares up the squares and sews on the borders..and then we hand quilt it. This year there were eleven squares, and then two smaller squares with our Family name and the year.

There are many different methods, embroidery, machine embroidery, hand sewn applique, machine applique and counted cross stitch. Each design is different and unique.

The quilt is not huge, it is meant to be used as a throw or a wall hanging. This year we did flannel because it is so warm and cozy. Which square do you think I did? Hint..one with flowers!
Yes, this is mine.. I am the weirdo counted cross stitcher:)

20 comments:

RURAL said...

What a true family heirloom. And to keep it up, year after year, there are some very fortunate winners out there.

Jen

Anonymous said...

What a lovely quilt and such a great idea from year to year. I love the counted cross stitch flowers. Someone is going to be very blessed to win this.

Ziggy Stardust said...

I do counted cross stich and have made many gifts for people. I love the quilt, it is something to pass down again and again.

Anne

Liz in PA said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Liz in PA said...

So much for proof reading on my part.
....So I'll try again!

CONNIE~ You have many talents. Your knowledge of Flowers is a wonder to me.....I love when you name the botanical and common names of Flowers!
That quilt is gorgeous and truly a treasure for some lucky Family member to receive.
I would never miss a chance to win a quilt...so I may disquise myself as a relative and attend a picnic!
...What a hoot if I won! :-)

Rae said...

The throw is beautiful and I envy your talent for counted cross stitching. I would imagine these quilting sessions are a fun get together time and maybe a little bit of talk therapy too. It is so nice to connect with family and friends like that.
Nice post.

Jeanne Estridge said...

Oh, my gosh, that's beautiful! I have a hand-quilted, hand cross-stitched quilt on my bed -- made by my darling Aunt Dortha on long dark evenings for three consecutive winters.

Girl Tornado said...

Gorgeous, and what a wonderful idea to give it away at the family picnic. Truly a family heirloom.

My gramma made many quilts - appliqued and cross-stitch - all entirely by hand. I don't think she's ever used a sewing machine, or even owned one. She's still alive, 92, and living at her own home, but she's not able to make quilts any longer. I think I own 3 or 4. :) And I use them too. I kept them in the closet for years, and then finally thought, what am I saving them for??!

Emma Rose said...

That is really beautiful. You are so talented. SO where is the picnic? We want to come! Ha!
Will Chance be there too?

Kisses,
Emma Rose

Mary said...

What a neat idea. I was under the impression that you weren't so handy with a needle, guess that was wrong. Oh, do you have to be family to come to the picnic? Ha-ha

Jeanne Estridge said...

Side question -- are you having any problems with the Blogger post option for delayed posting since the latest upgrade? It seems like most of the time it now chooses to post immediately, ignoring my settings for the future.

L. D. said...

Your flowers are wonderful. What a neat idea. I had to give up mom's semi-cross-stitched quilt to my sister-in-law. No regrets as I couldn't keep everything. She didn't fill it in but left it semi outlined. That is a neat thing you and your sister-in-laws are doing. I remember when my mom would quilt with a couple of ladies and they had the greatest of time, even though it was serious work.

Jewel said...

Such a beautiful quilt. When's that picnic?

Far Side of Fifty said...

Thanks for your comments!
The picnic is not until mid August! I never win, but who ever does is always overjoyed!
Jeanne, I have not noticed any problems with auto post..but someone else on one of the photo challenges had a problem. It was going bonkers. She had some double posts.
Mary, I like hand sewing..well.. I tolerate it. It is that infernal sewing machine that drives me nuts.
Chance likes picnics, but that day I am pretty busy ..so he will probably stay at home especially if it is a really warm day. Poor boy, he does occasionally stay home alone..but not often:)

Anonymous said...

Wow - that is beautiful!

And hey - cross-stitching is still sewing, right!

Leilani Schuck Weatherington said...

Your lupines post brought back some vivid memories of childhood vacations going through the countryside in central and northern California and the blue lupines were everywhere. My mother knew them from her childhood in Colorado. She usually didn't talk about "nature stuff". They were so beautiful.

The Retired One said...

What a wonderful idea!!! Whoever wins will love it for a long, long time.

Anonymous said...

When's the picnic....I'll come as your long lost YOUNGER sister:) It's beautiful!

Unknown said...

I think that's an awesome tradition! And the quilt looks amazing! I don't see anything wrong with adding a crosstitch block, it reminds me of a sampler. I hope you win it!:D

Maery Rose said...

Beautiful quilt and such a nice tradition!