Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Bits on the side

If you read my blog you probably remember that little adventure with cathedral windows back here. I couldn't really leave it languishing without turning it into something useful and now it's a 16" cushion.  when I saw the cushions on Little Miss Shabby, I fell for them, I'd like all of them actually. Oh boy, that makes me such a copy cat.
You never know what I get up to over here, I'm not biased. Sometimes I do stuff  bit more modern and sometimes it's a bit more traditional. Actually it's all traditional, what changes is the fabrics and colours. I know I hang around blog land and get enthused and inspired by what others are doing. I've had my beady little eyes on Sue Garman's Baltimore pattern for awhile and I just had to have it, you understand right?
The patterns are available at Quakertown Quilts.

I made a promise to myself not to make a start until I have all my blocks done for my other Baltimore. That doesn't stop me thinking about fabrics. I picked up a few fruit fabrics from J and O Fabrics by looking under the fruit and vegetable section. They had an awesome strawberry and a perfect pineapple print.
The strawberry fabric is a lovely orange red rather than a tomato red. I may use the watermelon skin if I dye it to tone the brightness down. The aubergines are great for grapes.
Perhaps I could prep some freezer paper templates, that's not officially starting.
I did run out of prepped applique blocks for the flower garden quilt so picked these baskets up and got four done in front of the television. They are my bit on the side and now all my other oldies but goodies are calling to me. They'll just have to wait their turn.

36 comments:

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

I love the cushion!

liz said...

Were your little basket blocks just lying around waiting for the right moment? I am in awe. As for fruit vegetable/fabric, I can't look at it without thinking of the photographer wife in 'The Four Seasons' film with Alan Alda. I should just get over it because that grape fabric is great!

Miriam said...

Your cushion turned out beautifully!

I would love to make Sue Garman's quilt too. I love all those blocks and the border is amazing!!!!

Good finds with the fabrics.

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

The cushion is gorgeous Janet. Love the new baltimore, oh my goodness, how much work is in that?!! Coming from you, it will be amazing. xo

Yankee Valley Stitcher said...

Love your pillow!! Your little baskets are looking awesome also...maybe I will pick mine up and do a few more!

Darlene said...

You make me smile :-)

Lurline said...

Gorgeous little cushion and each time I see those little baskets I have a little drool! Oh, Janet,I can just feel how challenged you must feel to even think about the Baltimore and it souncds like you have every intention of making it - what a joy for all your Followers!
Hugs - Lurline♥

Nima said...

gorgeous cushion...i love the colours you used

Julia said...

Love your cushion..
I can just see you doing the Baltimore Janet...very you!
Isn't it amazing, we both have veggie fabrics, but using them for very different ideas /things..
Julia ♥

ria vogelzang said...

Lovely projects!! Especially the Baltimore Quilt is so beautiful!
And those little baskets keep popping up everywhere.....! :))
Cuties!!!
Enjoy your sewing!

Donna~~ said...

Your blog made me smile Janet. Just tonight I was making deals with myself about not starting another thing until I complete a few (I've started two new projects this month--or I guess only one counts as I've only prepped a few freezer paper pieces--so glad to know that doesn't count!) Your cathedral window cushion is lovely. I will look forward to seeing your new Baltimore--as well as your older one being completed too!

Shirley said...

Wonder how long the willpower will last before you cave in and start that fantastic quilt pattern. It looks amazing and I know for sure you will do it justice. Love your cushion too. Reminds me that I must do a few of those basket blocks of my own.
Shirley.

antique quilter said...

oh love that cushion, just beautiful.
ok I still haven't pushed that buy button even though I love that quilt too and have always wanted to make a BA quilt.....
as soon as I see your first block I know I will need to have it too.
why the vegetable fabric , guess I haven't had enough coffee yet!
oh for the fruit blocks?
ah the baskets Lorre and I have been cutting for that again, do you need more squares???
I am determined to have my basket quilt done this year/by the summer was the first goal!
Kathie

Annie said...

LOVE the cushion

Kaaren said...

I know you will probably just cast your fate to the wind and dive right into your new Baltimore pattern anyway...so go on...just 'do it'. *wink*

The cathedral cushion is lovely and the colors...well they're spectacular.

*karendianne. said...

The cathedral windows is a real treat!!!

You know what I really got out of this post, that really sticks with me? Is how you share a bit of your thinking process. I like how you work with and thru your on-going projects by staying focused yet allowing the inspiration in. I appreciate this sort of sharing along with all the other goodies!

Teresa Rawson said...

Your pillow turned out great. I've been drooling over Sue's new pattern, but thought I needed to finish Sue's old pattern first...LOL! I like your idea of using some actual fruit fabrics for the fruits.

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Abby and Stephanie said...

There is inspiration everywhere. It's so easy to get excited and want to jump on the bandwagon and make something. I always get excited to see what you're up to. What a fantastic pillow.

Unknown said...

oh I Love your Cushion..the Fabrics are Gorgeous in this design.
cheers

Betsy said...

Janet your cathedral windows is so adorable. I love your color selection. I too have been eyeing Sue Garmens Baltimore . I know you will make it beautiful.

Thimbleanna said...

You're SO funny! A little prep work is definitely not starting LOL. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that pillow. I'm going to have to jump in line with you and play copycat. Yum!

Amy said...

The cushion is Beautiful. I love the colors you chose.nothing wrong with being inspired and trying to do what ya like.The fruit fabrics are nice.

Lori said...

A little prep is not starting...officially! It is such a beautiful Baltimore quilt!
I love the way your cathedral window cushion turned out.
You always have something fun going!!

Janet said...

Your pillow is beautiful! So is that BA quilt. A little prep sounds like fun :0)
Your baskets are always pretty too - it's good to have lots going on - no chance of getting bored.

Ann Champion said...

Your cushion is so fresh and pretty looking. beautiful fabrics.

I looked atb that BA pattern..and was tempted. I didn't push the buy button though. I'm really going to enjoy seeing your take on it. With the fabrics you've ordered I can see we're in for a treat!

The little baskets are wonderful. I did mine as a side project too, just doing them in between other things. You've got quite a few of those done don't you?

Charlotte Scott said...

It's so hard to resist new projects! Love the cushion.

Karen said...

Your cathedral windows are precious! And love the little baskets too!!

Katherine said...

Love that cushion!

Janet said...

Again a very HAPPY Pillow. Love it.
You did a great job.
Love the baskets. Are they from
Blackbird Designs?

Karen said...

I have eyed Sue Garm's Baltimore pattern but that is all I plan to do. I will enjoy watching you stitch the blocks instead of myself.

Sharon said...

Your cushion is fabulous, love the fresh fabrics with the traditional piecing.
The patterns at Quakertown are so tempting, I must order one or two. I can't pass up the temptation.
Your baskets are sweet!

Crispy said...

The cushion is lovely. Great fabrics you found and your little baskets are sweet. As for the pattern, I scrolled past quickly so that I wouldn't be tempted LOL.

Crispy

imquilternity said...

Ooooo....I love your Cathedral Windows pillow! That's such a wonderful older pattern and always brings back good memories of one of my Aunts. Yours is quite lovely using the newer, more modern fabrics! Wow...you don't mind taking on complicated, time-consuming projects do you? And you always get them done quickly!!!

Carrie P. said...

Love the cushion.
Wowee, what a pattern.

Kristen said...

You pillow cam out beautiful! Those patterns for Baltimore's are so amazing!

Ivory Spring said...

Janet,

I already told my husband he can get me the pattern for Christmas this year. :)