Monday, May 23, 2011

Oldies and goodies

I've been looking for something quick, colourful and fun to do, really I'm hankering for a new project. I have a few possibilities in mind but I was going through some photos the other day and was reminded of this oldie from a couple of years ago. For some reason, I stopped just short of one block so I got it done last night. It's not fused, I did needle turn applique and buttonhole stitched around the blooms after.
I've yet to finish putting the blocks together and it's going to a good lap size for some young person. Better still, I got to use only what was in the stash, not that it made any sort of dent in it. I think it'll be good with just a scrappy brown binding.
Here's a tiny sneak peek at the doll quilt I'm doing for Christine's swap. I won't show any more than this so it can be a surprise. I still have more quilting to do yet.
We had the most glorious warm weather for the weekend and spent most of it out and about. There's an orchid place near us and I've been meaning to go and have a look. Mr Q bought me the gold and pink one in the middle and another white moth orchid. I picked up some great tips for caring for them and hopefully will be able to keep them alive.
We also went out to pick up some more paper for my quilt drawings and came home with a new camera. It wasn't planned but we have been intending to buy a new one.That's what I call a bonus! It's a big step up from a compact camera, not hard to learn to use it but it doesn't take good macro, might have to rely on the compact or think about a macro lens. I'll need a suitcase to cart the accessories around soon.
I think I'll go have another look to see what other oldies I have buried in the sewing cave, or maybe I'll play with something new. Can you tell the blinkers are slipping off?

43 comments:

Darlene said...

I seem to remember when you were working on this sweet project - it's so stinkin' cute! I'm glad you're finishing it.

KatieQ said...

I love how this applique quilt turned out. The fabrics work beautifully together.

Oops-Lah said...

I love your "Oldie and Goodie". Congratulations on finishing it (at least the top). Gorgeous orchids as well; do you keep them indoors or out? With winter approaching in Oz, it might be too cold for outside?

DebbyMc said...

I have that camera...I love it =-) Those blocks are really sweet! The fabrics are fantastic =-)

Cille said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cille said...

Super cute.... Agree with a darker, simple binding. The quilt is quite busy in it self so it will look great.

Congratulations on your new camera. I have the same camera and it's really good.

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Love this oldie, sure is a goodie! Gorgeous orchids and how fun to buy a new camera! xo

Janet said...

I like your cheerful flower quilt. It feels good to make progress on something old :0) The orchids are beautiful!

Marg said...

Your flower quilt is really pretty, I'm glad you're finishing it.
Love orchids, I leave mine outside in a sheltered spot once they have finished flowering and most of the time they flower again the following season.

Susan said...

Hey, a finish is a finish is a finish!! ANd a beauty at that! And cos you were SO good you get to have a new camera! Win/win!

Joan said...

Thats a lovely quilt Janet...very colourful!

Joan said...

Meant to also say - that camera looks really special!!

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

What funky flowers! The applique ones I mean, although the orchids are beautiful too!

Anonymous said...

Yes I too am still quilting my little doll quilt... must put a sneak peek on my blog.
Love the Oldie and the new camera too.

cheers
Christine

Rachaeldaisy said...

What a fun quilt!! I'm glad you pulled that out of your quilting cave! You know I love orchids too! There's some real beauties in your mosaic! And a lovely new camera! Look forward to lots of fabulous photos!!
What a sneaky but lovely sneak peek.

antique quilter said...

can't believe it only had one more block to go
its so cute I bet one of your GD would love this!
I am looking for a new camera too, this one might be a little bit advanced for me! keep me posted how you like it I could be swayed!
so the blinkers are slipping huh should I show you my newest project?
Kathie

Mary said...

That quilt is just way too cute! I love it and the bright colored flowers! So glad you were able to get the rest of the top together. I recently purchased a new Nikon as well :)

Sew Create It - Jane said...

I have a Nikon D40 and it isn't any good at macros either..I would need to invest in a macro lens...so I still use my point and shoot for super close-ups :o)

Terry said...

I lost my blinkers years ago! LOL I can't focus on one thing to save my soul! Love the project you found to work on! And those orchids are beautiful! :0)

Cardygirl said...

Those happy little blooms look great!

Nedra said...

You have been so good to finish up on those WIP's. I need to follow your example more!

Abby and Stephanie said...

Love the circle flowers. I'm going through withdrawals because my machine is at the spa! Congratulations on your new camera.

Crispy said...

Kudos on working on an Oldie. It is a sweet quilt and will be well loved by someone :0)

I too am getting the urge to start something new.....

Crispy

Ann Champion said...

Your oldie IS a goodie! Very cute quilt.

I love orchids. The one you got is such a pretty color!

Have fun with your new camera. :)

Lori said...

Congratulations on the new camera! I'm surprised it doens't take great macro shots.
What an adorable quilt you are working on.

Nanette Merrill said...

Love the quilt. There is something about black stitching around fabric that makes me smile.

Vicki W said...

Oh my gosh, I LOVE that block! I need to make that quilt.

Mary said...

The applique quilt is darling! I love all the colors in it. And I know what you mean about no dent - I've made two large applique quilts and can't tell I took anything from my stash! I don't understand how that happens.

Congratulations on the camera. There are some telephoto lenses that will shoot macro and longer distances as well. Find a good camera shop and they can point you to one. I have a Canon so can't tell you which but mine works quite well.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh how cute is that! Have fun with the new camera! That is fun!

Pinkadot Quilts said...

So pretty and spring like!Don't you love it when you have a UFO and finish it up?

Kaaren said...

What a fun quilt! A little diversion can 'sometimes' be a good thing and this is a great example.

I love orchids and had many when we lived in Florida and used to leave them outdoors. They are the prettiest flowers.

Donna Keating said...

Cool thirties style quilt. Worth the wait.

Donna K. from N. TX

Donna Keating said...

Cool thirties style quilt. Worth the wait.

Donna K. from N. TX

Dixie Howard said...

What a sweet quilt! Congratulations on your finish - the orchids are beautiful! Just planted 13 tomato plants yesterday. Just found a great new soup cookbook to tell you about - it's called Mr. Sundays Soups - toms of great looking recipes!

*karendianne. said...

The Sewing Cave! What a great phrase. ;) You're not going to have any problem with those Orchids. I know it. My friend here in Florida keeps 'em with such limited effort I can't even believe it. I would have thought they'd be so hard. Who knew? Janet - I love this fun quilt with the applique then the buttonhole stitch around the blooms. What an eye-popping effect that is. I really like the way you used the fabrics in the setting blocks as well. (congrats on the new camera, too)

Teresa Rawson said...

I love your "new found" project! Your blocks are so nice with the chain setting. My blinders have been slipping as well, but I seem to have lost the ability to make decisions ("I want to make them ALL...NOW!).

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Kristen said...

I love the combination of blocks! Those are gorgeous orchids!

Munaiba said...

What paper do you use for your quilt patterns?

Karen said...

I need to try the technique of button hole stitching after the shape has been appliqued down. I like the look. Always something interesting in the quilting line at your house.

M and M plus 3 said...

Cute applique project and a ufo finish for you. I'm partial to the black button hole stitch for some reason. Good for you on your new purchase, I'm hoping by fall, I'll have a new one as well. What made you choose this one over another? That is if you don't mind me picking your brain. Love the orchids, I bought a clearance one some several months back, didn't know what color or even if I could keep it alive. I seen 3 days ago, the long sprig where the blossoms were, there are 2 new shoots growing. Lol,maybe I'd better look it up to see what these are.

I hate to cook! said...

LOVE the quilt with the flowers! Too cute!

Ric Rac and Polka Dots said...

Hi,
I love your blog. I am your newest follower. If you ever get a chance, I have a new blog, and I would love for you to visit. Your quilts are absolutely beautiful and I am enjoying looking at all your pages. Thank you so much.
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers being sent right now!
Julie

imquilternity said...

You won't be able to do macros with your new camera as probably the closest you'll be able to focus is about 12" or so. However, if you have a longer focal length lens that would help with a great close-up. Also, rather than an expensive macro lens you might want to think about extension tubes. I have them and they work great and are a lot less $$ Congratulations on a wonderful new camera - now you get to have fun learning how to use it!!