Ravelly Followers

Reminder

If you are a "non-responder or OpenID-er" which to me means I have no way of responding to a comment that you've left, please leave a way for me to get in touch with you, especially if you're participating in a blog give-away or if you are asking for information or links.
By leaving your email within your comment, I can find you. I realize that this is sometimes a scary thing to do with scams and all but if you disguise the email as say.....
me at yahoo dot com
this is the perfect way to hide from the unwanted eye. So please help me out if you are one of the non-responders.
Thank you, in advance.....Ravelly Rhonda!!

Mar 21, 2016

Quilt Qwazy Queens Blog Hop

Hi Everyone!!! It's my day to talk about what I love about my fabric/quilting obsession!
First, I want to thank Marian at Seams To Be Sew for sponsoring this Hop.









Marian is a great hostess and has fabulous give-aways each day. All you'll need to do is leave a comment on my blog to participate
Today's give-away is

Aurifil  (Edyta’s Threads – Dancing Umbrella) - Anypattern.com - (Cat with Yarn). More details at the bottom of this post!!

To celebrate International Quilting Day and this wonderful blog hop, I've decided to show some of the things I've created via my sewing experiences. 
Sit back with your cup of coffee or tea and visit with me a little while!
I've been sewing/piecing quilts over 20 years. It's an obsession as I'm sure you can relate. Fabric is "my friend" and I can hardly stop myself from purchasing all the color combination (wink)!
I love developing and sharing my own designs as well as trying out the patterns that I've purchased at my LQS (local quilt shop). 


Let me explain where this fever started. Meet my grandma. She's the reason for my obsession. I remember sitting under her Singer Treadle machine watching her foot pumping. I remember helping her choose threads and the discussion we had about the different colors of fabrics. This was back in the late.....oh, wait a minute. This might give away my age. Oh well, the late 50's. Yes, I'm now sixty and loving it!!!
Now back to the present.
I love participating in some of the online challenges.
This photo is of me at the presentation of our TDA (Texas Department of Agriculture) "Go Texan," Every 'even' year the Texas Ag Commissioner challenges Texas quilter to get involved in a theme driven contest.
If you choose to participate, you sent of a kit for a small fee. The kit contains Texas natural fibers which you must use in addition to a few of your own.
 That year's theme was wildlife in Texas. Me and my wacky girlfriends decided to take the plunge and a couple of our blocks actually won.

I went with the big-mouth bass because my brother and I used to go fishing all the time. To this  day I remember the sounds of our German Shepard splashing in the water going for a frog then climbing out only to shake of the lake water onto us!!!

Another year, I entered the TDA challenge. The theme was Wine Country in Texas.

I went with something simple thinking that it would appear to the judges because of the simpleness of the block. I know very little about wine so that was my main reasoning.

The quilts are kept by the state and are loaned out to any organization in Texas by request. So if one wanted to display the quilts (known as the traveling display) at your quilt show, it can be done just by filling out the proper form. Just click on This link!!

Many years ago, I was thumbing through a magazine or maybe I was surfing the Net. Whatever!! I ran across a competition from Fons and Porter entitled "Done In One." 
It was a weekend project and I was at a lull in my sewing projects so I thought, "why not!" 
It was in my "Texas & Cowboy" phase so I did a type of silhouette shadowing thingy. Sorry I can't explain it any better than that. It measures 23" by 27 1/2" and I named it "Things Texas."
 I got Honorable Mention and was very happy because there were many very talented folks who participated. 
 Here are two more examples of the silhouette method. Above is John Wayne and below is an illusion of a 
woman sitting faced away surrounded by a tree which looks like a bearded man. Can you see it??

This was a quilt where my wacky girlfriends decided to challenge one another in a block exchange. We were to come up with a theme from each gal; give a list of the color we each wanted and the size of each block. Next, we drew names to see who was first, second, etc. We had one month to complete set of blocks then move to the next person's theme. I chose red/cream/blue blocks. At the time I had no clear idea of what to do with them but since I was fourth in the drawing, I knew I would come up with something. Flipping through many magazines, patterns, the Internet and clip art, I decided on the four seals of our Armed Forces, the eagle and the flag to add to the blocks that I would receive. When the quilt was all finished, I was so proud of the way it turned out. I named this one "Patriotic Me."
 Several of my cousins who are Vets wanted the quilt but I just couldn't part with it. I entered it in our State Fair and won Second Place in my category which was applique and machine quilting. The chairman of the show at the Fair said that several Vets saw my quilt and wanted to know how I did it. That made me feel good that they were interested. This quilt is my way of saluting our troops, Vets, and those who have given their lives of us!! 

The following quilts are Block of the Month and I think Block of the Week designs that I personally designed and have shared with everyone. Each design can be found on this blog near the top Page-BOW.
Lazy Hearts was a BOM that I designed because I love hearts and was looking for a way to use hearts throughout the year.

Teapots was a BOM that I designed because obviously, I love teapots. I made two sets of teapot blocks and donated one set to a local guild.

When Nature Calls was a BOM that I designed because I remember when I was very small, my grandparents had an outhouse out back. We had plumbing and a bathroom but my grandma said that they kept it because her dad always used it. Now that I'm old enough to understand that, grandma's father was my great-grandfather who was born in circa 1860. So I can see why he preferred the outhouse to the "new fangled contraption" the toilet....LOL!

Leafing Through The Year was a hand embroidery project that I designed. As most of you know who follow me, I don't like hand embroidery!!! So why did I design this, you ask? I was an elementary science teacher and remember having the kids collect leaves to study during the fall. I recall their amazement at the structure of each leaf, the shapes and colors. So that inspired me to do it.
This quilt, "A is for Aardvark" came from my desperate need to keep myself busy during my mom's stay in the hospital and her home care time the other year. As I stayed at her home to care for her, I was at a loss as to keeping my mind positive and filled. So out came the hand needles again. My granddaughter was not yet in kindergarten so I thought to make her something to help with learning the alphabet and to add interest, get familiar with some strange and well known animals.
A lady from my old high school called and asked if I could make a quilt using some of the band uniforms. I was honored that she asked but, band fabric is not something I wanted to tackle but I took a look at a couple of uniforms and came up with a plan of action. Our colors were Orange and White so I pulled fabrics from my stash, added some blacks and browns to lend interest, then pulled out my sketch pad.
I knew I had to make blocks that reflected the band but I added sports as well. A couple of my blogging buddies gave me that idea. I used a few pieces of band uniform in some of the blocks and was pleased with the outcome. This is a great idea for earning funds for band trips. Auctioning off a quilt!!

This is an apron I made for an apron exchange. The letters on the pockets are initials of the recipient. 

This quilt is a combination of two books from Bea Oglesby. I just love her designs and had a great time digging through my stash to come up with just the right fabrics. I did an Attic Window around each block to make things pop.

These two quilts are fractured stars. At least that's what I named them. It's a design I came up with totally by accident. It amazed me how different each looked just by changing fabrics and enlarging the quilt by adding more blocks. I've made about ten of these in all kinds of colors and sizes.


 My love for barns led to the making of this quilt. I had plenty help from my family and my blogging friends. 

I love to garden and do a bit of canning in the summer.
That's watermelon jelly in the mason jars. It is so tasty during those long winter months.

 I like to use my scraps to make quilts to give away. These two quilts (above and below) are a couple of ways to use up scraps.

 I have five grands but am slow in making them quilts. Here are the two that I've gotten done....sigh!!


Yard Birds is a funny little spin on my life as a farm girl. I remember feeding the chickens each day and looking for the eggs. I made mud pies our of them until Grandma caught me. Needless to say, that did not end well for me!!

We run a farm and ranch. Some of you my remember "Buzzard Bait." I'm happy to say that Mr. Cowboy said that she's well and has had her second calf. For those who follow me regularly, Mr. Cowboy sold her while my back was turned. Not to worry, the blogging friends and I had scolded him most severely and he did apologize.

No, that's not me on the bulldozer. Mr. Cowboy won't allow me to touch "the machine." Why you ask? It may be that I kind of got the gears stuck. Hey, there are a lot of gears and sticks in that thing. Who knew what all those clutches were for ;-]

 Lately, I've been into mini quilts, which means each is no bigger than 20 inches. I love the process and the smallness. Why more easy to store!!

Finally, if you really want to have a load of fun, try a quilting cruise with friends. That's what me and my wacky girlfriends did a few years ago. We had a blast!!

Well, I hope you enjoyed this little sharing moment. I love piecing and sharing with everyone!!!

Remember to leave a comment to participate in the give away.

I will be using the "Random Picker" on my sidebar to choose winners who will be announced at the end of today!!!
1. Aurifil  (Edyta’s Threads – Dancing Umbrella) Mini collection (sorry about the photo)

2. Aurifil (Edyta's Threads - Dancing Unbrella's Thread Colors

3.  Anypattern.com - (Cat with Yarn) is the prize!!!

As a final surprise 



FQS (Fat Quarter Shop) is hosting a 10% off coupon when you shop using the following code
seamstobe316

Also visit the following blogs to get in on their give aways!!
After you leave comments on the above blogs, please stop by Marian's blog below to enter more great things!!!






99 comments:

lefuntz said...

Having followed you for a while now this was a fun walk down memory lane. I did see a few new things or maybe they are just things I've forgotten. The older I get ... sigh. I love following your blog.I hope you will keep blogging for a long time .PS. I am so happy my in-laws put running water in the family cottage. Unlike your great granddad I like the new fangled toilet.

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Great post!! You have a lot of experiences to draw your inspiration from as well seen in your fiber art. You sure can tell a story with fabric!

Thank you for continuing to blog and to tell your story.
xx, Carol

mumbird3 said...

Awesome quilts! Love your teapots!

Elizabeth Coughlin said...

Your quilts are amazing! Thanks for sharing them and your history with us!

claire ross said...

Thanks for sharing, you must be proud when you look back at your projects.
Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com

Dody said...

Your quilts are so much fun to look at. Thank you for sharing!
Dmac5958ataoldotcom

Dorian said...

Lots of lovely work, thanks for sharing your love of quilting with us.

KaHolly said...

Delightful post! One of the aspects of hops that I enjoy the most is meeting new quilters. Where in Tx are you? I'm in New Braunfels. ~karen

Renea said...

I loved reading your story about your grandmother and her quilting. Your quilts are all sew special. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway.

Darlington Delights said...

What a lovely collection of quilts. Thank you for sharing. kmcassie at gmail dot com

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Good mornin!!! Always a great post here...your works are fantastic! So nice reading about your adventures.We ran into a quilting retreat of our cruise a couple of weeks ago...was nice to chat

Grandma said...

You have some wonderful and beautiful quilts! You look like your Grandma, what a wonderful memory, sitting by her as she sewed.
patsystitch@gvtc.com

VA said...

So many amazing quilts! Thanks for sharing them.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

OMG thank you for sharing so much. Love your quilts and your memories regarding the making of those quilts.

Gene Black said...

Wow, you have quite a quilting history. And you are an award winning quilter.
Thanks for sharing your lovely and creative quilts.

quilter said...

Thank you for sharing, you do beautiful work!
cork@pa.rr.com

Jean Campbell said...

So many fun quilts and themes that I like, too: Texas, John Wayne, teapots, alphabets, roosters --the list is endless. Great presentation. nelljeancam@gmail.com

sewlost said...

Fun reading about you quilting life. Thanks for sharing and giving us inspiration.

lauraluvsloons said...

Rhonda, it was a joy to hear your wonderful quilty journey. You are sew talented. This bloghop reminds me that we Quilt Quazy Queens love to quilt but even more, we love to have fun with our quilty friends.

Annmarie said...

Great quilts, especially all of your applique - but my favorite is the attic window - lovely! Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

your john wayne quilt is incredible.

Sandra said...

You are so very talented

syvisser@gmail(dot)com

Lynne Stucke said...

Rhonda, I loved reading your story. Several of your comments brought back memories to me, too. My grandparents were sharecroppers in NE Louisiana, and they had an outhouse, too. It always scared me just a little -- it was a LONG drop down to that gully it deposited into! I love your designs, too. Thank you for participating in this blog hop -- I am subscribing (I hope) to your blog and really look forward to getting to know you better!!!! lynnstck(at)yahoo.com

Anna brown said...

Wow you are crazy for a quilting challenge....Very nice work ty for sharing.... happyness04431@yahoo.com

Lori Smanski said...

what a wonderful journey. your projects are wonderful. i love following your life on the farm. i was one at one time and loved it. thanks for sharing.
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

Needled Mom said...

It was such fun revisiting some of my old favorites - especially the barns and the outhouses. Your work has always amazed and thrilled me.

Kathryn said...

I loved seeing the variety of quilts you have completed. I also love barns and loved that one especially. Great work!

Jill said...

Wow! Beautiful quilts. I want to go on a quilt cruise someday.

Janie said...

What a lovely post. All of your quilts look meticulously done. Thank you for the inspiration.

Seacoast Quilter said...

Very nice to see a number of examples of your work. I will look at the Blocks of the Month you have designed. Thanks for sharing.

QuiltShopGal said...

I thoroughly enjoyed your post. All your quilts are beautiful and it is fun to see how you and your friends continually challenge your quilting skills, as well as seeing so many of your lovely designs. Total #CreativeGoodness.

QuiltShopGal
www.quiltshopgal.com

Heather said...

Wow! It sure was fun getting to know you thru your quilting!

Calicojoan said...

You are sure the inspiration. I've long followed you and love every post you write!
Your talent abounds!

Anonymous said...

Marian
I've never heard of watermelon jelly. You've peaked my interest and curiousity. It sound delicious. Do you have a recipe you could share? You're a busy lady with all those quilts. I had an aunt and uncle in Indiana who had a farm and an out-house that I remember. As a child, I recall her pumping water at the kitchen sink! They too had an outhouse and it was not fun using it. It reminds me of the porta potties that contractors use at a site where the house is either under construction or remodeling, which our home is and is nearing completion. I avoid them like the plague- use the bathroom at a nearby grocery store rather than use the porta potty! Rosemary from California

GranChris said...

I love the teapots! You have some serious skills.

Vicki H said...

Rhonda, I enjoyed reading your story. You are so talented and creative. Great projects!!

lalaluu said...

Howdy from Houston, fellow Texan! I remember my grandmother's treadle machine, too. ;) These are all such fun quilts. You've really got a talent for themed quilts. I loved looking at all of them! Thank you for sharing!

Cindy Maki said...

Wow. You have made some amazing quilts. A cruise sounds nice. I have never seen your blog before, and am now a follower.

Anonymous said...

NEAT QUILTS!THANKS FOR SHARING! MY PASSION AS A QUILT QWAZY QUEEN IS TO MAKE BABY QUILTS FOR OUR LOCAL CHARITIES !
msstitcher1214@gmail.com

allthingzsewn said...

Since I'm a fairly new follower of your, this was an was great post to get to know you and your beautiful work.
I would not mind going back to 60 but no further. My dad banned me from the dozer, but I did worse than you. I ran one of the tracks off. Don't ask me how. I Think it was ready to come off any how and I just happened to be on it. But Dad was not convinced. I enjoyed our post.

Carol Swift said...

You've really created some amazing quilts over the years! I love the teapots!

Joyce Carter said...

I loved reading about your quilting adventure Rhonda. I have been following you for quite a while, but some of these were new to me. Beautiful work and very beautiful projects. You are so talented. I really enjoyed seeing everything. Thank you for sharing.

Linda Fleming said...

What a wonderful story of your quilting life. Thanks for the inspiration!

Karen said...

Thanks for sharing your wonderful quilts.

LJ said...

Wow, what a wonderful array of quilts! I smiled when I saw your "When Nature Calls" quilt as I remember using the outhouse when going to visit Gma and Gpa on their farm. Watermelon jelly - do you use it on bread? I've eaten watermelon pickles made by family members but not jelly.

celia ambrose said...

I enjoyed seeing your quilts. You can pick someone else for your prize. Thanks.

Patty said...

Wow, so many wonderful quilts. I like the teapots.

JANET said...

Never heard of Watermelon Jelly before. Might have to try that when they are in season!

Sarah J said...

I loved reading about all of your experiences! You and your group make some lovely quilts!

DebraKay Neiman said...

Hello, I am a NEW FOLLOWER. Your quilts are amazing, love the outhouse too, My grandmother had one AND a water pump in the kitchen when I was a child. I love blog hops, get to meet new quilters and lots of eye candy and inspiration. If I am not quilting, I am on line looking at quilting. crystalbluern at tds dot net

Anonymous said...

I love all of your quilts, especially Yard Birds. You are talented. Thanks!

Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

Lisa England said...

I love the idea of a state quilt challenge! I live in KY so if we had such a thing (or maybe we do!) there would be a lot of competition, as I understand there are some fabulous quilters in that little town called Paducah. You and your "wacky girlfriends" sound like a lot of fun!

Sally said...

I dearly love your quilt designs and it was a real delight to get to see them again! Aren't Marian's blog hops fun?

Teatime Creations said...

How wonderfully creative you are. Love your designs and the perfect fabric and color choices. I remember an outhouse at my grandparents, but not as elegant as yours. And I can see Yard Birds in my future. Thank you for sharing your journey.

Quilting Tangent said...

Liked seeing your quilt show through the years. 24Tangent@gmail.com

Regina said...

Rhonda, you works is fascinating! I am always amazed at how your picture quilts come to life.

rrjane011749 said...

As a displaced Texan living in Washington, I'm so drawn to your Texas themed quilts! Love them!

@lutzcats said...

This was so much fun reading! You gave us all a big view into your inspiration and talents. Loved all your quilts, but Grandma's picture was TOPS! SO adorable.

Nancy said...

I see you are another of the Crazy Quilters with a fabric obsession. I must let my husband know I am not the only with this condition.

Donna W said...

Wow! You have accomplished so much. Quilting, gardening and farm/ranching.

tac73 said...

Love all your quilts and stories. Thank you for sharing.

Pam McDonald said...

What a fun blog. You made me remember a lot of things. I giggled at the outhouses, I remember those too! My mom's family is from Texas. Best fishing, which I miss. But I don't miss that heat. Thank for sharing all those lovely quilts too. I also want to take a quilting cruise one day. Have a great day!

Mara said...

I'm really enjoying making minis lately as well, grecomara at gmail dot com

June D said...

How lucky you are to have so many photographs of your family - and so many nice memories too. Thank you for sharing and letting us see your projects. I've never heard of watermelon jam - the recipe would be a terrific prize too! Haven't heard of it before. Sounds so interesting. Thanks for the chance.

Pat V. said...

Wow, you are one talented quilter! Love your work. I am inspired to head back to my machine RIGHT NOW!

Sewgirl said...

Wow...so much talent! Your designs are wonderful and the quilts delightful. Thanks so much for sharing!

OhioLori said...

What an amazing & talented lady your are! Thank you for sharing!! I am mostly a beginner at quilting, and am always thrilled to see all the different things other quilters make...Wow!

Heidi said...

Thank you for a great quilt show! Those Biffy's are darling. My Grandparents had a double-seater that was actually quite comfortable. Wonderful photos, and someday I hope to try some watermelon jelly. I am following you in hopes you print your recipe:)

vicki said...

Love your quilts! You seem to have a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing. vickise at gmail dot com

Scrapatches said...

Your quilts are amazing! I really enjoyed reading about your quilt journey and enjoying all the photos. Thank You for sharing in the hop ... :) Pat B

Edie said...

Your quilts and patterns are very lovely. I chuckle at the outhouse quilt patterns. Thanks for the draw. raydeer@memlane.com

Bobbie said...

I so enjoyed your wonderful story and your journey as a quilter and designer. Your quilts are beautiful and I am sure all those who get to view or receive them are touched with love, because you can tell you quilt with your whole heart. Thanks for sharing. Bobbie

Rina Mason said...

I've been a follower for some time but still learned a few things about you and your quilt journey. I must say that I'm going to have to track down a watermelon jelly recipe and give it w try as yours looks so good.

Emily C said...

Oh, my. You have made a lot of quilts and very nice ones too. They look great.

Laura said...

Thank you for sharing your quilts. Now for the answer to the question - Qwazy, me?? I'll try anything and have been known to spend alot of time touching my fabric collection. Also like to dress up at quilting events!

Beverly C. Stigge said...

Super special quilting work over a few years! Congratulations. I loved each quilt and then I loved the next one and then the tea pots and then the band uniform one and then...how did you get so many finished! Thank you so much for sharing!

wendy said...

What a wonderful and interesting story! Love your patriotic quilt and can see why you chose not to give it up. WOW! Thanks for sharing!

Carol Hofstetter said...

Wow!! You have some awesome quilts! Thank you for sharing your story and participating in the blog hop.

Bonnie58 said...

Great blogs and quilts, folks. Thanks so much for the wonderful inspiration

Kathy L said...

I have admired your quilts for quite some time. Love your creativity.

Pamela said...

Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful work! I especially love When Nature Calls. It reminds me of visits to my grandparents' farm.

Lisa said...

I love your quilts as a Vet that one is my favorite! I am glad you do your fairs, so many don't and I always worry one day they will go away! Go you!

Doris Rice, The Quilting Queen said...

Dang lady, that's some amazing quilting! thanks for sharing. Especially love the TX quilts.

Jacqueline said...

Loved reading your post, enjoyed getting to know about you, the quilts were varied and beautiful...but I really enjoyed the chicken and egg, mud story.

Janarama said...

You have amazing talent ... your quilts are beautiful.

Deal.licious Real Food Debby said...

Love your story. My love of quilting also started from my grandmother. Every time I sit at my machine I think of her.

debbygrawn at yahoo dot com

Michele T said...

You have a beautiful history and story of quilting, something to treasure. I love your quilts Ned the one with the teapots caugh my eye... It is gorgeous!!

Anonymous said...

I love seeing all these quilts. I realize that in a show in Pharr, TX, I saw a bunch of those Texas quilts. I might even have seen a block or three of yours!

Peggy said...

Your quilts are beautiful!

Thanks,
Peggy
Peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

Walter said...

I am always amazed at the number of creative quilters "out there". Inspiring to all of us. pjrquilter (at) msn dot com

Jane's Quilting said...

I loved hearing of your journey. You were lucky to have a grandmother to give you inspiration. I just loved your quilts you made of your Texas. Y O U do beautiful work!

Amy said...

I absolutely loved looking at your beautiful quilts and reading your quilting story.

teachpany said...

Great post! I loved all the photos. Thanks for sharing. teachmca at aol dot com

ShirleyC said...

I am just amazed at all of your work or creations! Simply beautiful creations. My tongue is hanging out!

Amanda Best said...

What a wonderful post! I loved reading of how you got started quilting and seeing many of your amazing projects. I haven't seen your blog before, but I am subscribing now. Wow, you are so talented!
I am crazy for quilting, too!
My email is: bestbelle2010@aol.com
Thanks!

Beth Strand said...

Lovely pieces... thanks for sharing with us! pbstrand@msn.com

Marie said...

Hi Rhonda, Wow we have been sweet friends since the Fabric Postcard Days, and that was so much fun, My sweet Ray was so excited when each one came and so was I. I love all your work, but the Veterans Quilt touched my heart in such a way that I have not words to tell. Ray was in Viet Nam and we shared many talks that actually helped in in the last few months of his precious life.Thanks for all you do for all of us, I do believe your are the Quilting Angel.Many Hugs, Marie

Marian said...

I have loved your blog since I myself start blogging just a little bit over three years ago. Every project you do is so interesting and well done. I loved reading your story today, and how you "grew" into your different projects, and the quilting.

It's always a pleasure to stop in here and seeing what your up to.

My apologies for getting here the next day, my day yesterday was so swamped I feel like I barely had the time to breathe. :)

Teatime Creations said...


Good Morning: I think this comment was meant for you. The comment was on my blog Teatime Creations.I just reread your blog. You have so many beautiful quilts to show. I especially love the teapots.
Frances

MarianMarch 22, 2016 at 5:49 AM
My apologies for commenting so late, but what an amazing history Rhonda, thank you so much for sharing it. I loved reading about it, seeing the quilts you've given, made and scraps used from other places..

;-}

Don't count the days, make the days count!

Hands2Help

H2H 2013 logo

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails

Hop