Elijah's and Autumn's Quilt Tops

You can find out about Elijah & Autumn in my previous posts and follow their healing progress here:
https://elijahandautumn.wordpress.com  Please continue to pray for these young people and their families.  Most specifically, pray that God will bring Elijah to full consciousness.

The signature quilt tops planned for Elijah & Autumn are complete and awaiting sandwiching and quilting. Each quilt is designed so that friends and family can write notes of encouragement to each of them in the lighter background fabric.

 Here is Autumn's, which is being made by Debbie in San Antonio:

I love the unique block layout of this quilt and the bright and cheery colors.  If you look closely, it's almost like there is a cross in the middle of the quilt.  Thanks again, Debbie!  Can't wait to see it quilted.

Elijah's quilt is much more classic.  When he was young, Elijah was interested in Scottish dance and he and his family actually took lessons for a period of time.  So I think he will like the plaids in this "hugs and kisses" quilt:

If the family chooses, I will be including some type of wording on the inner border using the lettering on my Nina.  The backing will be pieced in blocks with soft flannels.

So there they are, each unique in their own way, just like Elijah & Autumn.

Have a most blessed week.  Some of my scripture reading today was in the Matthew 18:19 & 20.  These verses seem to fit in so well with Elijah and Autumn and those praying for them:

Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.

                               Matthew 18:19&20

Father, we agree together as we ask you to bring Elijah to consciousness for YOUR glory to be seen.

A Completed Baby Quilt!!! / Update on Autumn's & Elijah's Quilts

Happy Friday!  It's raining outside, been dreary all week, and not looking any better for the Memorial Day weekend.  But God is good and I thank Him for every blessing.  No flowers planted this weekend!

Today is Elijah's birthday (see prior posts).  A group is going to gather and sing Happy Birthday at the hospital with his mom and dad as representatives.  I am sooooo excited!  I have not entered the hospital at all because my recent cold resulted in a horrific cough.  I am sure it is not contagious but anyone who hears it will run.  But today I don't care.  I am praying God will still the cough and allow me to share in His love with the Lowry family.  You can find an update on Elijah & Autumn here:  elijahandautumn.wordpress.com  Please pray that God will continue to heal both of these kids but also that he would wake Elijah up.  God would you do a miracle today?

Before I update you on the signature quilts being made for Elijah & Autumn, I have a super duper whoop whoop finish.  This is one of my favorite quilts and it's done early. My little niece is due July 4th in San Antonio and this will be awaiting her.  I am sooo excited!  (just realized I say that a lot)

I just love this quilt!  It was quilted with a Signature 40 weight variegated cotton thread in this design:

The back is flannel in a matching Riley Blake fabric:

Here's a close up of the quilting on the back.  I used matching thread;

I am thrilled with how this quilt turned out and may do another for me in Christmas colors.  Can I get a whoop whoop!!!

And here is an update on the quilts for Elijah and Autumn.  I am dedicating my free time to working on the blocks for Elijah's quilt today.  I also have a late night sew with a friend and will hopefully get the blocks done tonight and be ready to start assembling the rows.  

Debbie is working hard on Autumn's quilt and has her colors attached to the background squares.  She sent me some some photos last night; she can't decide on a layout.

I like the stars but Debbie likes the herringbone or hugs pattern.  Can you help us out?  Which would you pick?  It looks awesome Debbie!

Today I will be linking up with Finish it up Friday at http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com and http://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com  Come and see what other quilters are up to!

Have a safe and blessed Memorial Day weekend! 

Downton Abbey Finish!!! / Autumn's Quilt

Before going into the Downton Abbey, I want to thank all of you who have been praying for Elijah & Autumn, who were critically injured in an automobile accident on Friday afternoon, May 8th.  We have been friends with Elijah and his family for about 13 years; our boys participated in many homeschool classes and events together and spent many an afternoon playing outside reenacting history or with strategy games inside.  It greatly affects you when the children you have seen mature from youth, are suddenly struck with a tragedy.  But we have seen God exalted through all that has happened  God is performing untold miracles in the lives of Elijah and Autumn but they have a long way to go.  You can get an update on their conditions here:  https://elijahandautumn.wordpress.com

I have some awesome news on the signature quilts planned for both Elijah and Autumn but first let me update you on the Downton Abbey quilt I was completing for a customer.  Yes!  It is finished!  Here is a finished photo:

Since the last post, I finished the inner border with feathers:

The outside border was quilted with a simple cable design but because I did not want to detract from the fabric design, I used the same gray blue thread as the feathers so you really can't see it from the front.  Here is a quick glimpse from the back:

This quilt was quilted on my Handiquilter Sweet 16 sit-down long arm.  The thread I used for the main body was Prescencia. I used a dark gray Aurifil for the inner and outer borders. 

So what did I like least about quilting this quilt?  The most difficult and pressured part of this quilt was knowing that it would be viewed by professional quilters who could possibly pick apart my work.  It caused so much stress that at one point my husband told me I totally needed to let that go and just quilt and do my best.  When I did that, I enjoyed it much more.  Any "burps" were caused by thinking about someone looking at the finished product.

What did I like most about quilting this quilt?  I loved the opportunity to come up with my own block designs and really enjoyed quilting the feathers and flowers.

My favorite blocks were:

1)  The main Downton Abbey Block in the center of the quilt:

and:

This block that pulled me out of my comfort zone.

(thanks for your help with this one, Debbie)

My most enjoyable part of the quilt?

This feathered heart with rosebuds in the setting triangles:

and this artist's rendition of the flower from the border and backing fabric:

I love the romantic feel of this quilt and the idea of the feathered hearts were so obviously sitting there waiting to be quilted.  I was also thrilled that we could work in the roses and rose buds that the quilt owner had requested.  

Overall, this perfectionist is extremely please with the finished product!

On another note:  I having been working as I can on Elijah's quilt, feeling very overwhelmed at the thought of completing one for Autumn as well and yet both of these are heavy on my heart.  So this past Sunday evening I received a text message from my quilting friend in San Antonio.  She had read my recent blog on creating a signature quilt and sent the following text message:

"Inspiration just hit me.  Would you like me to make a signature top for Autumn using these?"

You will not believe the joy that swelled up in my heart as tears were coming down my face.  What a blessing to see the body of Christ desire to minister to Elijah, Autumn and their families.  So I am hard at work on Elijah's quilt now that Downton Abbey is complete and my friend Debbie in San Antonio is probably almost done with Autumn's quilt top.  Thank you, Debbie!  You have no idea how much of a blessing you are!   Debbie will be sending the quilt with my brother and sister in law in June when they fly out for my son's high school graduation ceremony.  God is soooooo good.

And finally, this arrived in my quilting studio Monday morning!

While we quilters are always moving things around and organizing, my quilt studio remodel is now a finished project.  I am so excited!

Have a wonderful Wednesday and consider yourself blessed to be alive!

Elijah & Autumn / Downton Abbey Update

Elijah & Autumn

Elijah & Autumn were involved in an auto accident the late afternoon of Friday, May 8th(one week ago)just inside the Colorado/Wyoming border.  Both have sustained critical injuries and are in comas.  Elijah is in Cheyenne but Autumn was transported to Denver.  We have been friend's with Elijah and his family since our sons were about four or five.  Elijah is still in a coma but his father allowed my son and his friend to see him on Wednesday and to pray for him.  That was a tremendous blessing and comfort to my son.  If you know our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ please pray or continue praying for Elijah and Autumn.  The website will be a total blessing to anyone to see how the families have responded and how friends and families have joined together, knowing that God is in control.  Thank you so much again.

You can learn about Elijah & Autumn in my previous post and learn about their story here:
https://elijahandautumn.wordpress.com/

As a side note, I know this is crazy with all I am doing, but I hope to put together a signature quilt for Elijah and if time allows, one for Autumn.  God has provided the desire so he will provide the time and friends to get it accomplished.  Here is the block we plan to use:

So far everything has come from stash.  The background is a cotton and the plaids are homespuns.  The plan is for a 50x70 lap quilt.  So twenty-four of these blocks plus a 5" border all the way around will reach that goal OR 35 blocks with no border.

Please keep me encouraged to keep going on this project; the work load is looking daunting but friends and people are what matter in life.  Sometimes I get funny looks from people when they learn I am not employed outside the home.  The question is:  "What do you do all day?"  My husband and I laugh and my response is "You know, I am fresh out of soap operas and bon bons".

Downton Abbey
The center pieced portion of the Down Abbey quilt is complete.  I am waiting for thread for the borders; it looks like it will be here sometime Monday.  Here is a look at how the center turned out:

A couple of closer up pictures with half the quilt at a time:

I ended up with a very simple border design around the logos in each corner.  

Once the thread is here, feathers are still planned for the dark inner border and a simple rope design for the outer flowered border:

I'll use this handiquilter ruler to accomplish this border design.

I'll be linking  up today with http://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com and http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com so come join the fun!

Elijah & Autumn

Today, I wish I had a quilt, or a tutorial, or fun fabric to post.....but I don't.  Today my heart is heavy, heavy for two young kids literally fighting for life.  My son's childhood friend, Elijah, with whom he spent untold hours reenacting history, sword fighting, playing games, arguing and learning life with, is laying in a hospital bed fighting for his life.  Elijah's girlfriend, Autumn, lays in Denver in critical condition as well.    Elijah is scheduled to attend the University of Wyoming in the fall on a full-ride scholarship.  They are 18 and 19 years old.  Will you please join  me before a holy God and pray for these kids and their families as they face horrific life circumstances?  They stand on the solid rock of a living hope in a resurrected Lord but they need the body of Christ to lift them before the LORD in prayer and encouragement.   Please pray earnestly as our enemy would like no more than to destroy their lives.  Elijah has undergone three surgeries since this past Friday and is currently fighting to come out of a drug-induced coma; to no avail.  Autumn has been in a coma and is facing major facial surgery.  You can find specific prayer requests and learn their story here:

https://elijahandautumn.wordpress.com

Thank you for understanding my heaviness in heart and for joining me in prayer.  

It's Spring! -- No, it's SNOW! / Top Hat / Another Downton Abbey Peek

Yes, this is May 8th.  While most areas in the continental United States are enjoying temperatures in the 70s, 80s and 90s, Wyoming is proud to boast that snow is in the forecast for Saturday and Sunday!!!  Evening temperatures were predicted to get down to 27 degrees Sunday evening.  My tennis tournament has been canceled!!!  I would, however, be negligent if I did not share that the prior two weeks were glorious as temperatures were in the 70s.  As we in Wyoming say, "We have two seasons: July and winter".  In the spirit of spring, I thoroughly enjoyed the view of this flowering crab apple tree from my quilting studio this week.  I hope the freezing temperatures do not kill the buds.

So I have another finish today.......but not totally mine.  Actually this quilt is called "Top Hat" and is for a customer from Nebraska.  I just love the fabric in this quilt and the design is soooooo cute.  So her finish will soon be mine too!

This pattern uses one yard each of five different fabrics.  I will have to add this to my bucket list too; so cute1

Here is a closer look at the fabrics in the blocks:

And the border fabric ties it all together beautifully!

Oops, looks like a little red thread got on the fabric. 

I will be quilting Top Hat with a quick all-over design once Downton Abbey is complete.  

AND......I was also able to get more of Downton Abbey completed yesterday and this morning.  So I thought I would throw in another peak.  These hearts will be in each setting triangle with a rosebud on each side.

And these roses will be in the smaller triangles at the edge of the main block area.  I still have to quilt each of the Downton Abbey logos as well.

Quilt club is this afternoon over at Blakeman Vac and Sew so I am not sure how much more I will get done on this today but I am progressing!

I understand my links did not work last week so I am checking them out before publishing this post this week. I believe this technologically impaired quilter has things figured out.  SO.....today I will be linking up today with  http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com and  http://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com.  Join in for some awesome quilts and crafts!!

Downton Abbey update

This quilt is absolutely beautiful!  Here is the photo of the quilt top from my original post:

This pattern was actually designed by the owner of one of our local quilt shops and I love the blue and cream triangle blocks surrounding the 12" blocks.

So after sandwiching, my first mission was to stitch in the ditch around each 12" block and the larger block encasing each.  Not my favorite task:  I truly struggle with stitching in the ditch.  It would probably be the more glaring weakness.

Once the blocks were secure, which helps the quilt lay flat.  I began the process of quilting the blue and cream blocks and then each block within.  

So here is what I have so far:

I am down to two blocks and then will start the large triangles.  Here are some close up photos of the completed blocks.  Warning!  Lots of pictures.

The is the main Downton Abbey block taken from the center section of the quilt.  The flowers in the setting triangles are my artist's rendition of the flowers in the backing and border fabric.  I placed a rosebud in each maroon/black half square triangle.

This block is directly below and was probably the more difficult block to quilt.  I had a bit of help figuring out the quilting for this one, but I love it.  Very cool!

Both of these center blocks were quilted in the setting triangles with the artist rendition flowers.  I think it turned out gorgeous.

The next four blocks are to the left and right of the two center blocks.

Oops, I forgot--I have two small areas to finish on this block.  Roses were placed in each corner of this block.  The quilt maker specifically requested I tie in roses if possible.  

I think everything has turned out great though I am probably my worst critic.  There are two more blocks to quilt and then to start on the large setting triangles.  I decided upon a feathered heart with the point facing toward the quilt.  Most probably I will put a rose bud at the out side of each triangle to tie in the ones from the Downton Abbey main block.

Then, I am thinking I will switch to a gray thread for the two outside borders.  Most probably feathers in the inner border and I have absolutely no idea what will go in the outer border.  I do not want to compete with the fabric design so we will have to wait and see what happens.

I would love to complete this quilt this week but I guess I have another maybe 6 or 7 hours of labor so it may be next week.  

I hope you enjoyed this first blush look at the Downton Abbey quilt.  Have a great "hump day"!