Christian Cross Quilt Block

The pattern for this 12" Christian Cross quilt block comes from Eleanor Burns' Quilt in a Day book Egg Money Quilts: 1930's Vintage Samplers.  My quilting group, The Persian Pickles, made it as a block of the month.  I used all 1930's reproduction fabrics for this quilt.

A Peek at Easters Past

One Year Old

Three Years Old

 

Four Years Old



Six Years Old

 

Christ the Lord is risen today!

Hallelujah!

Third Discussion of A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick

Job's Tears Quilt Block

Evelyn heard those three scary words, "You have cancer."  Have you or someone close to you had cancer or other traumatic illness?  What did you learn from the experience? 

Friendship Scrap Quilt Block

Life doesn't promise that we will always be happy.  Yet Evelyn manages to piece together what she needs to face the journey - a group of loyal friends.   Name three things that help you through the ups and downs of life. 

There are no right or wrong answers.  We'd just love to hear your thoughts and ideas.  Tell us in the comments section below.

This is our final discussion of A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick.  Check out the "Schedule" at the top of the blog to see what we'll be reading and discussing in the coming months. 

Happy Town Play Quilt Finish

I did very simple quilting on my grandson's Happy Town Play Quilt.  I first began outlining the roads on the front but thought the stitching looked very random on the back side.  So I stopped, ripped it out, and started over.  I decided to just stitch in the ditch between the rows in back, occasionally stitching in the center of the wider strips of fabric. 

I preshrunk everything ahead of time, including the batting, because I don't want the quilt to shrink.  It's designed to be a playmat, so I want it to be as smooth as possible.

I used one of the fabrics on the back for the binding.  I handstitched the binding while watching Downton Abbey Season 1.  I didn't become a fan until Season 3 so have some catching up to do!      

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:  Welcome Spring Quilt     

Welcome Spring Quilt

For, lo, the winter is past.

The rain is over and gone.

The flowers appear on the earth.

The time of the singing of birds is come.
                         
                          - The Bible

 

Most of the fabrics are from the Joel Dewberry Aviary 2 Collection.  Pattern found free at:  http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2011/04/‘fit-for-a-princess’-picnic-quilt-fat-quarterly-tutorial/

 

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:

Second Discussion of A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick

Second Discussion of A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick

Windows Quilt Block

Join us for our second discussion of A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick.  These questions came from the author's website.

When Evelyn ventures into the old brick storefront that will become Cobbled Court Quilts, she doesn't really see the grime or the broken windows or the water stains on the windows.  Instead, she envisions how the tiny window panes would gleam if washed and how inviting the front door would be with fresh red paint.  Can you remember when you saw potential in something (or someone) that no one else did?

Spool Quilt Block

Evelyn decides to open a quilting shop.  Is there something you've always wanted to do or try?  Would the people in your life cheer you on?  Is it ever too late to pursue your dream?

Please tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.  Inquiring minds want to know!  

Check out the schedule at the top of my blog.  I've listed the Quilters' Book Club book selections through July so you have plenty of time to find the books.  

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post The First Discussion of A Single Thread 

First Discussion of A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick



New Home Quilt Block

This is our first opportunity to discuss A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick - the March book selection of the Quilters' Book Club.  These questions are from the author's website (with modifications).

Evelyn Dixon is a Texas housewife, who in a matter of days must not only

vacate her marriage but also her home.  If the circumstances of life called for you to leave your home and move quickly, where would you go?  What would scare you about the situation?  What would excite you?

A quilter of more than 25 years, Evelyn likes the exacting precision her hobby requires.  But she also revels in the fact that if 100 people were to quilt the same pattern, no two of their quilts would be exactly alike.  What is it that you like about quilting?  Why are you a quilter?

Please answer in the comments section below.  Inquiring minds would love to hear your thoughts and ideas!

As a heads up, our April selection is The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini.  It is the first of her Elm Creek Quilts novels.

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-wedding-ring-quilt-poem-by-anna.html 

"The Wedding Ring Quilt" - a poem by Anna Blake Godbout

The Wedding Ring Quilt

This morning, the first snow of spring
fell like a curtain of lace across the mountains
spilling leftovers of winter
down into the stunted pine brushed valley.

The touch of your smile
held the warmth of weathered hands;
eyes of silver and sage glistened
when I said, "I hope it snows six feet."

You gathered our wedding ring quilt
around the curve of me tighter,

knowing the soft why of my words.

                                 by Anna Blake Godbout

We just had our first spring snow.  My husband is out snowplowing, and it has begun to snow again.  I knew I had to feature this wonderful poem by my friend.  You can find more of her poetry in her book Journey On: Beauty and Grit Along the Way (Kindle version) or paperback version. 

The Double Wedding Ring quilt block is part of my Egg Money Sampler Quilt, done as a block of the month with my quilting group, The Persian Pickles.  We used Eleanor Burns book Egg Money Quilts for our patterns.  This quilt block is also known as Endless Chain, Rainbow, Around the World, King Tut, and Double Wedding Bands.

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/03/an-interview-of-author-marie-bostwick.html      

An Interview with Author Marie Bostwick and a Free Broken Hearts Mending Quilt Pattern

Writer's Block Quilt Block

I'm a teacher at an elementary school and am always curious how authors got their start in writing.  I see a 4th grader who loves to write and wonder if I'll be reading her book someday.  Check out a humorous interview of Marie Bostwick by her friend and fellow writer Cathy Lamb to see how Marie got her start.  You can also see a few of her quilts: http://cathylamb.org/2013/03/author-interview-marie-bostwick/.

And if you sign up (it's free) to become a Reading Friend on Marie's website, you can download a Broken Hearts Mending quilt pattern inspired by her book A Single Thread. http://mariebostwick.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=43 

Do you write letters or emails, keep a journal, or write a blog?  Do you love to write or do you hate to?  Inquiring minds what to know!  Answer in the comments section below.

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/03/events-in-single-thread-by-marie.html

Events in A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick

Pink Ribbon Quilt Block (with sashing)

I searched on the internet for quilt blocks that would represent important events in the book A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick.  This is what I found:

Evelyn Moving from Texas to Connecticut:
Crossed Roads

Evelyn Opening a Quilt Store, Cobbled Court Quilts:
Cobblestones
Cobblestones
Courtyards

Quilt Pink Events:
Pink Ribbon
Pink Ribbon of Concern

Friday Night Quilting Circle:
Bright Hopes
Broken Heart
Friendship Circle
Rally Round

Bright Hopes Quilt Block (with sashing)

Bright Hopes Quilt Block

Which quilt block have you decided you want to make to represent A Single Thread?  Please comment below.  We can't wait to hear what you've decided!

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/03/happy-birthday-week-to-marie-bostwick.html 

Happy Birthday Week to Marie Bostwick and a Giveaway



Here's a Birthday Cake quilt block for author Marie Bostwick, who turned 29 (again!) on March 20.  We're sorry to be a couple of days late, but we wish her a Happy Birthday Week with a delicious 1-2-3-4 Cake:

1-2-3-4 Cake

For Cake:
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

For Frosting:
1 stick butter
6 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.  Cream together butter and sugar.  Add eggs, one at a time, and beat well.
3.  In a separate bowl, mix together flour and baking powder.  Add to batter alternately with milk.  Add vanilla and beat well.
4.  Pour into two 8-inch round cake pans that have been greased and lightly floured.  Bake for 30 minutes or until cake springs back to touch or begins to pull away from edge of pan.
5.  For frosting. melt butter and add milk and vanilla.  Mix in cocoa and powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
6.  When cake is cool, ice with frosting.

I got this recipe from my mother-in-law.  It is the birthday cake recipe we always use in our family and contains 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cups of flour, and 4 eggs - 1-2-3-4 Cake!

While you're enjoying a piece of Marie's birthday cake, check out an interview she recently did with Craftsy.  You can also enter a giveaway to win all 5 of her Cobbled Court Quilts books:
http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/03/cobbled-court-book-giveaway/

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/03/morning-coffee-with-evelyn-and-charlie.html

Morning Coffee with Evelyn and Charlie at the Blue Bean Coffee and Baking Company

Morning Quilt Block Pattern Information

Evelyn and Charlie have invited you for coffee this morning at the Blue Bean Coffee and Baking Company in New Bern, Connecticut!  You arrive early.  While you wait for them, catch up on your reading of A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick.  We'll begin our book discussion next week!   

Quilter's Coffee
4 cups freshly brewed coffee
3 cups warm milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Place all the ingredients in a medium-size pot, whisking all the while, and heat until hot.  Serve immediately.  Serves 8.
                    
                  from The Quilter's Kitchen by Jennifer Chiaverini

Are you a coffee drinker?  Do you think it black or with all kinds of extras?  Do you get together with a friend for coffee like Evelyn and Charlie do?  Please respond in the comments section below.  Inquiring minds want to know!

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/03/drinking-bee-tea-while-reading-single.html

Drinking Bee Tea While Reading a Single Thread by Marie Bostwick

Honey's Choice Quilt Block

 

Drink a cup of Bee Tea while you enjoy reading A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick!  (It would also be fun to serve this at a Quilting Bee, don't you think?)

Bee Tea

2 tablespoons loose black tea

2 tablespoons loose green tea

1 tablespoon loose chamomile tea

2 tablespoons honey

Lemon quarters or whole milk

1.  Place the teas in a teapot and cover with about 8 cups boiling water. 

2.  Let steep 4 minutes and then remove the tea.

3.  Add honey and stir well.

4.  Serve immediately with lemon quarters or milk (but not both).

                       
                    from The Quilter's Kitchen by Jennifer Chiaverini

And don't forget to check out book club members' posts about our Quilters' Book Club at:  http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/p/members-blogs.html.  If you have a blog and write about our group, please let me know.  I'll be happy to add your link! 

Are you a tea drinker?  Do you have a favorite kind of tea?  Do you prefer a mug or a fancy china tea cup?  Do you take cream and sugar or lemon?  Please respond in the comments section below.  Inquiring minds what to know! 

You might also enjoy my previous blog post:

http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/03/main-characters-in-single-thread-by.html

Main Characters in A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick

Sister Star Quilt Block

I searched the internet to find free quilt block patterns to represent the main characters in A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick.  Evelyn Dixon, Abigail Burgess Wynne, Liza Burgess, and Margot Matthews did not start out as friends but became friends over time by forming a quilting community and supporting one another through difficulties.  Click on the names below to view the patterns:   

 

Best Friends

Sister Star

Eight Hands Round
Friendship Circle

And if you'd like to make a block to represent Mary Dell, what about Texas Rose?

Which woman would you most like to spend the day with - Evelyn, Abigail, Liza, Margot, or Mary Dell?  Why?  Please tell us in the comments section below.  We'd love to know your thoughts!   

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/03/march-redwork-birdie-stitches.html

March Redwork Birdie Stitches

I have missed having a small handwork project. Another quilter recommended Birdie Stitches Block of the Month by Little Miss Shabby available free online:
http://www.littlemissshabby.com/2010/12/birdie-stitches-supply-list/ When I saw it, I knew it was the perfect project for me. The designs are fun and whimsical. There are twelve small projects - one for each month - that are 8" square when finished. Instead of using several colors of embroidery thread, I chose to use just No. 8 perle cotton in red. All I need is a needle, scissors, a ball of perle cotton, and my monthly project. Everything fits in a little bag, and I can take it anywhere.

I printed the twelve monthly designs from the Little Miss Shabby website. Next, I ironed freezer paper to a 12" square of the Kona cotton in Snow. I taped a paper pattern to a window, then taped the cotton backed with freezer paper over the paper. I traced the design with a pencil.

I have done redwork on a single layer of fabric, and the knots show through from the back. I've tried backing the fabric with very lightweight iron-on interfacing, but the interfacing wrinkled. This time I used a double layer of the Kona cotton. I ironed the layers together and used an embroidery hoop. I didn't baste the two layers together, but it has not been a problem. I've been very pleased with the results so far.

I did make one change to the design. I added the name of the month to each block by finding a script font on my computer and enlarging it to 72.
 

These two poems are found in a wonderful picture book called Pieces: A Year in Poems and Quilts by Anna Grossnickle Hines.  The quilts that accompany the poems are spectacular!

  

In March

The long winter snow

melts in drips

and trickles

as, mittenless,

I splash in puddles,

squishing mud

on my boots, while the creek

bubbles in celebration

 

Do You Know Green?

Green sleeps in winter

     waiting

     quiet

     still

     beneath the snow

     and last year's stems

     and old dead leaves
resting up for spring
     and then . . . 
Green comes . . .
     tickling the tips
     of twiggy tree fingers
          Psst!
          Psst!  Psst!  
poking up as tiny
     slips of baby grass
          Ping!
          Ping!  Ping!
springing up as coiled
     skunk cabbage leaves
          Pop!
          Pop!  Pop!
bursting out on bare 
     brown branches
          Pow!
          Pow!  Pow!
Brand new baby yellow green
bright gold biting busy green
     until it seems
     everywhere one goes
     green grows. 

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/03/an-irish-blessing-for-you.html

An Irish Blessing for You

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/03/evelyns-friend-charlie-donnelly-in.html

Evelyn's "Friend" Charlie Donnelly in A Single Thread

End of Day Quilt Block

On this St. Patrick's Day, I thought we'd honor Evelyn's "friend" Charlie Donnelly, the Irishman.  At the end of the day, Charlie was always there for Evelyn.  

If you're interested in making an Irish block to represent Charlie, McCalls Quilting has twelve free block patterns as part of their Ireland Quilt Block of the Month:  
http://www.mccallsquilting.com/mccallsquilting/articles/Free_Ireland_Quilt_Block_of_the_Month_Patterns  

And if you'd like to make Charlie's famous Butterscotch Macadamia Nut Cookies, read on:

From the author, Marie Bostwick:  "Many of you have written to me in search of the recipe for Charlie’s famous Butterscotch Macadamia Nut Cookies from A SINGLE THREAD.  Imagine how sheepish I felt writing back to tell you that there was no such recipe and that I’d just invented the name because they sounded good.

"In fact, I felt so sheepish about it that I finally got into the kitchen and created

the recipe myself.  And so, at long last and after much trial and error, here it is - 
chewy but with a little crunch and loaded with rich, creamy butterscotch flavor. 
Delicious!  I think Charlie would approve."

Charlie Donnelly’s Famous Butterscotch Macadamia Nut Cookies

1 (5.5 oz) package Werther’s Original Hard Candies (about 30 pieces)
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 stick butter, softened
¼ cup white sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg

3 oz. dry roasted macadamia nuts, chopped

1.  Preheat oven to 350.

2.  Unwrap the candies and place into a heavy-duty zipper top plastic bag.
Using a rolling pin, hit the bag to break up the candies, then use the rolling pin
to go over the pieces, breaking them into small, pebble-sized bits. Set aside.

3.  Combine flour, salt, and baking soda into a small bowl and set aside.

4.  Using mixer, cream butter together with sugars, then add vanilla and egg.
Mix until smooth. Add in the flour mixture in thirds, beating after each addition until well combined. The dough will be fairly stiff.

5.  Mix the nuts and the broken candies into the cookie dough, using a wooden spoon to blend the nuts and candy evenly through the dough.

6.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and drop rounded teaspoons
of cookie dough onto cookie sheet. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until golden
brown. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool for at least 2 minutes
before moving from cookie sheet to cooling rack.

Makes 2 ½ dozen cookies.

Don't forget to check out Members' Blogs to read what members have written about the Quilters' Book Club and to see the blocks they've made to go with books.

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:

http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-setting-of-single-thread-by-marie.html

The Setting of A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick

Cobblestones Quilt Block

 

Our February book selection, The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas, takes place in the small Midwestern town of Harveyville, Kansas in the 1930's.  Harveyville, Kansas is an actual town.  The author's grandparents lived there, and her parents lived there briefly after they were first married. 

In contrast, our March selection, A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick, takes place in the small New England town of New Bern, Connecticut in contemporary times.  New Bern is a fictional town, though very similar to the rural town in Connecticut where the author actually lives.      

I found the following quilt block patterns free online that go with the setting of Evelyn's quilt shop, Cobbled Court Quilts, and the village of New Bern, Connecticut. 

Bricks and Cobblestones  (just the Cobblestones part)
Cobblestone
Connecticut
State of Connecticut
The Courtyard (Thanks to Mama T. for finding this one!  It's a perfect fit!)
Yankee Puzzle
Yankee Puzzle Variation

This question comes from the author's website http://mariebostwick.com:
After only a few hours in New Bern, Evelyn realizes she feels more at ease in the New England town than she ever did in her planned suburban development in Texas.  Do you believe certain places can speak to us?  Can you recall a place where you immediately felt at home?  Do you know why?  Please respond in the comments section below.  We'd love to hear your thoughts!

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post: 
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/03/theme-of-friendship-and-community-in.html

Theme of Friendship and Community in A Single Thread

Friendship Scrap Quilt Block

In the Quilters' Book Club for the month of March, we're reading and discussing A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick.  Most members are also making a quilt block/blocks to represent each book.  You are welcome to join us!
 
Just like in The Persian Pickle Club, we see a theme of friendship in A Single Thread.  I found the following quilt block patterns free on-line that relate to this theme.  Click on a name, and you will be directed to the pattern.

Double Friendship Star
Framed Friendship Star
Friendly Hand
Friends Star
Friendship Scrap
Friendship Star
Friendship Star Variation

Friendship Star Quilt Block.

 

 

Friendship Star Variation Quilt Block

 

 

 

Friendship Star Variation Quilt Block,

set on point and bordered by blue fabric

 

 

In A Single Thread, Evelyn tells Charlie she dreamed that her store would spawn a community of quilters, women who knew her story and she knew theirs.  In the comments section below, tell us a bit about yourself so we can start to know your story.  Who taught you to quilt?  How did you develop your love of reading?

For the next Quilters' Book Club post, I will give you suggestions for block patterns that go with the setting of A Single Thread.    

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/03/texas-wildflowers-disappearing-9-patch.html    

Disappearing 9-Patch Texas Wildflowers Tablecloth

Even though there is still plenty of snow outside, it is spring inside my home with my Texas Wildflowers Disappearing 9-Patch Tablecloth on my dining room table. 

Close-up of Texas Bluebonnets

 I lived in Texas for ten years when I was a teenager and young adult.  I miss Texas in the spring so when I saw this Texas Wildflowers fabric collection, I knew I had to make a tablecloth out of it.  (Some of these fabrics or similar ones are still available.  Just Google "Texas Wildflowers Fabric.")     


The beautiful Columbine pictured above is also found in Colorado and is our state flower. 

Enjoy some Chocolate Peppermint Tea Latte with me!

Chocolate Peppermint Tea Latte

8-quart size box of powdered milk
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups powdered sugar
6–7 ounces powdered coffee creamer
1 pound box Nestle’s Chocolate Quick
 
Peppermint tea bags

1.  Combine powdered milk, salt, powdered sugar, coffee creamer and Nestle’s Chocolate Quick.  Stir cocoa mix thoroughly.
2.  For each cup, add enough cocoa mix until cup is nearly half full.  Add boiling water and stir until mix is dissolved.  Add one peppermint tea bag and steep five minutes.  

Store remainder of cocoa mix in an airtight container.  

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/03/march-wooly-basket-block.html  

March Wishing for Spring Basket Block

This March Basket block is part of my Wooly Basket Calendar Quilt.  The pattern is from the Starry Pines Pattern Company: http://starrypinespatterncompany.com/spindex2.html

I used wool for the hand-appliqued basket, cotton flannel for the background fabric, and black perle cotton for the embroidery.

 

Dear March, Come In!

 

Dear March, come in!

How glad I am!

I looked for you before,

Put down your hat -

You must have walked -

How out of breath you are!

Dear March, how are you?

And the rest?

Did you leave Nature well?

Oh, March, come right upstairs with me,

I have so much to tell!

                                       Emily Dickinson

 

It’s Time for Spring

My sweater’s tight and itchy.

My snow pants are too small.

Last week I lost a mitten.

I can’t find my scarf at all!

My woolen socks have lost their toes.

My boots have lost their tread.

And I have lost the love I had

for words like “skis” and “sled”!

But … my fishing rod still fits.

And … my baseball bat still hits.

I have a kite that wants to fly.

So … Winter, call it quits!

                                       Bobbi Katz

 

St. Paddy’s Day Fruit Medley

4 large kiwis, peeled and sliced

2 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced but not peeled

1 cup seedless green grapes, halved

1 cup honeydew melon balls

1 tablespoon lemon juice

3 tablespoons sugar

1.  Put the kiwi and apple slices, halved green grapes, and melon balls into a bowl. 

2.  Sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent the apples from browning.  Add the sugar and mix carefully. 

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/03/quilters-book-club-invitation-to-dinner.html