A Quilty Finish for January- Just in Time

 

Okay. I know it seems a bit silly to celebrate something so small. This table topper quilt technically only took a few weeks to complete- but with my work schedule that is a miracle! Two color triangle squares set the blocks 'on point' giving the appearance of tumbling blocks. Some of you may remember this pattern was done in the exact same colors a few years ago, however, this one is much smaller and has different borders, backing and stitching. It is called, "Gazing Through my Window". It is a quilt for my mother.

For some time now my mother has been quite ill, spending plenty of time resting. Her home here with me is set so that from any place she rests there is a window view of different parts of the farm. Sitting with her one afternoon I realized that the position she often rests in lets her gaze through a tree top canopy at the blue sky. Quietly there my mind was drawn to the remnants of my previous quilt and the beauty of a blue sky with puffs of white where stark brown branches interrupt and hint at where beautiful leaves should be.

Sritching and scratching in my notebook, the design table filled with bits of this and pieces of that until the machine was called into action as snippettes of thread and tidbits of fabric magically came together in the form of this little quilt. The small size was important, as her home is dressed in small tables and little couches- perfect homes for little quilts.

The quilting stitches were the final puzzle I struggled to find. She loves flowers, but the are not in season and were not seen through the window. Farm motifs were out of place and leaves just didn't work for me. After days of doodling and moaning over the whole mess (I nearly gave up and said it would have to wait) when finally it hit me.. dogwood. She has always loved the dogwood. Looped petals along the blocks gave a gentle impression of breeze while lending the 'memory of leaves' that struck me as I gazed through her window.

It all came together at the very last minute. I was literally stitching the binding hours before our gathering- the pains of being too concerned with representation of the idea. Tucked in a gift bag, I was itching for her to see it.. of course, she loved it.. but the story has not been told.

So here, today, I share the imagery, the imaginary (the fretting) and the facts behind her quilt.. given with the intention of brightening dark days and bringing to mind all the wonder that can be found by simply "Gazing Through (her) Window".

Happy Birthday, Mom.

Off the Frame....

   Two years ago right around this time of year, I was dropping my younger teen girl off at a big college for a 4H event. Grief over the realization of her growing up led me to a stroll through several local antique shops. That is where I found it: the vintage star quilt top.

   Other projects and parts of life led this quilt to the 'treasure tub' where it waited to be rediscovered and brought to the frame. A dear friend has purchased this quilt- now complete and ready for relocation.

   Carefully hand quilted to enhance the natural loft of stars and triangles, the quilt is backed with a vintage muslin sheet and bound with 'denim wash' cotton.

   Just for a touch of whimsy, each corner has a three point fan motif quilted in the shadow. With all the stitching complete this pretty vintage treasure is ready for it's new home.

   Satisfaction abounds with the completion of one project...and the start of a new one. Stay tuned for pictures of a new quilt already on the frame!

One Off the Frame

   Believe it or not this quilt is finally off the frame. Millions of tiny stitches make up the sea of stars quilting as was designed my my oldest farm girl. She is very ready for this to be finished..it's for her.

Now I'm off to gather the soft brown material for binding; all this 'light activity' my doctor prescribed has given me the freedom to put some serious time on my quilting. Blessings are where we find them. 

Time to get that binding on..my farm girl is ready for her new - old quilt.

Fiber Arts Monday: Two New & A Tip

   Two new quilts are off the frame today:

   Here is a sweet little baby quilt pieced together from remnants of a commission piece. Soft gingham joins with light blue wash and dark blue crushed fabrics to accent little bits of jungle prints. Quilted with a simple 'stitch-in-the-ditch', this quilt has plenty of plush puff; perfect for a sweet baby to snuggle.

 
   Then there's one a bit bigger; the John Deer. A simple quilt with heart-warming scenes depicting father-son moments with their tractors and land. Backed with a panel of John Deer logo fabric and quilted in a stipple pattern, this quilt is a bit larger- just right for a toddler bed or lap quilt.

   And now, a tip:

   A few weeks ago I was browsing quilt notions in a fabric shop when I saw 'quilt binding clips' which, to me, looked an awful lot like metal hair barrettes. Not impressed with the price, or the size of the package, I knew there had to be a more cost effective idea (I avoid pinning anything if it is at all possible).
   Cleaning the house I discovered some old hair roller clips; a whole tub of them. Perfect! Easily placed, no poking or sticking..they worked like a charm. So, raid your drawers (or your grandmother's) and use those old roller clips to hold your binding in place; it's a nifty thrifty idea!

  

One More Off the Frame

Farm kids & Firecrackers

   Memories of my little ones danced in my mind as my hands found their way to pull one more off the frame. Squares of 'firecrackers' from the old maid's puzzle pattern hold remnants from little girls' cowgirl dresses and farm boy's Sunday vest. These sweet leftovers found stashed away now swirl to life against soft cream fabric, reminiscent of the gallons of 'home made vanilla' my family has shared over the years. Brilliant blue fabric backing sports gentle streaks of white bringing to mind the evening sky; we sit on the old gliders together at end of day watching for the first evening star.
   Finding a quilting motif for this quilt was such a challenge; I think I polled everyone who graced my door step. Meandering stipples create billowy trails- the paths of our life - the wanderings here and there of children as they grow. My oldest helped me choose warm brown binding to frame the quilt- she says it represents boots of all sizes worn over the years and handed down along the way.
   With all the symbols and history drawn together in this crazy unique project it seemed only fitting to keep it here with us. Today this quilt will be hung in our stairway..the path to our teens' rooms..a reminder of the path we have trod together: of dresses and vests, boots...ice cream and stars...silence under the night sky...of family and home. Here is a picture of life found in the simplest project...in one more off the frame.

Comission Work Quilts

The beautiful Jungle Baby Quilt

   It is complete- totally cute- and now, gone to it's new home. Another precious quilt is off the frame and out the door. My heart sings with every sweet thought this bundle of jungle babies and gingham brought me.

The back shows the hand-quilted cross hatch pattern.

   Cross hatch hand quilting brings stability and charm to the crib-size quilt; each line created by thousands of tiny little stitches. Cotton blend quilting thread in ecru was used to add a hint of contrast to the blues and print fabric.

Blue binding

   Deep blue binding serves as the perfect frame- drawing the whole thing together. "Stone-washed" dark blue not only makes the binding frame, but also creates the applique letters displaying the baby's name and year of birth.

Hidden sleeve

   At the customer's request, a hidden sleeve was added to the top of the crib-size quilt providing a hanging option for the parents. Not intrusive or awkward, the hidden sleeve is simply not seen if the owners choose to use the quilt as bedding instead of display.


   I was recently asked if I prefer commission work or making the quilts and then listing them for sale- my answer- I like them both. Each option has its advantages and its disadvantages. In reality, I love having one of my own in the works, and one commission on the frame.
   The other question I am often asked: what are my prices. Here is my basic price list- bear in mind- all are subject to consultation and situation. Discounts are available for blog followers and fellow Etsy shop owners as well as family.

Simply Scaife Handmade

Handquilting

Layette     Crib     Twin     Full     Queen     King
$60          $100    $120    $140   $160       $180

Quilt Piecing

Layette     Crib     Twin     Full     Queen     King
$50          $75      $90      $105   $120       $135
* hand applique or intricate patterns add $15

Finishing Services

Layette     Crib     Twin     Full     Queen     King
(basting/binding)
$5             $5        $10      $15      $20     $25  

**quilt repair is priced by evaluation of work needed and size of quilt.

Supplies
All fabrics, batting is reimbursed at cost.
Thread is included in fees.

Shipping is priced at flat rate prices.
Quilts are worked in a smoke free/pet free home either on a frame or in a hoop.

I do ask that all commission work begin with a $50 deposit which will be applied to the final cost.

So, if you are interested in having us complete a quilt, start a quilt or completely make one for you...or repair a quilt that has fallen to disrepair...contact us at simplyscaife@yahoo.com.

 

A Trip Around the World

   Many many years ago, my mother started a baby quilt with the pattern known as Trip Around the World. Unfortunately she wasn't able to finish it. When my girls were just starting to learn sewing skills, the pretty blocks for this quilt were pulled from their storage box and placed in our care.
   Gathering our new skills, my little girls and I set to complete this quilt. Soft cotton backing displays a daity floral display to bring some texture to the simple and sweet pastel ripples. Playful buttons enhance the echo quilting; each one hand stitched in place by my little girls. This was a precious family project completed together with love and memories.
   We presented this completed quilt back to my mother after she was diagnosed with lupus. Our hope was that on her down days she could wrap herself in love and comfort; a labor of love from our little hands. She has loved it every since.
   To this day the Trip Around the World quilt makes its home on the back of her couch; readily on hand for a quick snuggle. Whenever I see it, I see little farm girls gathered in the living room around the quilt frame- early stitches that taught endurance and cooperation.
   So as I share this quilt with you today- I celebrate my birthday- and reminise about a pretty little Trip Around the World.

Pretty Little Applique

   In my early attempts to make the dresden plate quilt pattern, this pretty little number came into existence. Made from scrap pieces of denim and Ann and Andy quilt fabric from a rag-edged quilt one of my teens made, this quilt hold special love for one farm girl.

   Simplyjen has always had a soft spot in her heart for the Raggedy Ann dolls; and for totes. As a little girl, this child could pack a tote like no one I've ever seen; the original 'stuff girl'. She could never leave home without at least one fully 'packed' tote- packed to overflowing! But, totes were not her only passion- rag dolls held a special place in her heart; we never left home without a few of those either.
   So to keep this special memory near to us- we memorialized it in a quilt appliqued tote bag. Needless to say--she loves it!

Another Quilt Complete!!

   Yes, it's true; another quilt is complete. Completely hand made little fans appliqued on cotton muslin playfully dance on this pretty baby quilt. Hand quilting provides detail and echo design to each fan as well as shadow imaging to the appliqued squares. Soft green fabric gives binds the quilt in a pretty frame, pulling together the playful colors of each fan piece.

   Special and unique in so many ways Grandmother's Fan is created from pieces of my children's clothing. Swatches of spring dresses and little boy's ties; vests and skirts they have worn hand-made over the years lovingly preserved in a pretty little quilt.

   Almost a year of time and love have gone into this pretty little treasure. Look for it later today on our Etsy shop (linked on the tab above). My hope for this beautiful piece is to bring happiness and love to a home soon...it could be yours!

Another Quilt Complete

   Little hands print flowers and leaves...bunnies and eggs frolic as they please. This little quilt was designed by our oldest farm girl; a memory quilt for a precious little one. Every aspect of the quilt hold a key to pieces of their time together. Little brown bunnies for bedtime stories told and retold and shared once more. Holiday activities are represented by eggs all colorful and tucked here and there. 

    Bright colored flowers - sidewalk chalk pictures from a long afternoon; houses and flowers and hopscotch, too. The blue/white sashes for late sunny days when we played at the park and stared at the blue sky- all the clouds look like animals and silly things overhead. Bits and pieces of memories made together- good times and rough times...victories and tears; a treasure to hold close all through the years.

   This little quilt left our home today making it's place in a family's beautiful home. Designed by simplynik, pieced and hand quilted my simplychele...with simplyjen's and farmboy's added cooperation.

Basket Full 'O Buttons

Smooth lines of embroidery on soft white; a simple basket full of buttons. Summer flowers rise from the bowl to show their beauty..a bunch of buttons. Small and pretty- just right- framed in swirls of green and cream; a little basket full of buttons.

This small "picture frame" quilt is one of two identical little quilts I made several years ago. My father had a heart attack and was in ICU for many days- needing something to keep my hands busy, this little quilt came to life. A pattern found in an old Gooseberry Patch book- slightly personalized to fit my taste. Only a short time later, my father-in-law would fall and break his hip..again needing a project small enough to carry around..another little quilt was made. 

When both of these men were once again home and working toward their recovery, a little quilt was given to them; a reminder of days to come...summer baskets, flowers, a renewing. Today one sits in my hope chest..a memory of those days; one still graces the walls of a home where that dear soul no longer resides--still a memory of days that were. 

Pretty little memories sweetly contained in a Basket Full 'O Buttons.

A Quilt by Simplynik...

  


   Sewing is not "her thing", yet, when the mood strikes her she is amazing. Those well honed artistic abilities translate into fabric beautifully, creating a charming and graceful treasure. Made for my mother only a few years ago, this pretty quilt was a step outside a comfort zone for our artsy farm girl.

   Delicate teacups are skillfully embroidered on soft white muslin fabric beautifully pair with soft rose motifs. The outer frame has dancing forget-me-nots and a crisp white edge. Machine pieced and quilted in simple in the ditch patterns give the soft quilt simplicity and style.

   Before my parents moved from our area this quilt was hung in the hallway of their home. When they moved away the pretty tea cups returned to our home, now residing in a farm girl's hope chest. Now a graduating senior, this pretty quilt may one day grace the walls of her own home reminding her of simple days; of hearth and home; of a pretty quilt...by simplynik.

One of Many Handprint Quilts

   Little handprints..we find them everywhere..the bathroom mirror, a freshly washed window, smudged in jelly on the refrigerator door. To preserve and treasure precious handprints we dipped them in paint and put them in quilts.
   Plain muslin, acrylic paints, and additional fabrics of choice make a quilt easily treasured by family and friends. We have used the handprint theme to make quilts for missionaries, homebound church members, cancer patients, grandparents and class auction projects.
  

   As long as your child (or adult) can press their hand on the fabric, any age can participate in this type of quilt. Last week we made a small wall quilt with a single flower pane with my nephew who is not yet two--it was precious!
   Handprints can become several different designs. Here we have the heart design- enhanced by the outline quilting. In the past we have made flowers such as tulips and sunflowers, chickens, butterflies and bumble bees.  Designs burst forth from our own creativity.

   This particular quilt was a gift for a family member- a precious memory and unique treasure. My children loved making it - and now use the idea with children they babysit and work with. Today we are cutting the sashing for a handprint quilt (for one of our babysitting families) using the handprints as wildflowers....my creative farm girls have such a pretty design laid out.
   Many of these quilts have been auctioned or shared over the years- unfortunately I do  not have pictures of very many. So, word to the wise, take pictures of your projects before they leave your table!

   For more creative handprint quilt ideas consider visiting: http://www.marcialaytondesigns.com/, http://www.elegacyquilts.com/handprint_quilts.htm, or http://www.heatherspencedesigns.com/custom-quilts/handprint-quilts/

Homespun...

Homespun quilt

   Warm woven fabric; earthy colors bring calm and contentment every time I see them. This quilt is made with patches of hunter green and cranberry homespun backed with a soft fleece. Quilting is hand finished in the ditch giving softness to this small covering.
   A gift for my mother-in-law several holidays back, this little quilt still makes its home draped over her favorite rocking chair. The earthy colors complement the lively prints of her kitchen as well as the calming flow of her living room. This quilt is simple and plain; made during my years as a classroom teacher- still finishing my degree in education.
   When I see it my heart goes back to that holiday, one of the last ones with my father-in-law. He must have known since he lavished such gifts upon her that one day astounding us all with such surprise. I recall the house I use to live in where this quilt was constructed; small starter home where most of my children were born and where many tears were shed.
   Simple homespun bringing warmth to body and soul; keeping hearts tender with the memories it holds.
  

New Item in the Shop

   Spring flowers in a soft brown basket on natural cream muslin fabric; just right for spring. Today our Etsy shop lists our latest addition: Silk Ribbon Embroidery.



   Each motif is made with fine silk ribbon and cotton embroidery floss on creamy muslin fabric. Six different arrangements make up the set.



   The designs include asters, forget-me-nots, and pretty roses just as pretty as any garden scene. Stop by our shop (click on the tab at the top left corner of our blog) to view the rest of these delightful floral blocks as well as our existing quilt and filet listings.

  

Simply Forgotten..and Simply Found

In the old dresser drawer folded and stored away a long lost friend was found today. Simple yet special the little quilt is- sadly forgotten for this past few years.

Boots and Bluejeans- her own special choice; they were once bandannas that now have a voice. Gently she stitched them and purposed them anew; a little pretty little lap quilt I share here with you.

                                     

So pretty is she next to the new spring tea rose; while posing it there she bent down her nose. Soft fabric kisses her cheek as the fragrance of roses bless her so sweet.

Several years ago she made this small thing; today it found sunshine instead of spring rain. Over the chair where she sat just to tat, now sits the old quilt she made just like that.

simplychele and simplyjen

"Ode to the Old Quilt"

A Quilt for A Farmboy

Tractors and caps and plaids with that.....

  
   Several years ago, the farm boy received a set of bunk beds for his room; large, dark wood- they look like logs fixed together for a bed frame. We were now living on our homestead; raising our first livestock and preparing garden fields. Farm boy's taste has always run toward tractors and trucks; shotguns and rough stuff.
   We went to our local fabric store for ideas- I wanted to make him quilts for the beds; matching ones for both bunks. It didn't take him long to find his heart's desire: John Deer panels and plaids.

Tractors and dirt; every farm boy's dream.

   Together it came to be; tractors and caps with dirt mounds, plaids and that all important John Deer green.  Backed with plain muslin (his choice as well) and quilted with simple stitch-in-the-ditch style, the quilt was made in two's- identical for each bed.
   I made this quilt while homeschooling and answering phones for my family's business. Needing space to baste it, I strolled up to my parent's house to stretch the fabric over her large dining room table. Layers came together pinned in place for stability; I machine quilted a whole quilt in one afternoon while my mother took over the phones.
   Still today, the quilts grace the farm boy's beds; he wouldn't have it any other way. Though I often as to make him a new one, the old Plaid John Deers remain a treasure to him- a memory of days when we all came together to get things done. Days when we had lunch with Daddy and afternoons with Papa; when Mimi called down to the office to say before you go. When popcorn was popped and stories were told; when we made a quilt for a farm boy.  

Dancing Stars and Prancing Ponies...

In a rummage through a remnant bin at the local fabric store, my eyes fell upon a panel that just spoke to me. Prancing ponies in paddocks with rough wood rails graced the fabric; bits and bridles lined the sashing. It was perfect! The question is perfect for what?

Taking it home that afternoon, the farm girls gave it a think- our simplynik just knew it was to be hers..but how? With a little creative help from simplyjen a quilt was drafted and drawn.

Using the same basic design we had for the ladybug print quilt (previously showcased); the horse panel would be encased in cream muslin, and outlined in simplynik's favorite fabric- denim. 

The meandering quilting design was another matter. We needed to make a basic plan (because machine quilting was still new to me) yet a it needed to stand out from my standard stipple.

After several doodles and drawings we all jumped when a meandering star pattern found its way to our pen. Once I got it mastered on a  sample piece, it was voted on for the big bed quilt.

And so the quilt Dancing Stars and Prancing Ponies came to be; a treasure for our oldest farm girl- the one who lives with horses. Unique and special, just like her...the quilt displays her loves and passions; some memories of farm girl life.

 The dancing stars stand to remind us of warm summer evenings when we sit on the old porch swing together watching as the sun sets and the stars find there way into the night sky; of many campfires with marshmallows and farm boy's guitar; of late night hikes on camping trips looking for constellations in the big sky.

Prancing ponies bring to mind all the wonderful horses that have come and gone, and are still to come, in this farmgirl's life. The crazy colt she showed at the county fair and the old pony who was his partner. A wild and crazy horse who had to go because he was dangerous. The ones she cleans up after and the ones she feeds each evening---the one who didn't stay long because a bizarre accident claimed his life.

And finally, those bits and bridles bring to mind the many sessions training many horses, many riders, and even herself. The times she fell; the times she was bucked; and the times she shined- and let others shine instead.

A quilt of memories made by all of us- together in love and laughter to remember always.

A Simple Quilt by Simplynik

   Boot and jeans are her thing; bandannas are a great compliment to both. A few years ago our oldest teen designed and created a quilt for herself using some of her favorite fabrics: bandannas and denim.
   Sewing is not her favorite activity, so her quilt needed to be simple and easy to put together- yet designed to compliment her "boots-n-barnyard" style. She designed a quilt using bandannas we collected from her great grandfather's stash and soft denim as her backing. Stitching together whole bandannas in alternating red and blue pattern, she pieced the layers in a "inside out fashion". This means the quilt went: batting, quilt top (wrong side up), and quilt back (right side up). She stitched the layers leaving one corner open just big enough for her hand to fit through.
   After turning the quilt right side out, she slip stitched the corner shut..but it still needed quilting to stabilize the layers. Here is where I came in. I machine stitched in the ditch and corner to corner on each bandanna square, then finished a top stitch around the entire outer edge.
   The finished quilt still graces the foot of her bed today- a precious reminder of the summer she designed, pieced and finished her own quilt (with just a little help from me).

The Simple Quilt for My SimplyJen

"Jenbug's Ladybugs"

   Of the many quilts I have made, few of them still grace my home. One precious quilt still within our walls is delightfully called "Jenbug's Ladybugs". We all know every quilt has a story, and this one certainly has one all its own.
   This teen inherited my love of fabrics. She sees the rows of color and print; her heart starts racing; her mind begins to swirl with patterns and plans- ideas and action. This quilt was born in such a flurry. Designed by Simplyjen, herself, with particular attention to the way the quilt should drape her bed (farther down the sides and foot than traditional quilts).
   Starting with the ladybug print (in her very favorite colors), she carefully measured simple boarders to size and pieced them log cabin style. She did the figuring, cutting and piecing on her own-being sure it fit the bed just right. When it came time for putting the top, bat, and back together the whole group pitched in.
   The living room floor in front of the fireplace was swept clean as the backing, batting and top were carefully placed together and pin basted by all the farmkids and myself. As we worked and smoothed the pieces, pinned and basted every few inches..the chatter drifted to quilts gone by; ones we loved and gave lovingly. Basting is a long and often tedious task, but none of the teens wanted to do the quilting.
   It was decided that the quilt would be done by me; but with the machine- not by hand. She designed the quilting layout: wandering stipples all around the ladybug panel with straight lined quilting on the outer boarders. So it began.
   Two days glued to the machine produced a beautiful result: a quilt made to her specifications. The stippling made the ladybugs look as if they were scurrying about a grassy lawn and the boarders echoed a nice frame for the busy scene. Bound in the front-to-back fashion, the quilt was washed and dried- a perfect fit for her bed.
   There you have it...Simplyjen and her unique, one of a kind, all her own design quilt.

simplychele