Heather's Heartstrings

Blog Pause

2010-11-09T03:38:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone
For some time now I have not been posting on this blog. I am continuing on my other blog www.boutisflorida.blogspot.com
Initially I thought I would keep the two blogs separate, one for quilting and one for boutis, but topics simply overlap and I am finding it better to post on only one blog.
So please come visit me at the Boutis FLorida site !

West Pasco Quilt Show

2010-02-14T04:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I visited the lovely West Pasco show. This is a large guild which puts on a show every two years with many beautiful quilts. The show is still on today, with a live quilt auction for charity, so if you are anywhere near Hudson FL today give yourself a treat

I will let the photos speak for themselves - since I am mostly fond of applique, that is what I photographed. Enjoy !

Cold Weather !

2010-01-10T04:16:00.001-08:00

We have had unusually cold weather here in Florida, and while we can't compete with the amount of snow everyone else has had, we have had freezing temperatures for the last couple of days, and yesterday was very cold. A perfect day for staying indoors, I cooked and baked and even managed to sew a little. Our oldest cat Rusty made himself comfortable next to the fire.

I made this bag for my daughter who is going back to college today. I had cut the fabric a while back and finished it yesterday - the pattern is the Frenchy bag by Amy Butler, the fabrics are so much nicer than in the picture. I lined the bag in a coordinating stripe fabric from this line, and it has two big pockets inside with a magnetic snap.

Happy New Year Bonne Annee Prosit Neujahr !

2010-01-01T05:25:00.000-08:00

I wish everyone a happy and successful New Year 2010, I hope you will have plenty of stitching time this year !

Merry Christmas Frohe Weihnachten Joyeux Noel

2009-12-25T08:01:00.000-08:00

Wherever you are, however you celebrate, I wish you a wonderful Christmas Day with your families, with joy, peace and happiness for all.

Christmas Mystery

2009-12-06T04:50:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I went to my favorite quilt shop for the annual Christmas mystery, always the first Saturday in December for a number of years - I remember going to the first one, and I think I have only missed one other since. It is a great concept - there is a mystery designed by someone different from the shop each year, this year's was done by the lovely Pam (see her smiling face above top). We all take some food to share, and the shop provides sandwiches. I look forward to this as my treat for St Nicholas ! This year there was a choice of fabrics, either the blue and white, or the contemporary version, I chose contemporary and I LOVE it ! Aren't the poinsettias fabulous ? You cannot tell from the photos that the half square triangles are dimensional, and have to be folded back and stitched down to make a curve - that way, a small angel is formed in each of the corners. As usual, I have my photos back to front, so you see the end of the mystery first - Becky chose to make her decoration with the music to a Christmas carol, the black appliques are the words to the song (not cut out and appliqued yet), and of course the notes are correct ! Roni made hers with thread painting branches at the top, and stencilling snowflakes. So we were given a lot of inspiration to make our quilts individual. I did finish my top well in time, and now I have to get the poinsettia pattern enlarged so I can applique. We had a great time and are looking forward to next year !

Brown Bag 2nd Part

2009-11-20T04:28:00.000-08:00

For my brown bag, I received three fat quarters of batiks in colors that are not my usual style. The object is to try to do something different, and I did enjoy making this little appliqued wallhanging. I had sent some Civil War fabrics (I didn't remember though which ones) and I received a fabulous quilt back - perfect for me, exactly what I like and beautifully made, I was very happy - thank you Lynda. The quilt will be treasured. The smiling lady in the photo is Judy, who coordinated the entire exchange and has done it twice now very well, perfectly organized - and this year, 50 projects were started, and all 50 were finished - a record !

Brown Bag Reveal

2009-11-20T04:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday evening my quilt guild, the PQs, had their annual Brown Bag reveal. It works like this: earlier in the year, ladies participating brought 3 fat quarters of quilting fabric to a meeting, in a small brown paper bag (a lunch bag in the US). These are then swapped, with no one knowing whose fabric they have. Then we all have to make a finished quilted item with the fabrics, and we can add other fabrics as we wish. Several months later, we have a special meeting (yesterday with lots of desserts) and the finished quilts are presented and returned to their original owners - it is always fun because most of us no longer recognize the fat quarters we turned in !

Here are some photos of the finished pieces, they were all gorgeous. In a separate post I will show what I made and what I received !

Gestern abend hatte unser Quiltverein das alljaehrliche Brown Bag Treffen. Vor einigen Monaten haben wir 3 FQs in einem braunen Papiersack getauscht, ohne zu wissen, von wem der Stoff war. Wir muessen dann ein Quilt daraus machen, man kann auch andere Stoffe dazutun. Einige Monate spaeter treffen wir uns dann (gestern mit Nachtisch) und die fertigen Quilts werden gezeigt und gehen mit der urspruenglichen Besitzerin nach Hause. Es macht immer Spass, weil wir fast alle unsere Stoffe nicht mehr wiedererkennen.

Hier sind einige Bilder davon, alle waren sehr schoen. In einem getrennten Post zeige ich dann was ich gemacht habe, und was ich bekam.

Pink and Brown Scrap

2009-11-15T09:50:00.000-08:00

Some time ago I decided to cut up all the pink and brown fabrics left over from Dear Jane and make a scrap quilt. I cut a big basket full of pieces using a tumbler template, and randomly pieced them, using some of the mediums as lights and some as darks, which wasn't as successful as I thought it would be.

BUT the pile of fabrics never got any smaller ! I have pieced about half of the quilt which will be a twin size approx., but I seem to have more fabrics than when I started - are they breeding in the closet ??? SO, of course I will have to make another quilt using those scraps, I have an idea for a great Jo Morton pattern, where I can use up the rest of the pinks and even have an applique center - but who knows how much fabric will be left over if I do that !

Fascinating France

2009-10-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

Just had to show you a few pictures from our vacation in France. We started out in Paris, went on to Gascony, then spent a week in Provence. We were lucky to have wonderful, late summer weather (even in October) and enjoyed every day outside walking, sightseeing and eating, of course !

Hier einige Bilder von unserem Frankreich-Urlaub. Von Paris bis Gers, und dann eine Woche Provence. Wir hatten unglaubliches Glueck mit dem Wetter, es war jeden Tag warm und trocken, und wir konnten draussen sein, viel laufen, alles Moegliche sehen, und selbstverstaendlich auch gut essen.

Voici quelques photos de nos vacances, de Paris, au Gers et puis en Provence. Il y avait un temps parfait, chaud et comme en ete.

Procrastinating Quilters Guild Show and Tell

2009-09-19T05:02:00.000-07:00

For years I have been a member of the "PQs" here in Clearwater. Thursday we met for the first meeting after the summer, and everyone was encouraged to bring something they had been working on. Have a look at some of these pictures, the quilts are gorgeous ! I couldn't take pictures of them all, imagine twice as many like this, and you'll have some idea. I apologize for the picture quality - I am short and it's hard to see in a room full of people !!

Seit Jahren bin ich Mitglied bei den "PQs" in Clearwater. Am Donnerstag trafen wir uns zum ersten Mal nach der Sommerpause, und jede sollte ein fertiges Projekt mitbringen. Guckt Euch mal die Bilder an, die Quilts sind einfach wunderschoen. Ich konnte nicht alle fotographieren, man muss sich doppelt so viele vorstellen, um eine Idee zu haben. Es tut mir leid, dass die Bildqualitaet so schlecht ist - es liegt daran, dass ich so klein bin und der Raum war voller Leute !

More birthday .....

2009-08-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

My friend knew that I have been looking for a particular kind of flowering tree since I saw one in France a couple of years ago ...... unfortunately, here in Florida it is considered a nuisance tree (I am talking about Albizia (mimosa), and we recently saw a small bush which looks similar. And lucky me, I was given it for my birthday ! It is the red puffy flower in the pictures. The others are just a few flowers from the garden, there is not much around at the moment, the heat and humidity here kills off most things in August.

Birthday cross stitch

2009-08-02T05:50:00.001-07:00

Angelika sent me this gorgeous cross stitch for my birthday - I adore it, she knows exactly that three spoiled cats live in this house and pretty much run the place ! Visit her blog linked to the right here, to see more of her beautiful work.

St Augustine

2009-07-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

We spent the last weekend in St Augustine, just a couple of days off to celebrate my birthday (sigh ...... I'm past the age of being excited to have a birthday !) The beach was lovely, a wide flat stretch of sand where you can ride your bike, take your dog, or even drive your car if you want to (yes, really !) I like walking around looking at the old buildings and little shops, there is even a very old one room wooden schoolhouse. Here are a few pictures to give you an idea.

Wir haben das Wochenende in St Augustine verbracht, einfach ein paar freie Tage um meinen Geburtstag zu feiern (seufz ...... ich bin nun in dem Alter wo man sich nur begrenzt ueber einen Geburtstag freut !) Der Strand war richtig schoen, breit und eben, man darf Fahrrad fahren, den Hund mitnehmen, sogar mit dem Auto auf dem Strand fahren (tatsaechlich !) Ich mag die (verhaeltnismaessig) alten Gebaeuden und kleine Geschaefte, es gibt sogar ein ganz kleines Schullgebaeude aus Holz. Hier einige Impressionen.

Spring Applique

2009-05-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

I was very surprised that I have not posted on this blog for so long - it's because of my Boutis fever !!! Here are a few pictures of blocks I set up for applique during our recent Guild retreat. I am making a pattern called Gifts from the sea for my daughter's college quilt. Of course, I did start it a LONG time ago, and she is leaving for college this autumn ........ nevertheless, she has always loved the sea and this quilt has some of her very favorite things on it. Remember that these blocks are just cut and pinned, and will look better when stitched !

Mir ist gar nicht bewusst gewesen, dass ich so lange nichts mehr geschrieben habe - kann man nur meinem Boutis-Fieber zuschreiben ! Hier sind einige Bloecke, die ich waehrend eines Guild Retreats vorbereitet habe. Das Muster heisst Gifts from the Sea, und es wird ein College-Geschenk fuer meine Tochter. Selbstverstaendlich habe ich vor sehr langem damit angefangen, komme aber allmaehlich in Zeitdruck, da sie schon im Herbst an die Uni geht. Sie hat immer alles, was mit dem Meer zu tun hat, geliebt, und hier sind einige ihrer Lieblingssachen. Die Bloecke sind halt nur vorbereitet, und werden besser aussehen, einmal genaeht.

Quilt Show Tampa

2009-02-07T09:32:00.000-08:00

Every piece of fabric in this one has a cat motif - 1000 in all - it was stunning

This quilt was stitched from selvages - amazing amount of work !

Quilt genaeht ausschliesslich aus Randstreifen - eine wahnsinnige Arbeit !

This morning I went to Tampa with a friend for the Quilters Workshop show. The quilts were absolutely stunning in a great facility, and we really enjoyed it. Of course, there were some good shops there too and so some beautiful and unusual Japanese fabrics came home with me. Here are some of my favorite quilts.

My absolute favorite is the red and white Mariner's Compass, isn't it fantastic ?

Heute morgen bin ich mit einer Freundin nach Tampa gefahren, um den Quilters Workshop show zu besuchen. Qualitative waren die Quilts einmalig, und das Gebaeude sehr dafuer geeignet, so dass wir wirklich Spass hatten. Selbstverstaendlich gab es auch einige gute Shops, und so fanden einige interessante japanische Stoffe den Weg in meinen Korb. Hier einige Bilder als kleiner Geschmack - der absoluter Treffer is der rote Mariner's Compass.

Collections

2009-01-11T08:02:00.001-08:00

After I saw that some bloggers have been showing collections of sewing implements, I thought I would show you my very small group of thimbles. In fact yesterday, it was even smaller, just two thimbles which I use all the time. One of them I have had for years, and the other, with a small amethyst, I bought in September at the Jacksonville show, as a souvenir for winning a prize.

Yesterday afternoon, I spent an hour at a local antiques and collectables show, and was able to purchase the other nice silver thimbles very reasonably. I made sure that they all fit, because I intend to use them, just like the others. I did not like to wear thimbles, but I find I must to push the needle effectively. The best tip I ever got was to wear the thimble around the house, you will soon get used to it.

Nachdem ich verschiedene Sammlungen auf andere Blogs gesehen habe, wollte ich Euch meine Minisammlung von Fingerhuete zeigen. Gestern war die Sammlung noch viel winziger, nur 2 Fingerhuete, die ich immer benutze. Einen habe ich seit Jahren, den anderen habe ich im September in Jacksonville gekauft, als Erinnerung an meinen Preis.

Gestern nachmittag habe ich eine angenehme Stunde bei einem Sammlermarkt verbracht, und konnte einige sehr schoene Silberfingerhuete erstehen. Passen tun sie alle, weil ich sie benutzen will, genau wie die anderen. Ich habe immer ungern einen Fingerhut getragen, finde aber dass ich besser naehen kann damit. Der beste Tipp ist, den Fingerhut einfach so im Haus zu tragen, dann gewoehnt man sich schnell daran.

Oh, and kitten Amelie insisted on helping by sitting on everything !

New Year's Eve

2008-12-31T04:22:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe this year is almost over. It has been a difficult year in many respects, and I am looking forward to a more positive 2009. Thanks to everyone for reading this blog, and for your comments. Enjoy your New Year celebrations, and see you again next year !

Kaum zu glauben, dass das Jahr fast vorbei ist. Es war fuer mich persoenlich ein schwieriges Jahr, und ich freue mich auf ein gluecklicheres 2009. Vielen Dank fuer's mitlesen, und Eure Kommentare. Viel Spass bei Euren Festen, und wir (lesen) uns wieder naechstes Jahr !

Christmas roundabout

2008-12-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

As every year at our local quilt shop, there is a fun Christmas mystery class. I have done this for several years and so I have a number of Christmas quilts. Last evening lots of ladies gathered at the shop for this year's version. Here are some pictures.

Wie jedes Jahr in meinem Lieblingsladen, machen wir einen Weihnachtsmystery. Ich mache seit einigen Jahren mit, und habe inzwischen eine Weihnachtssquilts. Gestern abend haben sich alle im Laden getroffen fuer das diesjaerige Projekt. Hier einige Bilder:

Applique in progress - please comment

2008-11-29T04:38:00.000-08:00

A while ago I attended a Civil War workshop at my favorite quiltshop. Topic for the day was women's suffrage, and we learned a lot along the way. The quilt was this top with free choice of what to put in the middle, of course I have to choose applique so I put this Blackbird design in the center, but I think it needs something in the middle of the wreath - what do you think ? Monogram ? Year ? Send me your comments as I am stuck. The rest of the quilt is black tan and cream, the background is a nice toile. The colors don't look too good on the photo, and of course the applique is only half finished.

Vor einiger Zeit habe ich an einem Civil War workshop teilgenommen, mit Thema Wahlrecht fuer Frauen, das recht interessant war. Das Muster war dieses Top mit freier Wahl fuer die Quiltmitte, ich musste natuerlich ein Appliquemuster aussuchen - dieses hier ist von Blackbird designs. Ich finde, es fehlt was - es muss noch etwas in die Mitte des Kranzes, was meint Ihr ? Monogramm ? Jahr ? Ich bitte um Kommentare, weil ich nicht entscheiden kann. Die Farben sind sonst schwarz, hellbraun-gold und creme - der Hintergrundstoff ist ein schoener Toile, kann man schlecht an dem Foto erkennen. Die Farben kommen auf dem Foto leider nicht gut zur Geltung, und das Applique ist sowieso noch nicht fertig.

Happy Thanksgiving !

2008-11-27T04:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all, I hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends. We will share dinner with our neighbors, something we have done the last few years. So most of my day will be spent in the kitchen, hopefully a little handstitching time this evening - or maybe I will be too tired ? Is anyone planning to shop tomorrow - I rarely do this, but my friend is tempting me .....

More Show Pictures

2008-09-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

Just had to show you some more pictures from the show. The quilts were breathtaking.

Hier noch einige Bilder mehr - die Quilts waren atemberaubend.

Show in Jacksonville

2008-09-28T05:11:00.000-07:00

I went to the Quiltfest in Jacksonville this weekend with some quilter friends - what a great time we had ! We stayed overnight, went to the show, shopped, ate, shopped .... well, you can imagine. I was especially excited because I entered a boutis in the show and - it won 3rd place in miniatures ! Here are some pictures of my favorite quilts and my boutis - enjoy !

Ich war am Wochenende mit einigen Quilterinnen in Jacksonville fuer das Quiltfest - es war eine super Zeit ! Wir blieben ueber Nacht, waren in der Show, haben eingekauft, gegessen, wieder eingekauft ... na ja, Ihr koennt es Euch vorstellen. Ich war besonders gluecklich, weil ich auch etwas ausgestellt habe, und zwar ein franz. Boutis - und ich habe sogar den 3. Preis in Miniaturen gewonnen. Hier sind einige Bilder von meinen Lieblingsquilts - viel Spass !

Lise has spoiled me !

2008-08-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

Lise in Norway had a giveaway on her blog and I WON ! Look at the wonderful gifts she sent which were waiting for me when I got home from work. Thank you Lise, they are wonderful - I especially love the wonderful stitcheries. I had heard about the Tilda things but never have seen any. I will really enjoy stitching the Santa, he is just delightful.

And there are two pieces of very pretty blue fabric I have not seen before.

What a great treat - and especially arriving on a Monday :-))

Congratulations Lise !

2008-08-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

Lise at www.lises-hobbyblogg.blogspot.com is having a giveaway for her 100th blogposting. Go visit her and look at her quilts - I am always happy to read about what the girls in Norway are up to, they make such lovely quilts !

Quilt Cat

2008-08-05T15:18:00.001-07:00

Every house should have one of these !

Machine Quilting

2008-08-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

I decided before working full time that I needed to finish some OLD tops that had been lying around here, including some I have already shown you. I have them back from the quilter and I am very happy, now I can spend some time putting bindings on ! Because that might take a while, here are a couple I haven't shown you yet .... imagine the bindings, if you will !

Bevor ich meine Vollzeitzstelle angefangen habe, wollte ich einige alte Tops quilten lassen, einschliesslich welche, die ich hier schon gezeigt hatte. Inzwischen habe ich sie zurueck vom Quilter, und ich muss die Raender fertignaehen. Da das vielleicht doch noch eine Weile dauert, hier sind zwei die ich noch nicht gezeigt habe .... die muss man sich dann fertig vorstellen !

Happy 4th July

2008-07-04T04:17:00.000-07:00

Wishing everyone a happy and safe 4th July

Go 'Noles !!!

2008-06-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

This morning I finally pieced a college quilt for my son who attends Florida State Univesity in Tallahassee. He has other quilts but wanted one with the college colors and logo. Other than the FSU fabric, I only used scraps.

Heute morgen habe ich nun endlich einen Uni Quilt fuer meinen Sohn gepatcht. Er ist an FSU in Tallahassee, und obwohl er andere Quilts hat, wollte er einen in den Florida State Farben

Ausser dem FSU-Stoffe, habe ich ausschliesslich Reste verwendet.

Fraktur

2008-06-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

This marvelous applique quilt belongs to Fran Dunn, a great quilter who has won many prizes for her fabulous quilts. I have wanted to make this one for a long time, and Fran very generously loaned me her quilt for inspiration. Here is a picture of my fabrics, they look too pale on the photo, but I chose plums and purples instead of reds, and included some batiks for a painted look. The background fabric looks sponge painted, with a diamond pattern in tan and green. Pattern is by the Rabbit Factory.

Dieser toller Appliquequilt gehoert Fran Dunn, die immer hervorragende Quilts naeht und die schon mehrfach dafuer ausgezeichnet wurde. Ich wollte schon lange dieses Muster naehen, und Fran hat mir grosszuegigerweise ihren Quilt geliehen. Hier sind meine dafuer ausgesuchten Stoffe, auf dem Bild erscheinen sie ziemlich blass, sind aber in der Farbe staerker, lila statt rot, mit einigen Batiken um einen gemalten Eindruck zu erwecken. Der Hintergrund sieht auch gemalt aus in beige und gruen. Muster der Rabbit Factory.

More Gwen Marston Photos

2008-06-05T04:12:00.001-07:00

Here are a few more great quilts by Gwen Marston. I really like the redwork, it makes such a nice combination with the basket blocks. The designs are from her book of needlework patterns.

Lecture with Gwen Marston

2008-05-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

As a member of the Feather Princess applique guild, I am lucky enough to see some great teachers. Today Gwen Marston visited our guild, and brought these wonderful quilts to show. They are just my favorites, the classic 4-block appliques of the approx. 1850s. Gwen is great fun and a very encouraging teacher.

Als Mitglied der Feather Princesses Applique Gruppe, sehe ich oft sehr gute Quilters. Heute war Gwen Marston bei uns, und hat diese wunderschoenen Quilts mitgebracht. Das sind meine Lieblingsquilts, die klassischen, grossen 4-Block appliques der ca. 1850s. Gwen ist recht lustig und sehr ermunternd.

New Boutis Group in Clearwater

2008-05-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday a group of curious and enthusiastic ladies came to my house to learn more about the boutis. There were 8 in all, I am so happy that they are interested. Since then I have had more enquiries and I am sincerely hoping there will be more and more interest. Here is a picture of a few of them.

I am going to continue our boutis adventures on a separate blog for now - so visit us as http://www.boutisflorida.blogspot.com/ where I will post about our activities and photos.

Letzten Mittwoch kam eine Gruppe von neugierigen und begeisterten Frauen bei mir zu Hause zusammen, um mehr in Sachen Boutis zu lernen. Insgesamt waren 8 da, und ich bin uebergluecklich ueber das Interesse. Seitdem haben sich auch mehr bei mir gemeldet, und bin zuversichtlich, dass noch mehr dazukommen werden. Hier ein Bild von einigen.

Ich werde das Thema Boutis auf einem weiteren Blog fortsetzen, und zwar auf http://www.boutisflorida.blogspot.com/.

Civil War Reproduction

2008-04-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

This pattern came from an Australian magazine. Our local quilt shop offered it as a kit, and I added a few fabrics of my own. I made the blocks during our Guild Retreat and did the applique in the last week or two. I could not concentrate on my work today, so I put the quilt together - something completed at last !

Das Muster ist aus einer australischen Zeitschrift. Unser Quiltladen hat es als Fixpackung angeboten, und ich habe einige eigene Stoffe dazugetan. Die Bloeckchen wurden waehrend unseres Guild Retreat genaeht, und das Applique habe ich in den letzten Wochen gemacht. Heute habe ich einfach nicht arbeiten koennen, und habe also den Top zusammengenaeht - wenigstens ist heute etwas fertiggeworden !

Boutis Group in Clearwater

2008-04-29T04:06:00.001-07:00

Next week I am starting a Boutis group here in Clearwater. I am so excited that I will have other friends to stitch and share information with ! I would like our group to be big enough for us to join France Boutis as a club, because then we could share the patterns published in the newsletter. Since it will be our first meeting, I am planning on making a kit with instructions for each participant, so not only will we get started, we will have our first group project. If anyone reading this is close to Clearwater and wants to participate, let me know by comment - the date is Wednesday May 7th at 6.30pm. The picture above is of a fabulous boutis made by Nicole Carre - I hope to be as good one day !

Naechste Woche fange wir hier mit einer Boutis Gruppe an. Ich freue mich wirklich, dass ich nun endlich andere zum Mitnaehen und Informationstausch habe! Ich hoffe, dass unsere Gruppe gross genug wird, eine Clubmitgliedschaft bei France Boutis zu beantragen, damit wir auch die Newslettermuster teilen koennen. Da es unser erstes Zusammentreffen ist, mache ich fuer jede ein Kit mit Anleitungen, so fangen wir gemeinsam an. Sollte jemand in Clearwater wohnen und interessiert sein, bitte lass mich das per Kommentar wissen - Termin Mittwoch 7. Mai um 18.30. Das Bild oben ist von einem Boutis gestickt von Nicole Carre - ich hoffe, dass ich auch einmal es so perfekt kann !

Tiles as Design Inspiration

2008-04-09T04:04:00.001-07:00

These are floor tiles from our hotel in Bruges. Aren't they fantastic ? I took several photos because I thought I could draft a pieced/applique pattern from them. Has anyone ever done this ? I know there was a book at one time, but I think I could draft just from the photo.

Diese Fliesen sind vom Hotel in Brugge. Sind sie nicht wunderschoen ? I habe einige Fotos geknipst, weil ich ein Quiltblock daraus machen wollte. Hat das jemand schon gemacht ? Ich weiss,dass es vor einiger Zeit ein Buch zum Thema gegeben hat, aber ich meine, die Fotos reichen.

Bruges/Brugge

2008-03-30T10:40:00.001-07:00

I was in London last week and took a Eurostar trip to Bruges with my family. We loved the old town, it is beautiful and very deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status. Here are some pictures to enjoy. I would have liked to visit the lace museum, but we only had one night so there was not enough time. But I did find time to buy chocolate !

Letzte Woche war ich in London und habe zusammen mit meiner Familie einen Kurzaufenthalt in Brugge gemacht. Das Staedtchen ist sehr schoen und verdient sein UNESCO Welterbestatus. Hier einige Fotos. Ich haette gern das Spitzenmuseum besucht, aber dafuer war der Aufenthalt leider zu kurz. Aber zum Schokoladenkauf hat es noch gereicht !

Boutis Group - Clearwater Florida

2008-03-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

I would like to start a local group of ladies interested in learning more about the Boutis and am planning the first meeting for Wednesday May 7th at 6.30pm. Please contact me via this blog if you are interested, or have friends who are interested - the more the merrier ! I would like this group to be a dynamic, lively group interested in maintaining ties to France Boutis. So who would like to take the plunge ??

1st Boutis Technique Day - France Boutis March 29

2008-03-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

Please visit the blog of France Boutis at franceboutis.canalblog.com or see the link under my favorites. They had a wonderful technique day yesterday and have posted photos.

Boutis Presentation in West Pasco

2008-03-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

On Sunday March 9 I was able to present an introduction to the boutis at West Pasco Quilt Show. They had a wonderful show, and had decorated the lecture room with beautiful quilts. I took a powerpoint presentation with me and a few examples, and was very gratified to see that there was real interest in this technique and I am hoping to start a local group and maybe even classes soon. Here are some photos:

Award from Angelika

2008-02-27T17:58:00.000-08:00

Angelika has tagged me with this award - thanks Angelika ! Now I have to think about who to pass it on to ......

Pay It Forward

2008-02-27T14:54:00.001-08:00

Small handmade gifts from me are on their way to Katja in Germany and Ibolya in Hungary. Margaret in Spain, you signed up with me but never sent me your address, please do that so I can send you something !
Let me know when you receive your Pay It Forward, ladies !

Boutis - Thanks to West Pasco Quilt Guild

2008-02-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

West Pasco Quilt Guild will have their wonderful show, with more than 400 quilts, on March 7-9 2008. They are very kindly allowing me to present a short lecture on the Boutis on Sunday March 9 at 10 am. Throughout the show, there will be a boutis and a sign up sheet available at their information table, as I am making a list of all those who want to learn more about this stitching art. I am hoping there will be enough interest to form a local group to link with the activities of France Boutis.

Thanks West Pasco - my first sunflower of the year is for you !

Gifts from the Sea

2008-02-19T09:22:00.000-08:00

I have been working on this quilt for my daughter to take to college with her. I know how I work, so I have started early - she will not finish school until next summer, 2009 !! It is such a pretty pattern and perfect for her, she swims and has always loved the beach. Time to prep more blocks, the seahorse is the last one I have ready.

Ich appliziere dieses Quilt fuer meine Tochter, als Collegegeschenk. Da ich mich kenne, habe ich frueh angefangen, sie wird erst naechsten Sommer mit der Schule fertig !. Das Muster ist sehr huebsch und ideal fuer sie, da sich schwimmt und schon immer vom Strand begeistert war. Ich muss noch einige Bloecke vorbereiten, das Seepferd ist das letzte fertige Bloeckchen.

Baltimore Blues - 1st Block Complete

2008-01-31T09:33:00.000-08:00

I have neglected blogging lately, simply because everything has been so busy. I did finish the first block in the Baltimore Blues BOM started with a friend, and I am pleased with the result. Just in time - tomorrow the next block will be posted !

Mein Blog habe ich in letzter Zeit sehr vernachlaessigt, einfach weil der Alltag extrem stressig ist. Ich habe zumindest den ersten Block vom Baltimore Blues fertig, und bin zufrieden damit. Gerade noch rechtzeitig - morgen wird der 2. Block veroeffentlicht.

Boutis - more explanations .....

2008-01-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

Monika asked me a question about how the boutis is stuffed from the reverse. In this respect, it is different from trapunto, where often the fabric is cut to stuff the motif. For the boutis, a blunt tapestry needle is threaded with the cotton yarn, and inserted into the fabric and the thread pulled through. The ends are cut and then stuffed into the motif with the end of the needle or a toothpick. There is no batting in a boutis. Here are a couple of pictures of something I am working on, I hope you can see well enough. The side with the yarn is the reverse - although a boutis should be equally beautiful front and back.

Die Monika hat mich gefragt, wie man den Boutis von links ausstopft. In diesem Fall ist es anders als mit Trapunto, wo oft der Stoff auf der Rueckseite geschnitten wird, damit der Motif mit "Batting" gefuellt werden kann. Bei Boutis wird eine stumpfe Nadel mit Baumwollgarn gefaedelt, in den Stoff eingefuehrt und durchgezogen. Das Garn wird dicht am Stoff abgeschnitten und die Enden mittels Nadel oder Zahnstocher zwischen die Stofflagen eingestopft. Es kommt kein Batting Fuellwatte ?) in ein Boutis, sonst haette man die Transparenz nicht. Hier sind ein paar Photos von einem kleinen Boutis, an dem ich jetzt arbeite, ich hoffe man kann etwas erkennen. Die Seite mit dem Garn ist die Rueckseite - obwohl ein Boutis eigentlich von beiden Seiten gleich schoen sein sollte.

Email me with any questions

Boutis

2008-01-12T02:40:00.000-08:00

Monika left me a post about the boutis and asked how it is made. The real Boutis is recognized by the qualities of transparency and relief. Two layers of fabric are stitched together using the quilting stitch, and then the work is turned over, and the motifs and channels stuffed with cotton yarn from the reverse. The stuffing produces the shape and relief of the motifs, and when you hold the work up to the light, you can see through it.
Often items are described as boutis, and what is meant are the wholecloth quilted quilts one often sees in French markets. The correct term for those is "piques" and not boutis. See my other posts on the subject for links and more descriptions.

Die Monika hat gefragt, wie ein Boutis gemacht wird. Ein echter Boutis zeichnet sich durch Transparenz und Modellierung aus (hoffentlich ist das das richtige Wort). Zwei Lagen Stoff werden mit dem Quilting-stich zusammengenaeht, die Arbeit wird anschliessend von links mit Baumwollgarn gefuellt. Dieses Fuellen ermoeglicht die Form und Modellierung der Muster, und wenn man die Arbeit gegen das Licht haelt, ist sie durchsichtig.
Es werden oft normale Steppdecken als Boutis beschrieben, aber das ist nicht korrekt. Diese sind "piques" und nicht Boutis. Bitte unter meinen Boutis Posts schauen.

Mehr morgen, auch mit Bildern .....

Boutis - starting a collection !

2008-01-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe I did this - but I made my first purchase on ebay ! These two old boutis were more temptation than I could stand, and today they got here from France. Here are a few pictures.

I was thinking about tracing off the patterns so I can make new versions of these. What do you think ? I am so excited to have them, and in very good condition - there is one tiny hole on one of them, and one of them is better stitched than the other, but great to study.

Ich kann kaum glauben, dass ich es gemacht habe - aber ich habe meinen ersten ebay-Kauf gemacht ! Diese 2 alten Boutis brachten mich zu stark in Versuchung, und heute sind sie aus Frankreich angekommen. Hier einige Bilder davon.

Ich denke daran, die Muster abzupausen, damit ich neue sticken kann. Was meint Ihr ? Ich bin einfach so davon begeistert, sie sind in sehr gutem Zustand - eins hat ein winziges Loch (vielleicht 2 Faedchen), und eins ist besser gestickt als das andere, aber schoen zum lernen.

Temptations ..... and consolidation !

2008-01-06T11:43:00.000-08:00

Oh dear ..... the year has barely started, and already I'm off planning and starting new projects, what can I be thinking ? I am going to blame this one on my friend Janet, who found a free BOM from http://www.fatcatpatterns.com/ called Blue Baltimore. We loved it, so (of course) we had to buy fabrics, then swap fabrics ...... so yesterday afternoon we had a great time sorting through everything and setting up the first block. Even though we both had the same fabrics, our blocks looked totally different. The other picture is from a Hawaiian pattern I bought from Nancy Cheong at our applique show - I took it on vacation to baste it (did only half, of course) and it has made no progress since. After all the Christmas things, I wanted spring colors.

Kaum hat das Jahr angefangen, schon plane ich neue Projekte und fange sogar damit an, was faellt mir denn ein ?? Schuld an diesem neuen Projekt ist meine Freundin Janet, die ein gratis BOM im internet fand http://www.fatcatpatterns.com/ Blue Baltimore. Es hat uns beiden gefallen, also mussten auch gleich Stoffe gekauft und anschliessend getauscht werden .... und wir haben gestern nachmittag viel Spass beim Schneiden, usw. gehabt. Obwohl wir beide die gleichen Stoffe hatten, haben wir sie total anders eingesetzt und so haben beide Bloecke sehr unterschiedlich ausgesehen. Das andere Bild zeigt ein Hawaiian Muster, das ich bei Nancy Cheong im Fruhjahr gekauft habe, bei unserer AppliShow - ich habe alles im Urlaub mitgenommen, aber nur ein wenig geheftet, und seitdem nichts mehr daran gemacht. Nach den vielen Weihnachtsfarben, war mir nach frischen Fruehlingsfarben zumute.

Und die Blumen sind einfach mal ein freundlicher Gruss an alle

And the flowers are just a friendly greeting to all

Happy New Year To All - Wishing you Health, Happiness and Success in 2008

2008-01-02T05:42:00.000-08:00

New Year - New Project

2007-12-30T08:35:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pictures of the new applique project. It is a BOM offered by Prairie Point quilts in Kansas - http://www.prairiepoint.com/ I have been saving it each month because I had little time and other things to finish. But everyone should have something new for the new year, right ?

Hier sind einige Bilder vom neuen Applique. Es wird als Monatspackung von http://www.prairiepoint.com/ angeboten, und ich habe es jeden Monat aufgehoben, weil ich wenig Zeit und andere Arbeiten hatte. Aber jede sollte sich etwas Neues fuer das neue Jahr goennen, oder ?

After Christmas - New Project and Dear Jane

2007-12-30T08:15:00.000-08:00

It has been such a long time since my last post, the days over the holidays seemed to rush by with very little time for relaxing and reflection. After the new year I am planning on a few days to think about the coming year and get organized. Of course, I am also planning a new applique project, one that has been waiting all of 2007 to get started. And I have decided to put together those blocks of my Dear Jane that I have finished. I think I have about 110, and I will make the quilt with those, plus however many I will need to finish the rows. Otherwise the blocks will just sit there for another couple of years - and finished is better than perfect, right ?

Ich habe schon so lange nicht mehr gebloggt, die Feiertage sind sehr schnell vergangen, ohne Zeit zum Nachdenken und sich entspannen. Nach Silvester moechte ich fuer das neue Jahr planen und einige Sachen vorbereiten, auch was das Quilten betrifft. Seit einem Jahr habe ich ein neues Appliqueprojekt, das auf mich wartet. Auch habe ich entschieden, endlich die Dear Jane Bloeckchen zusammen zu naehen, die schon einige Jahre darauf warten. Es sind insgesamt ca. 110., ich werde wohl die restlichen nicht mehr naehen, und so wird ein etwas kleinerer Quilt daraus. Fertig ist besser als perfekt, sagt man !

Mystery continued ....

2007-12-09T05:19:00.000-08:00

The picture below is of my quilt - or at least as far as I got last night. I love it - it's different from what I would normally make. When it has its borders, I'll start on the applique (my favorite part).
Das untere Bild ist von meinem Quilt, oder zumindest was ich noch gestern abend genaeht habe. Ich mag das, es ist ganz anders als ich sonst mir aussuchen wuerde. Sobald die Borders dran sind, fange ich mit dem Applique an, sowieso was ich am liebsten mache !

Weihnachtsmystery bei Country Quilts

2007-12-09T05:02:00.000-08:00

Jedes Jahr um Weihnachten macht mein Lieblingsquiltladen ein Mystery. Eine der Lehrerinnen entwirft ein Quilt, es werden Kits gemacht, und niemand weiss dann, was genaeht wird. Die Anleitung wird nur schrittweise verteilt, und erst spaeter am Abend bekommt man zu sehen, wie der Quilt aussieht. Das habe ich immer gern gemacht, und war bis auf ein einziges Mal immer dabei. Die Kundinnen bringen etwas zu essen mit, und der Laden stellt Brote. Es folgen einige Bilder von gestern abend.

2. Advent and Christmas Quilt Mystery

2007-12-09T04:53:00.000-08:00

Another week has gone by and it's already the 2nd Advent. Last night I went to my favorite quilting shop for the annual Christmas mystery. I have been every year since it started (except one and I am sorry I missed it !) A quilt is designed by one (or more) of the teachers at the shop, then the customers sign up for the evening and the kit. Everyone brings food and the shop owners provide sandwiches. I always love to do it because I have to make something that I would not otherwise - the colors are usually different from what I would choose. You get instructions as you go along, so it is not until later in the evening that you find out what the quilt will look like. Each teacher does hers a little differently so there are some variations. I love it and have taken a lot of pictures of last night.

By the way, Becky at this shop is responsible for me quilting at all - I took one class from her years ago and have been a passionate quilter/appliquer ever since.

1. Advent

2007-12-05T16:45:00.000-08:00

Kaum zu glauben, dass es schon Dezember ist, und wir schon Weihnachtsvorbereitungen treffen muessen. Ich fuehle mich noch gar nicht so in Weihnachtsstimmung, es ist noch recht warm und sonnig. Trotzdem haben wir Kaffee gemacht und hier in Florida etwas vom Advent gehabt.

Hard to believe that it's already December and we have to get ready for Christmas. I don't really feel in the Christmas spirit yet, it is still pretty warm and sunny. Anyway, we still made coffee and had a little bit of Advent in Florida.

Feather Princesses

2007-11-25T09:20:00.000-08:00

I thought I would tell you something about the Feather Princesses, an applique guild I am a proud member of. Although only in existence the last 2 years or so, the group has been so interesting and energizing for applique lovers. We even hosted the TAS show, Applique in Tampa Bay, in May of this year. Since I didn't have a blog then, I will show you some pictures of that show now. There were many absolutely fabulous quilts, and it certainly gave me some food for thought. There are many talented appliquers in this area, but I think that the show gave us some examples of wonderful quilting as well - definitely an area of improvement for me ! These pictures show a few of my absolute favorites, but there were many stunning quilts - I wonder how many hours of work were represented by all the quilts in the show ??

For those who don't know, there is a National Applique Society www.theappliquesociety.org which you have to be a member of before you can join a local chapter.

Pay It Forward

2007-11-25T09:16:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to say that three people have signed up for Pay It Forward with me. They are Ibolya from Hungary, Margaret from Spain, and Katja from Germany. I am thrilled that we have the chance to get to know one another better, especially from such different countries. Thanks ladies - I will need to get everyone's addresses, as I hope to send your surprises in the New Year.

Friendship Garden

2007-11-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

The pictures below show the quilt I made from the Blackbird Designs pattern. I had it as a BOM, but changed some of the fabrics - so I have blue berries instead of red ones. It was fun to do except for the many sashing triangles !

Die Bilder zeigen mein Top von einem Blackbird Designs Muster. Ich habe das als Fixpackung monatlich bekommen, habe aber einige Stoffe ausgewechselt, und habe z.B. blaue statt rote Beeren. Es hat Spass gemacht - bis auf die vielen Dreiecke !

Friendship Garden

2007-11-05T15:57:00.000-08:00

Pay It Forward

2007-11-05T06:21:00.000-08:00

My friend Angelika in Germany has posted a new challenge on her blog. It is called Pay It Forward, and has very simple rules. Each blogger who signs up for this is promising to make a small handmade gift for 3 people within a year, and will receive one handmade gift from the person they signed up with. The other rule is to introduce the game on one's blog. Simple, isn't it ?

I think this is a great and generous idea, so the first three people who leave me a comment on this post will be my Pay It Forward recipients.

Meine Freundin Angelika in Deutschland hat ein neues Spiel auf ihrem Blog vorgestellt. Es nennt sich Pay It Forward und hat ganz einfache Regeln. Jeder Blogger/in die sich dafuer eintraegt verpflichtet sich, innerhalb eines Jahres fuer 3 weitere Personen ein kleines selbstgemachtes Geschenk zu machen. Ausserdem muss man das Spiel auf dem eigenen Blog vorstellen. Einfach, nicht ?
Ich finde diese Idee super und grosszuegig, und lade die ersten 3 Personen die mir ein Kommentar hierzu lassen, von mir ein Pay It Forward Geschenk zu bekommen.

Later I will be posting some photos of a newly finished applique top ......

Heather

Happy Halloween !

2007-10-31T04:07:00.000-07:00

I have bought candy and will see how many kids come to our neighborhood tonight - it used to be many, and our kids loved to dress up.

Ich habe Suessigkeiten gekauft und bin gespannt, wieviele Kinder in unsere Nachbarschaft kommen werden - es waren immer viele, und unsere Kinder haben sich furchtbar gern verkleidet.

Dunedin, Florida

2007-10-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

Close to where we live, Dunedin is a beautiful small town. On a perfect October day, it reminds us why we live in Florida - the hot humid summer days are forgotten.

In unserer Naehe, Dunedin ist eine huebsche Kleinstadt. An einem perfekten Octobertag, wissen wir, warum wir in Florida leben - die heissen, feuchten Sommertage sind in Vergessenheit geraten.

These few pictures show some of my favorite things, and are a postcard thanks for all the nice comments you have left.

Diese Bilder zeigen einige meiner Lieblingssachen, um mich fuer die netten Kommentare zu bedanken.

Isle sur la Sorgue

2007-10-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

Who can resist France ?

Wer kann denn Frankreich widerstehen ?

Rhodt

2007-10-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the Theresienstrasse in Rhodt - where my husband is from and one of my favorite places
Die Theresienstrasse in Rhodt - das Heimatdorf meines Mannes und einer meiner Lieblingsplaetze

Boutis - New Association/neuer Verein

2007-10-29T04:18:00.000-07:00

Good Monday morning everyone, and thanks to those ladies who wrote me encouraging comments ! This morning I would like to give you some information about a new association in France for the promotion of the Boutis - France Boutis. It was founded in September by four ladies whose purpose it is to link clubs and groups with ladies sewing alone, and they have an ambitious agenda to really help with information, exchanges of ideas, sharing of experiences and techniques, organization of classes and shows, and to help people get to know each other, the clubs, and interesting Boutis.

President: Annie NOUAL
Vice-president: Huguette ROUX
Secretary: Isabelle THURIN
Treasurer: Nicole CARRE

The association is planning a quarterly newsletter, Le fil blanc, (the white thread) and has already produced a newsletter to introduce the new forum. They are getting off to a great start with a National Boutis day on January 12, 2008 in Nimes - I wish I could go !
If you are interested in joining, please contact franceboutis@neuf.fr

Guten Montag morgen und vielen Dank an alle, die mir ermunternde Kommentare hinterlassen haben ! Heute moechte ich einige Informationen ueber einen neuen franzoesischen Verein mit dem Zweck, Interesse an Boutis weiterzuentwickeln - France Boutis. Er wurde im September von vier Damen gegruendet, die den Plan haben, Damen die alleine eine Nadel in der Hand haben mit Vereinen und Gruppen zu verbinden. Sie haben ein ehrgeiziges Ziel, Informationen und Ideenaustausch zu ermoeglichen, sowie die Organisation von Klassen, Ausstellungen, und vor allem das gegenseitige Kennenlernen und Bekanntmachen von Clubs und Boutis.
Es wird ein vierteljaehrliches Newsletter geplant, der weisse Faden, die erste Ausgabe hat schon den Verein vorgestellt. Dieser neue Start wird mit einem nationalen Boutistag am 12. Januar 2008 in Nimes gefeiert - Ich wuensche, ich koennte dabei sein !
Bei Interesse, bitte eine Mail an franceboutis@neuf.fr

2007-10-28T16:49:00.000-07:00

2007-10-28T16:47:00.000-07:00

A few of my quilts ......

2007-10-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

Boutis

2007-10-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

The picture below is of a Boutis made by Nicole Carre. I was very fortunate to be able to take a class from her, she does beautiful work and is a great teacher. Encouraging others to try this has become a passion for me. Nicole and three other talented ladies have just established a new forum for Boutis lovers, an association called "France Boutis".
Das Bild unten ist ein Boutis gestickt von Nicole Carre. Ich hatte das Glueck, mal eine Klasse mit Nicole zu machen, ihre Arbeit ist einfach umwerfend schoen und sie hat viel Geduld als Lehrerin. Ich bin von der Boutis so begeistert, dass ich andere dafuer gewinnen will. Nicole hat mit drei anderen begabten Damen ein neues Forum fuer Liebhaberinnen der Boutis gegruendet, l'Association France-Boutis.

Boutis - a passion !

2007-10-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

Recent Finish

2007-10-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

Introduction - First Post Ever !

2007-10-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a big step today and entering Blogland ...... I have enjoyed many other blogs from all over the world and so here is mine ! I live in Florida but love to travel, and I want to blog to share my hobbies applique, quilting, boutis, and languages. I plan to post in English and German, and maybe some French if you will let me.

Heute wage ich den ersten Schritt in die Bloggerwelt .... nachdem ich so viel Spass an andere Blogs hatte, wollte ich nun endlich meine eigene vorstellen ! Ich wohne hier in Florida, reise aber gern, und moechte durch bloggen meine Hobbies Applique, Patchwork, Boutis und Sprachen teilen. Ich moechte zumindest in Englisch und Deutsch schreiben, und vielleicht auch etwas Franzoesisch.

Welcome to my Blog and please leave comments !