Winter Wonderland

Even with the fluffy white stuff falling, I had no desire to head out into the subzero cold.  Instead, I spent the weekend sewing.  I watched it snow as I stitched away on Bonnie's mystery.  Want to join in on the fun?  

http://quiltville.blogspot.com/p/celtic-solstice-mystery.html

Yellows

Oranges and Rusts

Diagonally marked

Stitching 1/4" on either side of the lines.

First cut

Second cut

First diagonal cut

Second diagonal cut

Magic!  8 half square triangles done!

Now to press and square them up.

And stitch a few pinwheels.

Used the Magic 8 method for my HST on Celtic Solstice.  The blog below gives clear directions on how to  calculate your initial square size.  For 1 1/2" finished blocks, use 4 3/4" squares.  

ME?  I used 5" squares to be safe.  I needed to squared the HST up, but not by much. Better safe than sorry.  Sweet results!  You have to try it.  Check out this blog for great directions.  Definitely magic!

http://chezstitches.blogspot.com/2011/01/magic-8.html

Now back to step 2, where I will be cutting diagonal strips and ending up with straight of grain chevrons.  Took me only two blocks to say that is the method for me.  Stay tuned!!!!

Holiday Craziness

Last year I was able to keep up with Bonnie's mystery.  This year is a different story.  A year older?  A year slower?  More commitments?  Whatever the reason, I am behind on this year's Celtic Solstice.

Holiday decorations are slowly finding their placement in my home.  After seeing Bonnie in Germany with a giant nutcracker, it only seemed fitting to have mine join in on the mystery.

Slowly working on step two.  I have tried using a couple different methods.  Planning to finish step two by cutting bias strips, sewing them together and subcutting them into the blocks.  For some reason my post got messed up, so I have reposted.  Hope to sew more blocks before Step 4 on Friday December 20th.  

Camp Lebanon

Ever since I began quilting nearly 20 years ago, I have attended a quilt retreat at Camp Lebanon, just west of St. Cloud Minnesota.  For many years my friends and I enjoyed fellowship, quilting, food and relaxation that the retreat offered.  I continue to go with my daughter and granddaughter.  This year, we had a wonderful time.  I was able to start the binding on a very belated wedding quilt.  And Haley was able to finish her quilt top.  

Busy finishing her quilt top

Happy to have it done

Our view.  Very happy to be warm inside the chalet.

Our sewing space.  In the middle is a red machine with Haley sewing away.

Able to use the pingpong table to work on the binding.

Closeup of the wonderful quilting.

Glad to be inside looking out.

Celtic Solstice has begun!

Quilters around the world that love mystery quilts, are busy completing their first step to Bonnie Hunter's Celtic Solstice.  This time around, I am using our stained glass window as inspiration.  Pulled batiks from my stash, and chose a dark background instead of lights.  I plan to complete the king size quilt, so that means LOADS of blocks.  It has begun!

Fabrics for Step #1

Finished blocks

Right side

Left side

Stained glass window