One day project for someone you love!

January 19, 2017January 26, 20177 Comments

Hurray — the amazing long-armer Ms. G. finished my e-heart wall hanging late last week. I added the scrappy binding (which I had cleverly made in advance) while I watched football on Sunday. I was sewing as fast as I could so I could get a picture outside. Just as I finished, a ray of sunshine pierced the dark clouds and I snapped this picture. Whew!

e-heart_with_logo

I am so happy with how this came out — it looks lovely on the quilt wall at work (I know, I know, that oak quilt holder needs a nice coat of black milk paint — it’s on my list of things to do).

Cindy says that every time Cindy sees this quilt, she thinks about Jerry Mcguire: “you complete me”! I thought about renaming it, but decided to stick with the E-heart quilt.

Link to the pattern here: e-heart-pattern-jan-2017-gbd

Happy mid-January everyone!

A new take on Valentine’s Day

January 11, 2017January 11, 20177 Comments

Now that it’s mid-January, and the house has officially been de-Christmased for a few minutes, isn’t it time for another dose of red? As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I’ve been working on a new Valentine’s Day wall quilt. I got the idea a while back when I was reading a story of emojis- you know, those cute little symbols that are everywhere nowadays. Did you know that ’emoji’ is the Japanese term for picture character? And emojis are different from emoticons, if you know what I mean 😉 Here’s some history.

While researching my quilt, I discovered that there is something called emoji etiquette. Darn, another new thing to learn!

In October, the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City acquired the original set of emoji for display in their museum. The heart that sparked my quilt idea is on the third row from the bottom.

I used two jelly rolls — one white and the other red for the pattern. I’m calling it the e-heart wall quilt — anyone have a better idea?

Wall quilt top done — hurry up Ms. G!

As you can see, I added a wee bit of embroidery to soften the hard lines. Don’t judge — it has been ages since I practiced my embroidery stitches (I’m talking the girl scout years LOL)!

This sweet quilt is already with Ms. G, the long-armer. I can’t wait to see what she does with it. (I wish I was brave like Cindy and willing to attempt my own quilting!).

Stay lovable, my friends!

Snuggling Down

December 29, 20162 Comments

After a freakishly warm Christmas Day, the weather here in WNY has taken a turn for the winter. I don’t know why, but I rarely catch any pictures of the big day, but I did manage to wrestle my teenager into a family picture in front of the tree.

Dad had to photobomb his way in!

This morning, we woke up to a mild Hollywood-style snowstorm with big, fat flakes tumbling down out of a puffy, white sky.

It is completely lovely, and it reminds me that the end of Christmas does not mean the end of cold weather. I’m rustling around in my recipe file, looking for the appropriate soup recipe with which to scent the house.

I do have to run to town later. Shockingly, I have not yet purchased my 2017 calendar — and Boots must go with me, because my darling kitty needs a rabies shot. He’s in for a rude awakening soon.

Sorry in advance, kitty!

Over the last few days I’ve been working on a new Valentine’s day project. Soon I’m going to need a new season-appropriate wall hanging for my office and I’ve decided that the color scheme on this Jenny Doan pattern of Missouri Star Quilt Company belongs more in my house than my office.

I just love this charm pack pattern. It’s fast and fun and stands the test of time.

My new design uses two jelly rolls: one red and one white. I’m excited to show it to you. I’m hoping to finish the quilt top today. Stay warm friends!

P.S. This week marks the first anniversary of the start of Gray Barn Designs! It has been so much fun meeting everyone and making new friends. Cindy and I are honored by your friendship and we are inspired by your stories and your work. Happy 2017!