Remember last August when I went to Blue Earth to attend a lecture by Judy Martin? And she couldn’t come because she had Covid so her husband presented the program? Well, I took her advice to heart – borders are important. I’ve never been interested in borders because by the time I got to that part I was sick of working on that particular quilt.
And now remember my challenge to you about using hoarded fabric? Here’s my quilt with hoarded fabric and a Judy Martin border.
Another hoarded fabric –
Another finish
I have rarely bought a kit but I did for this one. The fabric is lovely – almost silky feeling however they shorted me two fat quarters so my quilt made only 10 blocks. I ended up with a square quilt, 3×3, which is almost more useable to me.
So….three finishes for you. Now it’s back to the UFOs of which I have many to choose from!
I went to Walmart after church – I needed these things:
Moth balls to keep the squirrels away, fertilizer for some bad spots in my grass and more insecticide spray for my houseplants. I drove Red to church today – the season is changing and Red’s days of going to church will be over for the year.
If you like Little Red and would like one just like mine, a reader sent me an ad from Vermillion, SD where one is for sale. If interested send me an email and I’ll pass the information to you. Red is my Senior Citizen Toy. Smile!
Off to the sewing machine for the evening.
The quilts are wonderful…Love that border!!!
How and where do you use the mothballs to keep squirrels away??? I have so much trouble in the fall with the little critters just digging my flower pots to pieces..I put dog hair in the pots when I had it–they didn’t like that…
Linda – I put the mothballs on top of the dirt in the pot and also around my pumpkins which they think is a delicious treat!
Thank you—I will try the mothballs…
Mary,
Beautiful quilt! I love the colors! I’ve been out for a while. We moved again from the Tampa area North to Ocala Florida! Our daughter hot accepted into the nurse practitioner program. I hate moving but really enjoying seeing the different areas. We are on a cruise now. Its just so easy to drive to Miami or Cape Canaveral and hop on a boat. This is our third cruise. Have you ever cruised before?
Diana – I have never been on a cruise! I would hate moving. Does your daughter live with you so that’s why you moved? Where are you cruising to?
I have that Border book from the 90’ies and I use old stash fabrics for pieced backings!
Beautiful quilts!!!
I also am piecing all my backings with half yards but it’s like making two quilts!
Yes that border really added to your quilt. Such pretty fabric.
I like those hoarded fabrics very much!! The patterns you used are neat, too. Great looking quilts! Little Red must make a hit at church. I am off to try to get a binding on. Hope! It is wonderful weather here😀
Your border is really nice. It is always surprising to me how much a border can change the look of a finished quilt. Aren’t the Villa Rose patterns nice to use, simple and quick. I make a lot of their patterns which makes it possible for me to use lots of different fabrics, so much fun.
Kim -yes, love their patterns but I also love to piece blocks so I have another project going which has many pieces in each block. It’s a Bonnie Hunter pattern – LOTS of pieces.
The only Bonnie Hunter quilt I have ever done is her Rhododendron Trail mystery. It’s one of my dirty dozen projects! Haha. Oh my word, the pieces parts.
Love your quilt! Beautiful!
The soft colors of your finished quilt are appealing. I usually do plain borders, but am impressed by quilters who really go all out on borders. Like you, Mary, by the time I get to that point, I am ready to finish the project.
We have had beautiful fall weather this past week with morning temps in the 50’s and day time highs in the mid to upper 70’s. The burning bush leaf tips are turning pink. The mums are either blooming or getting ready to bloom. I need to mow lawn tomorrow. It is great weather to be outside. We went to the Iowa Hawkeye football game on Saturday. It was quite cool by the end of the game, and I had not brought a lightweight jacket. I will know better next time. I had hot cocoa for breakfast this morning. Laugh. Happy fall to you all.
Love your border! I agree with others who said your fabrics are beautiful and a small square quilt is definitely more useful to me than a small rectangle. Most fit on a small round or small square table. Is that Gretta in the first picture?
I’m sure Little Red brings you so much joy! Just the cutest car! It’s nice to have some things in our life that just make us happy!
Great weather lately…warm days and cool evenings and a few days without oppressive humidity. I do love autumn!
Diane – yes, that is Greta, my brave inquisitive little girl!
I have been thinking about improving my borders as I have been making quilts this summer. I used to think borders were just for finishing a quilt at a certain size, but I have seen some borders that “make” a quilt. I will search for that book. Thanks for the reminder.
I love your hoarded fabrics quilt. The border does make it. My hoarded fabrics are special ocean blues and tans and my box of Little Quilts fabric. I did put a pattern with my blues hoarded fabric to begin cutting when I get the nerve but I still have to keep my Little Quilts fabric together in a box so I can pet it and refold it!
I worked on my Halloween UFO all weekend between beautiful weather out there and then today I got into watching the Bills play after church. I don’t sew well at night so I give you credit.
Your quilts are beautiful. I love the border and the colors. I have several Judy Martin books.
Hi Mary, love the soft colours in your first quilt with the matching kitty! I am going on a cruise next June around Australia with my sister, l enjoy not doing housework and not thinking about meals while on holiday, but can be exhausting doing all the activities! I fell asleep in the spa pool last cruise we went on, had to go and have a Nana nap! Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
Sandy – oh my! Too much relaxing for you! Haha – you’ll need to stay home and rest – love it!
TO KATHY IN NY writing about Little Quilts fabrics — oh gosh, ME too! my LQ box is full of memories, and
their adorable patterns, visited their shop once, class with Mary Ellen too, LOVE LITTLE QUILTS still !
thank you Kathy! and I bet there are many more of us out there.
PS Mary, your fancy border is WONDERFUL! and thanx for plug for Villa Rosa designs, always enticing
Oh Margie, you are a girl after my own heart loving Mary Ellen’s tiny prints and designs. I too have a box with all my treasures but you are the lucky one who got to their shop and a class with Mary Ellen. I loved it all many years ago and still do to this day. I wanted my decor in my house to look just like theirs in the books when I was a young home maker. I wonder how many others here covet their fabric too.
I LOVE your Judy Martin border too, it really sets off your pretty quilt! I have that book also and have used
it on some quilts. I agree, by the time you get to putting a quilt together, you just want to be done with it!
Lately tho, I have been thinking… I have so many quilts, that I need to make something that takes me longer, so I accumulate them slower!
Karla – I have thought the same thing – I don’t need another quilt so why don’t I just enjoy the process and put more detail into each project. Let me know how you convince yourself to do that 😉
I have never understood piano keys—or what they refer to as piano keys in a border. These truly are a key board. Gal, this is a keyboard, can’t you hear the tinkling of the keys?
Regarding your car Red! I want a beautiful new shiny black mustang convertible! I saw it last spring when HE got a new pickup! Something about hail and excessive drought will probably put that on hold this Autumn.
Linda – you have good taste! A mustang convertible! Sweet – I hope you get it one day.
Your quilt is beautiful and I really like the soft colors. But the order takes it to a whole new level! I almost always put one or two plain borders on my quilts, but I think I need to get a bit more adventuresome!
Fall is coming–in the 50’s overnight in northern Illinois.
Love, love your quilt with the hoarded fabrics! Such soft colors and the borders are spectacular! Glad you are enjoying Little Red while you can as we both know what’s coming! We are having some pretty days and cool nights just perfect! The leaves have not changed colors yet, wondering with all the rain we had this Spring thru Summer here in NH if that will affect our glorious foliage we usually have? I sure hope not! Hope you take time to “Be Still” and enjoy your Super Fall Days to come!
The ‘Pieced Borders’ book is excellent but I’m with everyone else where I just want to get it finished. We use moth balls around the entrance to out buildings that we don’t use often. Mice and other rodents keep clear (must be the smell). We also use it on the floor, around the tires of any vehicle that is stored over the winter (do not put them inside as you probably won’t get the smell out).
We just returned home from a visit with good friends at their cabin ‘up north’ (Minnesota). The trees are starting to turn to the beautiful golds and reds. Always beautiful.
Have a great week everyone.
Today I was working on designing some placemats from a panel I had. I needed to add some sort of border, so went to my quilt book library to look for my books on borders–and there was the Pieced Borders book! It definitely has some possibilities for what I need. It’s really a great reference book!
Debra – I’ve looked at it many times over the years but usually got lazy and didn’t pursue a pieced border! Ha! I’m not alone it seems.
I’m pretty impatient when finishing a quilt and seem to go with plain borders because I’m sick of that quilt and have another I’m longing to get started on. I used to be in quilting group and stopped some years ago. There was a lot of pressure to make things to sell at one of the shows, and they were always things that I didn’t like and felt were a waste of time. Anyway, I tired of needing to do that. But, I find that I miss the company of other quilting women and am thinking I might join again. I really think your pieced border made that quilt and now see the reason to take the time to make more interesting borders.
Mary,
You deserved the Red Senior Toy for sure! Just so enjoyed seeing your quilts today.
Tis cooler up here in Idaho every day. 46o this Sunday morning! Doubt if we receive SNOW anytime soon! Always look forward to it, tho.
Launa
Wow! Amazing 👏 Thanks for sharing!
Love your finishes. I agree with your feelings on borders – I am ready to be done. But doesn’t yours look great! I’ll will have rethink borders myself. Thanks for the inspiration (all the time)!
Mary – You sure whipped those tops fast!!! Wish I was that fast. Loved the fabric colors and the pattern, will have to look for that one.
Enjoy your evening!
Mary, I love the border on your first quilt! For whatever it’s worth, I attended a self-made retreat in Lone Rock. The retreat center and quilt shop is in the former Methodist church and the lodging is in the refurbished parsonage. Beautiful setting, great shop, wonderful staff and caterer. It’s called the Quilted Steeple. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get away and quilt for a weekend in an idyllic rural Iowa setting. Also thanks for your blog and all your effort!
I hear that the Quilted Steeple is awesome retreat. Unfortunately the drive for me is hours as I am in SW Iowa! I have friends up that way and they go a couple times of a yr.
Fran – I have never been there but hear it’s very nice!!
Pam – where do you live?
Mary, I live near Asheville, North Carolina but I’m an Iowa farm girl born and bred. We love the climate and living in the mountains. But…I spend every September in Iowa with family and friends!!! 😊
Pam – I thought NC was North Carolina! Are you in Iowa now? Where?
Last week end we were in Lone Rock at the Quilted Steeple, before that I was in Atlantic and Jefferson and today I’m in Nevada! HA! I get around! Next week I’ll be in Atlantic again and then end up in Waukee with my grandkids. I retired from the City of Clive so will have lunch dates there too. When I go home, it will be back to only leaving the house for church! My husband loves the grocery store so he “gets” to shop! Beautiful weather for my Iowa vacation!
Pam in NC – I’ve never been to any of those places!!!! Yes, you do get around!
Mary the quilt is absolutely beautiful.
And the music was the best I’ve heard for a funeral, what great music for his service, it was perfect!
Mareen – thank you. I thought you were out of town? Or did you watch online. It was a nice service and I think Brian had just the right words and message but I thought it was a tough one.
Hi Mary! Boy little red the second is tempting. I’m not far from that South Dakota town…hmmm! I’ll have to speak to hubby!
Love your quilt with the fancy border. Too bad Greta didn’t pose! She’s beautiful!
I just finished a king size top for my daughter….big does take longer! Especially when you mess it up and have to find the Jack the picker! Ugh! 😂😂. Sandy has to come and inspect it and tell me what she wants in the back.
I love this weather. The guys are starting to harvest soybeans. It is supposed to be in the mid 80s a few days. It cools down in the evening so it will be fine. We don’t want bad storms tho.
Talk to you later
Joy – should I forward the info to you? SSR’s are pretty rare actually. Chevy didn’t make many in those two years. I love Little Red but according to the internet it is the #1 most dumbest car ever made which just makes me love it more. Haha!!
🪴🌿 Im not exactly sure whats going on with your house plants, but if youd like, you can use Neem oil. It’s a natural fungicide plus it kills spider mites, etc. I think it’s very useful to have around. They sell it already mixed, but it’s more effective if you mix as needed. (And a 4 oz dropper bottle of it lasts for a really long time!) They also sell the organic kind you can even use on skin for rashes, haircare, skincare, etc. It’s really neat & it’s natural! I really enjoy houseplants!! 🌞 Enjoy your day! 🌻🌻
I actually have some Neem, but I’m not sure why. You mix it in a spray bottle and spray on the plants. Do you have to get all surfaces of the leaves (underneath), and just apply once or several times. Add a 4 oz. dropper in a quart size bottle? What else do you use it for and why? Thanks Angela.
Lori – Néem oil is used to kill insects. I do spay under the leaves because that’s where bugs like to hide. I also spray the soil. I have only had to do this once before they came inside.
Angela – tell me what you have for houseplants? Succulents? I don’t really have much trouble with bugs – the plants live in a very bright but semi shaded area outside and I think the bugs prefer the warmth and sun. I will work on them again today.
Another earthquake early yesterday morning Eleven miles away and “only” 2.5, but still unnerving.
Today I see a lawyer for putting together a new will. There is so much to do! I thought I had a home improvement guy set up to bring me a bid to do some interior work (finish the baseboard and trim in my house). Haven’t heard from him in 2 weeks! Good grief! If I knew how cut wood at angles and use a nail gun, I’d do it myself! 😂
Thanks for the tip about glasses and readers after cataract surgery. So what if I have to wear glasses or readers. Just as long as I can sew and read, I’m okay with that!
The border on your quilt is so great! Like all of the ones shown.
Hopefully later this week I can get going again on the hydrangea quilt blocks I’m putting together. I have 8 blocks finished. The hydrangea fabrics I’m working with are hoarded fabric. Many years ago I bought the panel with the hydrangea blossoms in Las Vegas on a quilt shop tour.
Well my sister was with me for a few days after my cataract surgeries, but we didn’t make it to a quilt shop or the Ben Franklin store. Next time.
I took a short walk today. I could feel fall is in the air! Take care everyone!
wow i did not know there were any Ben Franklin stores in existence anymore.
Brendalynne – The only one I know of near me is in Monroe, WA.
Sharon – I can’t get an electrician either. Very disappointing. Don’t even mention new wills, trusts, directives to me – I’ve spent a fortune and way too many hours on them and they’re still not what I want.
another request for info. Do you put the mothballs in any sort of container ? hang them in trees throw them under bushes ???? Do you think they would work to discourage ‘ possums ????
Brendalynne1 – I really don’t know if mothballs will deter possums but I also don’t think they climb trees. Hmmmm – I lay mothballs right on the top of the soil not in a container.
Love your quilts. Need to dig out the book and try some pieced borders Good way to use up the leftover fabric from a quilt. Moth ball ideas I will try. Working on a quilt now that I cut up the leftovers into 5 inch squares for a table runner. I have been shorted on fabric in kits too. Guess we need to check everything when we receive it. I decided to give myself a sewing day today. Have a nice day everyone!
NancyTD – I don’t think I’ll ever buy another kit or designated pack for a specific quilt. I was very disappointed.
Borders do make a quilt shine! But like you I am ready to be done and avoid pieced borders. I have that book and have used it often as well as the one from Jane? Joan? Speth using charms or 5″ squares. Love your quilts! The weather hopefully stays nice through the next weekend as my granddaughter is getting married next Sunday outside in Bellevue, IA. Yes the wedding quilt is done and labeled! I would share a pic with you but I don’t know how to get a photo from phone to lap top.
Fran – would you like me to help you send that picture? Write to me at maryehazel2020@gmail.com
Hoarded fabric-why do we do that? I bought my first jelly roll early this summer, and it’s sat on the dining room table. I just couldn’t unwrap it!! Finally took the plunge yesterday, unrolled it, and am getting it ready for a Halloween quilt.
I love all of your quilts from hoarded fabric, the colors are so soothing. Spotted Greta right away, what is it about cats and quilts?
To Kathy and Margie, I am a Little Quilts fan too. Went to their shop in Marietta, but none of the women were there at the time. I have a lot of their books and patterns, a little fabric.
Linda – I, too, have jelly rolls still rolled up because I love seeing them on my shelf and until I have a plan they will stay there. I wish I had a favorite 2-1/2” strip quilt that could be my go-to pattern. I don’t know why we hoard favorite fabrics – I think because I don’t know if the pattern I choose will be “worthy”. Good grief!
Well it looks like many of us are guilty of a hoarded fabric or two or too many, I too have a couple of paisley prints that I need to use. I’ve decided because I have so many quilts if I use only my stash for a quilt I will give them away to family or friends. We all love to quilt but how many can I have in my house? I just finished a baby quilt for my sons friend and we were able to use all the fabric from my stash. I was so happy yet it didn’t make a dent. I love the border on your quilt and have never thought about it before, I too am guilty of just throw those borders on to make a quilt larger or to finish it. I’m going to see if I could find that book. When I finish quilting the baby quilt I will send you a picture. I’m calling it down on the farm. Thanks for the blog. I read it every morning with my cup of coffee.
Oh Mary,
I LOVE your quilt. The soft colors are so calming.
I didn’t read the blog yesterday so it was delightful to read this morning while having my coffee. When we got home from church yesterday I decided to spend the rest of the day in my sewing room.
It was rainy and cool so I wanted to enjoy the day inside. I made some decorated tea towels for gifts.
Started a fall table runner. Ironed all the flannel I could find to make pillow cases for charity.
Moved fabric around again!!!! It was an awesome day.
Now I’m going to check out Villa Rose patterns……..do I need patterns? No, but i need to support a pattern company!
That first photo of your quilt with the Judy Martin inspired border is beautiful. The border just made me want to keep looking at the quilt.
I will also take your ‘border’ lesson to heart and will consider spending time and what little creativity I have- on a border for my next project.
Beamer’s mom – I need to work on that, too. I am too impatient – sound familiar?????
The border really adds to the quilt. I need to work on a Bonnie Hunter quilt for my husband’s shirts. I do have some Little Quilts fabrics. I still enjoy looking through their books. There are so many wonderful things to make. I’m so glad I learned to sew way back in high school. There are little bits of color in the trees. We had two and a half inches of rain over the weekend. That was a surprise. Have a good day, everyone.
Oh, borders are so nice when you take that extra time to use up fabric. I use to feel the same way about getting it do so I could start another quilt. I struggle with the quilting too. Love the piecing but want to start another quilt before it’s done. I seen to work well under pressure with a finish date in mind. That makes me work.
I’m home today with a royal cold so will sew in a bit. Thanks so much for sharing your life with us. I love your love for animals too.
Sincerely, Kathy from Wadsworth Ohio
I shared a picture of my dog Bentley when you were sharing dog pictures. I lost him in May this year and am tearing up just writing this. Dogs love us so much, a love like no other.
Have a wonderful day Mary.
And Kathy, we love our pets so much too. Most of us can relate and are so sorry for your loss.
Kathy – I’m so sorry! I’m sure you miss him but won’t you share your life and love with another dog?
I really like your pieced border, it adds such interest. But maybe I think backwards. So many times I see a really pretty focal fabric I want for my outer border to frame my quilt. Then I find the coordinating fabrics to piece the center. Guess just the way my brain works.
Marsha – I think that’s are really great idea actually!
I like your pieced border it really finishes the quilt nicely.
Your second finished quilt is lovely also. I saw a quilt kit very similar on Esty for $500, a little pricey for a kit in my world.
I’m working on the 3 UFO’s hopefully 1 or 2 will reached finished status soon.
Mary, I love your first quilt with the pieced borders,it is really a great looking quilt. I’ve request the Pieced Borders book from my library system. I usually do just simple borders, but I am looking forward at trying something different. Great fabrics in your other two quilts.
Kathy, Margie, and Linda: What are Little Quilts fabric? Can you please send Mary a photo or two to share on the blog? Thank you.
Janice – it’s a pretty old book but a great reference book.
We quilters of a certain age are so lucky to know what the “Littles” are, their cute patterns and great fabrics. And a lot more of the designers. I have a pile of fabric that Mary and Connie designed called “Wear Warm Clothes” that I’ve been saving because the designs are great. These days I’m using my stash to make quilts for charity. That really makes me happy as I can make the nicest quilt tops which our Project Warmth group quilts and then they leave home and never come back. I usually take pictures to remember.
I’ve been using moth balls to repel critters for years. To see how animals react to them, just hold one in your hand and watch when the nosey cat or dog has to check it out. They just cringe at the smell. I know it works on rats and mice, too. A friend had a small airplane. When he stored it for the winter, he always put moth balls inside the fuselage to keep the critters out. The odor was worth not having the mice or rats living there for the winter. Probably spread a few around the hangar, too. The smell is better than the mouse turds.
Take care and don’t forget to smile. It feels good. Betty in Rapid City
Betty – I have a bit of the Wear Warm Clothes fabric left, too, and I put a big chunk on the back of the quilt I just showed with the Judy Martin border. I decided I’d rather see it in use as a chunk than to cut it up. I also have some of the Little Quilts fabric.
I wondered if the fabric in the quilt just after the one with the cat was some of your Wear Warm Clothes. I Like.
Betty in Rapid City
Hi Mary! Your quilts using your hoarded fabrics are great! I really need to follow your example! So much fabric that’s just taking up space when it could be keeping someone warm.
I love the borders on the first photo, as well as the quilt!
Until there were bloggers about quilting, I thought I was the only hoarder of fabric! It is nice to know we are a lot alike!
Mary,
I found that borders book you showed on Melcat through my library. I can’t wait to get it. Your quilt and border were beautiful. Once I read it, I’ll look for a used copy to buy.
Saturday was a very sad day for you and your community. My heart was sad for you all. It was my birthday though, and a very nice day I had! A pontoon ride, and outside games with my son and his girlfriend all day! We played so much badminton, both my husband and I had sore right shoulders! And I know better after rotator cuff surgery! Oh, well. Worked in my garden getting fall cleanup going also. Have put down two trailer loads of wood chips with probably three more to go. As much as I love the garden, I do like the cleanup too. Gives a feeling of satisfaction, I think!
I have also been getting up and working in my sewing room so am getting some projects going! Now that it’s not getting daylight out so early, I have had about an hour each morning this week before I go do my chicken chores and collect granddog, Biscuit, for doggie daycare while my sons at work. I can’t sleep in…seems once a farm girl I’m always an early riser! Plus, as a nurse, I always had early days, especially when I worked in the surgical area. Anyway, I made two cat mats and put together a quilt top from a Christmas panel I bought at a fabric downsizing sale of a fabric hoarder(!). The fabric isn’t my favorite but I have it ready to go to the quilter and that’s progress. I also pulled out another set of fabric to begin a UFO. Thanks for the inspiration. Love your blog. I’m trying to decide on fabric for the Rambling Rows quilt…I’m thinking of using fabric from my Christmas stash. Take care.
Sunflower – I think Rambling Rows would make a great Christmas quilt – just a throw size for a couch maybe. It’s easy to make smaller, too. Now I could not keep up with you gardening! Trailer loads???? My back would be broken. Who goes after the loads of wood chips and where do you get them? Are they free? And Biscuit goes to doggy daycare? That should have been my goal years ago – doggy daycare. I have a hard time sleeping in as well but if I do get up that early I can’t make it thru the day without a nap at this age. Did I ever think I’d be an age to need a nap? Ugh.
Mary,
My husband and I are Biscuit’s doggy daycare!!! Lol. We keep him everyday when kids are working except for the days my son works from home.
I get the wood chips!! I have an 8×6 foot utility trailer that I haul with my vehicle. I get the wood chips free from a DPW in my area. I can’t control the quality of the wood chips but I also can’t beat the free part so I try not to be too picky. Also, I watch for tree trimmers in my neighborhood and ask them to drop the chips in my driveway if they’re willing. I use a LOT of wood chips for my garden.
Have a great day!! Hope you see this comment. Sunflower 🌻
Sunflower – you’re my idol if you can back that trailer up!! Rick’s trailer is much longer but I used it when I was hauling rock – I made sure I pulled in where I could pull out again without backing up – ha!! Mulch is the answer if you have gardens and flower beds.
Backing up is not my strong suit! So much easier if the trailer is full, otherwise an empty trailer that small is almost impossible to back up straight. Even my husband has a difficult time when empty so if I have to adjust many times I don’t mind!