Saturday, September 24, 2011

Seasonal Pantries & SAL Updates

AAQI has provided me with a new way to use all the designs I've saved up for the 'right occasion'. I never stitch anything twice, so when I really like something, I don't like to waste the stitching when I don't know how I'll use it. Am I the only one who does this? But the AAQI mini-quilts are perfect for those designs, especially since it doesn't seem like the 'right occasions' are ever going to come! Reminds me of how reluctant I am to wear new clothes until a special occasion comes along. Sometimes, those clothes hang in the closet un-worn until they completely go out of style!

So I decided to stitch up the seasonal pantry designs that Brooke Nolan offered to members of her Yahoo group some time ago and use them for a mini-quilt. Brooke graciously gave me permission to use the designs in this way. They are so beautiful, I just didn't have the heart to stitch them without a purpose. I used four different pieces of hand-dyed 18 count Aida. The amount of shrinkage was different on each so they aren't precisely the same size. But I don't ever stitch things up precisely anyway so not a problem. I used all cotton batting in this one. It's nice.. retains its loft when I press it and also stays in place without a lot of slip-sliding while I'm sewing it.











I added two months to the San-Man Birthday Village. We now have an LNS in town. Notice how it is the tallest building in the village, just as it should be! And you can buy a tasty apple snack on your way.




I'm up to date on the Carol's SAL too. The piece is small and the photo is even smaller. Carol wants to prevent people stitching from finished images and this is the best way I guess.

33 comments:

Nicky said...

I love that little quilt, of course spring is my favourite. I've been watching the lovely SAL of Carols from a distance, and it is beautiful! So many different colour combos, and all so pretty too. Hope you're having a lovely stitchy weekend.

Annette said...

WOW!! Annie;) you have been busy, so many updates..
Your little quilt looks great, did you hand dyed the fabric yourself?

Both your Sal's are progressing well!
Have fun stotching the next parts ;)

Jan said...

What a clever idea! I love the quilt. The village is adorable. I've seen several of the bloggers that are doing Carol's and I think you have finished the most. I like your color choices. Lovely stitching.

Nancy said...

Annie the Seasonal Pantries look gorgeous, and such a clever way to use these pretty patterns! I have had them printed out to stitch/finish as seasonal pinkeeps but just haven't had time to do that yet. Brooke has some wonderful free patterns! Your Birthday Village looks so cheerful, and your SAL looks lovely! Happy stitching!

Jackie's Stitches said...

You've been busy! Looking through, I realized that my favorite parts of each one were the food - the turkey, corn, pumpkin, apple tree, carrots, watermelon. They all have wonderful detail and dimension!

barbara said...

Wow those seasonal pantries are really cute. :) And you sure have been busy!!

Margaret said...

The seasonal pantry designs came out great as a mini quilt. Just wonderful! Love your village as well, and the SAL looks great!

Cindy's Stitching said...

they are all so pretty. You have been busy

deb said...

Absolutely beautiful quilt and stitching. But you should not have to find a reason to stitch such lovely designs. Something always turns up! Deb

Deborah said...

The quilt is beautiful. I love your village.

Theresa said...

I love your pantry finish~~~ Soooo cute!!!!!!
Of course the Needlework shop has to be the tallest!!!! Loving your village every step of the way~~

Jane said...

Great way to showcase your stitching, it's a lovely quilt

Lois said...

Love the seasonal pantry designs and what a great way to put them together. Your Birthday Village is coming together so nicely and nice progress on your SAL piece too.

anne-isis said...

I like so much the patch with the seasons of Brooke's Books

Umintsuru said...

They are all beautiful. Your mini quilt is gorgeous. The bunny block is my favourite. Love the blue, red and white SAL too.

Karen said...

Love the Seasonal Pantry quilt, it's just beautiful!

Gina E. said...

Oh Annie, all your work is gorgeous! That sounds so bland, but everyone in the previous comments have pretty much said it all for me.

CATHI said...

I like the seasonal pantry designs! They are gorgeous!

Cathi

Melanie said...

Lovely quilt!! I always love how you come up with something different for your finishes. :)

Hetti said...

You have made a cute mini quilt for the AAQI, they will be very pleased with you Annie!

The village is very nice it's growing quick ;-))
Hugs,

Carol said...

Just got back from D.C. and was happy to see an update, Annie :)

You sure have been busy! I love how you turned your seasonal stitches into a quilt for AAQI...it's just darling. And your little town is growing so nicely--love the colors in the Stitching Shop... Your SAL photo looks great--with the colors you've chosen I have no trouble seeing the design.

I'm the same as you in terms of buying and wearing new clothes--it's a bad habit, isn't it!

Moreen said...

Wow!Annie you have stitched such lovely things,I love them all the quilt is a great idea, Carols is looking really nice.
I love the village such lovely colours.

Siobhán said...

Wow, Annie! I hope you're not burned by that sizzling needle. ;) Everything looks great! I love the SAL pieces. The quilt--oh my gosh--how clever. Beautiful work!

Have a great week. :)

♥ Nia said...

Looks lovely! I love the block with the snowman! :)
Your village is so big already!! Is there still more to add or is it finished? Looks awesome! :D

♥ Nia said...

PS: I love the LNS!!! :D

Blu said...

The quilt looks lovely! Brooke's designs are so cute! And your little town looks excellent.

Brigitte said...

The four seasons look so great in that mini-quilt. What a neat idea. I think I'll have to try to finish some of my stitched pieces this way.
I love the little village.

Mylene said...

You sure been busy, love the quilt...great job! And the quilt is coming along beautifully!!

Pumpkin said...

What a brilliant idea Annie! Looks awesome :o)

Your San Man Village is coming right along.

I still can't get over how small this is but I love it!

Myra said...

Annie, your finish on this is just superb. I have those designs saved for "sometime". LOL Now if all those sometimes would just get here.

Sandra said...

I used to be like that, starting a project only if I knew what it would be finished as. Now not anymore, just work on the designs that strike my fancies and the let the finished design "talk to me". My MSAL refuses to tell me what he wants to become lol

Love how your seasonal pantries turned out. I still have to work on Spring and Summer.

The Vilage and the tiny SAL are looking great too.

Vinniey said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Vinniey said...

Your Seasonal Pantry quilt is so beautiful. Each of them are so pretty! Great job, Annie! And the village is gorgeous too!