Monday, May 21, 2007

Split Personality



I am a fan of Cheri Saffiote's very, very prim designs. I recently purchased this book after ogling it many times. Last year I decked out a white feather tree with pears and birds and other Christmas-y bling for my dining room (very Martha, if I did say so myself!!!). It was done in colors to compliment the dining room--lots of teal-y jade-y greens, soft blues, soft yellowy corals, etc. and often thought that I needed a 12 Days of Christmas wallhanging to go in that room too. Never could find a pattern I liked however. Well, when I saw these sweet blocks in this book, a lightbulb came on (dim, but nevertheless, a light bulb). I could use these blocks but done in my dining room colors. I have decided to do my own "block of the month" thing, only it will be a "page of the month" as the designs fall on five different pages. That would mean by September the blocks would be done and I'd still have a couple of months to assemble and quilt--just in time for Christmas. I know, I know, "best laid plans..."
Pictured above are the first three blocks I did this weekend. Saffiote uses cottons, wools, wool felt, stitchery, piecing and applique! I won't get bored. I really enjoy the freedom of her designs.

I have a split personality where home decorating is concerned LOL! I have lots of primitives and prim-colored accents, but I also love the cottage-y farmhouse style so my home is a mix of the two--some would just call it hodge-podge. I prefer to think of it as "cottage prim"!!! But it suits me. Some days I just have to step away from the dark colors of many of my quilts and accents and jump into the softer, shabby-chic yumminess. It's fun.

11 comments:

Libby said...

That is one of my favorite quilt books - it rarely ever gets put on the shelf because I always want to leaf through it . . . just one more time *s*

Knot Garden said...

The blocks you've done look lovely - I like the combination of primitive designs and soft colours. That's something I'm always trying to achieve. Your dining room sounds as if it's done in beautiful colours.

Nancy in MT said...

I love the blocks you've done so far Vera, it will be a great Christmas quilt.

Rose Marie said...

Oh, those blocks look like fun to make up! Keep us posted on your progress.

Mama Spark said...

I have not heard of this designer. I will have to check out the books. I like primitive too but don't have much in my home. I am anxious to see your 12 days WH done. I am curious about the cottage prim look, might be tempted to try that myself!!

Betty said...

OH Vera!! they are wonderful, and I think you nailed my decorating style too! country cottage prim, I prefer to call mine shabby chic country prim LOL look forward to seeing thes blocks

Patti said...

Oh Vera - our tastes are so very much alike. I adore my dark rich folk art primitive fabrics and all my 1800's reproductions, but I'm having a love affair with the shabby chic soft romantic pastel florals too. As well as the 40's and 50's retro stuff. And my house is definitely a mix of it all. "Early something" - I just don't know what.

I have that book by Cheri and haven't done anything out of it. Maybe it's time to pull it out and take a look. I love what you are doing!

weirdbunny said...

Your quilt is going to be superb. Your so organised thinking of christmas already !!!! - love Julia x

Judy said...

Oh Vera, they are simply fabulous!! The quilt is going to turn out so well!

ANother book I'll need to pick up!

Carole said...

You blocks look lovely. I looked on Amazon for the book and they do not have it. Did you get it at a special site? Thanks for sharing!

Quilts And Pieces said...

I love the partridge in a pear tree! I have that book and loaned it to my friend last fall - she made a TON of coffee mug rugs from it - they all turned out so cute. And for me - I got the partridge in a pear tree one!