Monday, July 23, 2007

Can't Leave Well Enough Alone






















Remember Scrapbag Explosion, my fun little 2" squares playtime guy? Well, he was in queue to be sandwiched and pinbasted when he started talking to me. "Hey," he says, "I'm not done. Give me more!!!!" Not being one to ignore talking quilts, I drug out the little plastic drawers full of 2" squares and started playing around on the design wall. I'm not sure how these new borders will eventually end up, but it did give me an excuse to do that mindless chain-piecing that I am so fond of!!!! Of course, there is one small problem. I have just a bitty-bitty amount of the tan solid left in my stash. This may entail a shopping trip.....



For a walk down memory lane, go on over to Knot Garden's blog and look at her wonderful hollyhock photo! Made me remember making hollyhock dolls with a friend's two darling girls about 25 years ago. I did a little googling to see if I could remember how we did that. Thank you, Denver Channel! The directions are here for making these adorable dollies:







Aren't these fun?



Kansas City is getting some much needed rain today. I was getting tired already of the hose-dragging routine. And I'm sure the tomatoes will enjoy it.



























14 comments:

Andrea said...

I love this quilt - scrappy wins hands down everytime for me ! Fabulous ! I love how the tan sets off the colours of the little squares.

Little Penpen said...

The quilt was beautiful before it started talking... and I'm sure it will be beautiful when you are finished! Love the hollyhock dolls... never seen that before!

Elaine Adair said...

Cute scrappy quilt - it also, is on my list of "gotta do".

I've not heard anyone mention those little hollyhock dolls for eons. I remember them well, and what about making 'tea' from those little 'roses' that grew in dry areas? (Naturally, I don't remember their names at the moment ... )

sewprimitive karen said...

Oh! Don't you get sick of watering by hand? Thank goodness we have had lots of rain lately and I've had a break from that *#&@ hose. I take a book with me when I water out of sheer desperation. The quilt top was right, the outer border looks sensational. Better go get more of that gorgeous tan fabric.

sewprimitive karen said...

I remember so clearly seeing those hollyhock dolls in several children's book illustrations when I was growing up but never knew anybody who actually made them. I always wondered how they were made!

Judy said...

Can't wait to see what the final border looks like! It's looking good so far.

Knot Garden said...

The quilt top is looking great, and the hollyhock dolls are so cute. I also love your strawberry rug from the previous post.

Libby said...

Scrappy quilts rule *s* Okay, we'll maybe they don't rule, but I sure do like 'em.

Gail said...

I'm glad you pay attention when the quilt speaks! This one is wonderful. I would never have thought of that shade of tan, but is better than perfect!

Finn said...

Hi Vera, what fun those blocks and border in progress are! It is just so wonderful at times, to do the mindless chain piecing. Love that soothing hum of the machine buzzing along and the little joined up trail it leaves behind.
I read down through your Orphan post, didn't know you were thinking about playing along. You have a good start there, but probably not enough to really get going. I suggest sorting them into 'crayon type colors' and pastels at least.A
And then maybe as you piece other things, like the one on the wall now, you could just toss some of those pairs or columns or even 4 patch combos towards the orphan pile. Odd bits of left over embroidery work well, and other bits of unusual needlework or fabric. Doesn't ake long...LOL
Keep the faith...enjoy everything. Hugs, Finn

Susan said...

Very wise to listen to your quilt. No telling what it might do otherwise. =) I look forward to seeing how it all turns out, when it's finished speaking. A trip to the quilt store? How sad you might be forced to go to such lengths. =)

Sipiweske Quilts said...

I just signed up yesterday for the Quilt Studio ring and thought I'd give it a try this a.m. Your site is the first one I came across on the random button. It's great to see someone having so much fun doing what I wish I could be doing! These paying jobs keep getting in the way. Keep having fun and I'll check back often. Marlene/SipiweskeQuiltDesigns/Manitoba/Canada

Kay said...

That's a fabulous scrap quilt. I have one going also, because, like you, I love the endless chain piecing. It's a real "flow" experience.

And I remember making hollyhock dolls too, although mine weren't as elaborate, just a head and a skirt.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh this is beautiful! I love the colors and the setting! And I"m totally jealous about the tomatoes! What I wouldn't do for a real tomato out of your garden! Ours are still green and small and hard. It rained last night, so maybe that will help.