Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Stripping…The Rest of the Story

My brief but enjoyable career as a stripper is over…for the time being, at least.  Never did I think that at this stage in my life would I even be able to attempt this new venture but I did…and quite successfully, I think.

beediv

Remember this?

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Well I was having such a great time so I took your advice and continued to strip and here it is now…

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It’s a perfect size for our kitchen table…

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Or I can hang it from one of the glass doors on our pine  step back cupboard…

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I’m not quite sure whether to hand quilt it or have it machine quilted.  Do you have any suggestions?

beediv

Although stripping is not hard work, I did need to take a respite and during those breaks, I managed to complete the first block of the Civil War Bride Quilt. 

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I blanket stitched around each of the elements…

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and am now ready to move on to the second block.

String Quilt CWBQ Block 2

I hope to get the all the pieces prepped and cut out today so I can begin to stitch them tonight.

beediv

Although my stripping career was short lived, I hope to take it up again in the not-too-distant future.  If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to use up some of the scraps that you’ve accumulated, I highly recommend that you try stripping.  Heck, if I can do it at my age…anyone can!  *wink*

Happy stitching!

Kaaren ♥

58 comments:

Heikesquilt said...

Hi Kaaren,
that look so beautiful, I've to sew a baby quilt and i think this is a really colourful pattern.
If You've got lots of time just handquilt it.
A big warm hug from very cold Germany is sending
Heike

Anonymous said...

I admire your talent so much.. I have only dabbled in quilting when my daughter was quite young. I made a baby quilt - pretty much patchwork, and then I made a couple of start quilt blocks and had them framed. I would love to delve into quilting again some day. You are so very talented! :)

Darlene said...

I'm quite smitten with your string quilt and I'm especially glad that you did a little "stripping". You'll do it again - you've been bitten by that bug. LOL Handquilt or machine quilt - hmmmm - follow your heart.

OMG, OMG, OMG your Civil War Bride Quilts blocks are beyond fabulous. I'm so glad to be a part of the journey with you.

Annette said...

It turned out great! It looks good in your home. You were pretty fast with your first block...maybe it will be finished quicker than you thought. The block is gorgeous.

ferne said...

I love the way the strip quilt turned out. It doesn't need any fancy quilting just quilt in the ditch or echo.

Sandra's Sewing Room said...

Love your strip quilt. Looks good both on the table and on the hutch.

Elin said...

Your strip quilt is just so cute! I want to make one right away...

Cath's Pennies Designs said...

You're hilarious. Your talent in stripping gives delightful results!
Very very nice!
Cathy

paulette said...

Hi Kaaren!!

You have been one busy girl!! Stripping and appliqueing...and at the same time!! Does your mother know? ;o)
Love your projects!!
Paulette

Jocelyn said...

Love the quilt! I think either hand or machine quilted it will be beautiful. Just do what gives you some enjoyment.

Sharon said...

If you keep it as a tablecloth, I'd hand quilt it. You will enjoy the results at every meal. If just hanging or folded for dec, then I'd machine quilt it! jmho But I love hand quilted table cloths, just something about the stitching.

Anonymous said...

Love the border on your stripped piece....and oh my goodness the wool...drool.

lesthook said...

It turned out beautiful! I have been stripping all week too,LOL!

Ariane said...

Your quilt top is beautiful. It looks great on your table. I also love your blocks. Wonderful.

Maggey and Jim said...

I love the table top.. it turned out so nice and really pops on your table.. The Civil War block is awesome, really nice work and love the colors.. Thanks for sharing.
Maggey

Maggey and Jim said...

I would just machine quilt it because of the strips it really doesn't need much, just to hold it together. I love how you did the border dark because that sets it off.Draws your eye to the strips..Whatever you decide I am sure it will lovely.. Your work always is
Maggey

Unknown said...

Oh, I love it. As far as the quilting, I guess it depends on your time and which one you enjoy the most. Whatever you decide, it will be perfect.
Teresa

Karen said...

I think I would like your house very much. My kind of stuff!

I like your Valentine vignette in your header photo.

Stina Blomgren said...

Maybe I have to start stripping too...;o)))
Love it Kaaren.. perfect..:o)

Deb said...

Your quilt is wonderful! Just the perfect size for doing so many things with. But, OMG, the Civil War Bride quilt is beyond gorgeous. I've had my eye on this quilt, but I do love, love, love yours in the wool. I think I may just have to order pattern at least. I just can't stop drooling over that block!! I absolutely can not wait to see more.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Great job Kaaren. It looks great anywhere. I'd machine quilt only because if you used foundation it'll be difficult to "needle". Your wool project is going to be just stunning in your beautiful home.

Francien said...

Öh it turned out lovely Kaaren...i like it on your table...lovey "fresh"colors..it surtenly is a great succes...your kitchen looks so cosy..

the CWB block looks good too...
i am defenitly going to try the stripping...i only need a shop where they do sell time...
greetings ♥ Francien.

Kiwifruit-Shiree said...

way to go Kaaren, well done, it looks really lovely on your table.
And your Civil War Bride blocks look simply amazing - absolutely fabulous!
As for hand vs machine, follow your heart.

Carrie P. said...

Great job on your strip quilt. It looks great in both places.
And look at your wool block. Your stitches are perfection. Great job.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Man lady you can strip!! and your first block is wonderful. Even though I only hand quilt, if I was you I would machine quilt. I get the idea you would like to have it done and move on with your Civil war project. Just my 2 cents worth!

Ivani said...

Kaaren,
Your stripping looks great :)
Just perfect on your table.
If you made it with foundation, I think it will be easy to machine quilt. Baptist Fab quilting looks great for string quilts.
Hugs

Annie Bee said...

Your quilt is gorgeous and I just love your Civil Ward Bride Block 1 just gorgeous - looking forward to seeing Block 2.

Leslie said...

Kaaren,
Love the quilt you made! I really, really, want to start on something like that next but first, I have to finish the quilt I'm working on :)

I have struggled with the hand vs. machine issue and ended up machine stitching because I knew if I hand stitched, it would maybe never get done...lol

Your first block looks great. The second looks like it has a lot of pieces...but it will be worth all of the hard work you put into it :)

Have a great rest of your day :)

Leslie

Cindy said...

Kaaren, shame on you !!

First you're stripping on your table and then you're stripping while hanging on your cupboard.

What are we to "think"?

I "think" it's wonderful !

Liz said...

I love the look of your 'stripper' quilt, I just might have to try that with some scraps. The CWBQ is looking good too, the wool looks great.
Lizzie
XXX

Julie said...

i just adore both these projects kaaren! the black(?) border really sets the strip quilt off just nicely. i'd definitely hand quilt it.
and the stitches on your wool applique are just perfect.
nice job chooky!
xoxoxo

Terry said...

Your strip quilt looks great on your table! Then again, it looks great hanging over the door! I'd have a hard time choosing which place to put it! :0)

Marie said...

Stripping does make good therapy though. You don't even have to think about it. You just reach in the box, pull something out and pretty soon you have a finished project. You can find me at hummingbirdtreasures.blogspot.com

Elyte said...

The quilt looks lovely (and so does your house!). I think you should have it machine quilted - more time to work on the Civil War Bride Quilt. That looks scrumptious and the wool looks beautiful to work with. Good luck!

Patty said...

Kaaren, your strip quilt looks goo with the added rows. i would machine quilt it. You first Civil War block is beautiful. I think it will be stunning when you are done. Making it in wool was a brilliant idea

Quiltnaht said...

Hi Kaaren,
your strip quilt looks beautiful!
I like the colours and he is perfect for your kitchen table.

I would handquilt it.

Many regards from Germany
Marina

Mimi said...

Your wool blocks are turning out beautifully. The strip quilt looks perfect in your kitchen, too. I love your decor. It's very homey.

Donnelly said...

Oh, your strip quilt is lovely! I so wanted to join the quilt-a-long on this one. But, I have yet to finish my queen size quilt for my bed. I will be doing this in the near future for sure! Have a great day!

Sharon said...

You are a fabulous stripper! Your quilt turned out wonderful.

Sherri said...

That quilt looks wonderful on the table and on the cupboard door! Wonderful...and I love your applique' block as well!

WoolenSails said...

I love how you bordered it in black, that is beautiful.
Also love the blocks you are making. I love doing applique blocks and hope to do more this year.

Debbie

Brenda said...

It's awesome! I love it. And that block is stunning. Can't wait to see the next one! B=)

Allie said...

That turned out beautifully, Kaaren! I hope there's more stripping in your future! Your block looks so pretty too.

Lissa Jane said...

I tried stripping once.. my tassles got caught in my 'thong' and I slipped off the pole looking like a pretzel!*W*
the quilt looks beautiful... I love it.. i have some strips here waiting for 'something' and I love have you put the sashing and cornerstones.. very cute!

Lissa

Pieced Pastimes said...

Kaaren - The border really finished off your strip quilt nicely. I think I would machine quilt it as there will be so many seams to sew through and that could make your hands very sore. Also, the civil war bride blocks are coming out lovely. The colors are just perfect.
Suzanne

Nanette Merrill said...

Oh my gosh. I don't know which to comment on first, the wool or the table topper! I never thought of laying a quilt over my china hutch door. Super idea. I love the table topper. That black makes everything pop. It is my new favorite color in quilts - seriously. I've been really seeing what black does to quilts lately. The wool project is fabulous.

Teri said...

This is the first time here and I must say, "what a treat!" I love your sense of humor. You are one talented lady. I also love your home..what great prims!!! The civil war quilt is to die for!!! I love quilts but don't know how to make them. Unfortunately, buying one isn't in my budget right now either. Thanks for the great eye candy! I will be back!

Dianne said...

Your quilt is stunning. You are a great stripper! :) It looks good on the table and that is somewhere you can enjoy looking at the fruits of your labour often. Your first block is beautiful and look forward to seeing the next ones.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Very cute stripping results Kaaren! And love you CWB blocks!!

Susannah said...

Hi Kaaren, Your "stripping quilt" is gorgeous. It will look great anywhere you put it.

I love the "Civil War Bride Quilt"!!!! It is going to be magnificent!!!!! The next block so very interesting. Good luck, Kaaren. I will be watching your progress.

Susannah

Cathi said...

The strip quilt is fabulous!! I just love how that looks -- perfect for your home!

Clara said...

Love the things you create and love your kitchen, so warm and cosy. I've always loved patchwork and quilting and started a course last december. At the moment I work to an ambitious (compared to my ability!) project for a hexagon patchwork blanket for our bed, completely hand-sewn.
The quilt is perfect on your kitchen table! Take care Kaaren and keep quilting. Hug from Sicily, Clara.

Sue-Anne said...

Wow! Your stripping quilt looks fantastic. Civil War Bride looks great too with the wools. I am looking forward to following your progress on it.

Julz said...

Hi Kaaren, thanks for your hello via Yvonne @ Sawmillers Quiltery in NZ :) OOh can't wait to see the progress of your Civil War Bride Quilt - I don't know anything about this quilt design so will be interesting to watch your's develop. Are the pieces that you are blanket stitching in 'wools'. Hugs to you Jx PS: you have done a fine job of the stripping!

Jantine said...

Wow, these white sashings and especially the black border really make this quilt sparkling!

Siobhán said...

Kaaren, you are the best stripper that I know. Every little bit is amazing. ;) I think machine or hand quilting would look great--whatever you decide to do would be wonderful. Your CWBQ... oh. my. gosh. AMAZING!! I stopped quilting before wool became popular so I am totally new to the concept. I want SO badly to do the wool crazy quilt but will probably wait till I'm next in the US and can get somebody to talk me through things at a LQS before I jump into it. I love the CWBQ, too. Absolutely stunning. BTW, love the pics of your house! Very cozy, warm and inviting.

Valentina said...

Hi Kaaren, Your strippy quilt is so beautiful and so very inspiring! I love everything about it, but most of all how you managed to keep it very "Kaaren"!
:)
Stripping or no stripping, always a Lady!

Quilts And Pieces said...

I LOVE your little strippy quilt. It is wonderful!