Wednesday, June 1, 2016

June 2016 UFO Parade

Not only is today UFO Parade day, and Rabbit Rabbit Day -- it's commissioning day for my favorite US Air Force Academy cadet, Blake McCown. Congratulations, Blake, and I hope you like your quilt!

I think it's appropriate that the UFO number for June is:


And now, on with the show!

Friend and frequent Ruth's Stitchery shopper, Ethel, has sewn up a storm this month. Her DH is currently deployed, so send good thoughts her way.

The first quilt she finished was from last year, and is "Strips Ahoy," a Jelly Roll Party project from last year. The fabric is by Lily Asbury from Moda, and is from the line "Fancy."


Here's a closeup of the lovely quilting:


One of the most fun things about quilting is make a quilt for a "first quilt" recipient. Ethel made this gorgeous green batik quilt for her SIL, and says she doesn't think anyone has ever made a quilt for her. She is going to love it, Ethel!


(Hello puppy!)

This Ohio Star variation is Ethel's birthday prezzie to herself. The stars are "Vintage Picnic" from Bonnie and Camille for Moda. She says this is her first time using a background color other than cream, white, or black -- a great success, Ethel!



Ethel was so happy with her "Strips Ahoy" quilt, she made another in "Black Tie Affair" by Basic Grey for Moda. This one goes to another SIL.


And not exactly UFOs, but who could resist these vintage beauties that Ethel scored in a local antiques shop?


I'd love to know the story behind this Grandmother's Flower Garden. It breaks my heart to know the family let it go, but I know Ethel will give it a good home (after a nice soak in Retro-Clean!)


Idaho friend Martha has also churned out the finishes this month. First is a quilt made from 30-year-old African waxed prints. It will be auctioned off when her DH's Peace Corps groups has a reunion, to raise funds to build wells in Africa.


Here is a second quilt made by Martha of African fabrics. I love these colors, Martha!


Martha was kind enough to include a link to the free pattern from Benartex. It's called "Amber Dreams," and the free pattern is here.

Martha's third finish is also from a free pattern. This one is "RetroPlaid" from Suzy Quilts for Birch Quilts. The free pattern is here.

And here is Martha's version:


Martha reports this one is very quick to put together, and will be a gift for a new baby.

Here's one for Martha's prize VW camper. It's called "Cut Campers."


I  know Jennifer has had a hard year, and her May finish is so appropriate (and funny!) She calls it "Sometimes I Wine a Bit," because the background fabric is printed with the phrase, "wine is cheaper than a therapist." It's a Villa Rosa pattern called "Joy."  Jenn reports she actually made the entire thing from cutting, to piecing, to quilting, and binding -- in one day!




It's Winter in Australia -- prime quilting season! Susan finished this cute winter-themed table runner using a fat quarter gifted to her by her bestie. She'll be ready to decorate for Christmas!


Visit Susan's Sewing Space for the detes on Susan's table runner.

Mary J is making a series of quilts based on Gwen Marston's techniques. MJ's "refrigerator" quilts are 12" square -- perfect to display on the fridge!


Great machine quilting on this one, MJ!


More details at Zippy Quilts, here.

Irene made a quilt from a book by two Colorado authors, "Toppers," by Lynda Milligan & Nancy Smith.


She's gifting this little beauty to her son for his new home in Wyoming.

Kerry finished this Denyse Schmidt design for her son and DIL's first anniversary. "Between the Lines" 


Kerry writes about this project and comments on her foundation piecing experience at Kerry's Quilting Stash, here.

June is shaping up to be a busy month here at 52 Quilts. But I'm planning a tutorial on mitering quilt borders -- look for it next Tuesday!

Congratulations to all service academy graduates -- especially those at the USAF Academy who graduate tomorrow!



From the desk of your auntmartisignature