Wednesday, February 9, 2011

"Over the River"

Now that the Packer win hoopla is over, I guess I should concentrate on getting back to the business of quilting.  Too bad I've gotten the "crud" that is going around with the stuffy head, nose and watery eyes that brings on a cough that leaves me breathless.  You might have to settle with this post for a week, my friends until I somewhat recover.  Although, I must admit that I was well enough to make two pincushions yesterday, even though I never had the strength to stuff them.  LOL.

Anyway, enough of all that!!  Onto the good stuff.  As you know, I am a big part of the doll swap.  I LOVE this swap the best of all, I think.  Probably because it seems the perfect size for all my ideas and believe me, I have ideas!!!  A week or so ago, I drew two possibilities for my partner.  One was very involved and I sort of figured that by the time it was done, I'd never be able to let it go, and another:

"Over the river...."

I thought that might be perfect if I added some crazy fabrics and a bit of whimsy, (like I love to do).  Besides, earlier in the week, I visited my local fabric store and saw tons of possibilities for the addition of buttons to enhance it.  (Some of which happened to jump right in my cart, I'll have you know.)  So I started fusing:

"Over the River"- the beginning

And continued until I was done............(a mere 8 hours later, if you can believe??)  And that was with the inclusion of a run for additional buttons that wouldn't get out of my head.  Duh!

"Over the River" all fused and ready

Finally it was done and I will show you sections before showing you the whole thing.  I want you to see the detail.  First the top left:

"Over the River" - Top Left

And the bottom left:

"Over the River" - Bottom Left

The middle:

"Over the River" - Middle

And the right side:

"Over the River" - Top right

You'd think it was huge, right?  Not really!  It finished at 21 by 17 inches.  A perfect size, I think for all the fun!

"Over the River" - Finished

Best thing of all though is that my swap partner LOVES it.  She commented, and that was the "frosting on the cake".  Yahoo!!!

128 comments:

Riel Nason said...

It is FAB-U-LOUS! The sky writing is just the best touch. It is all so colourful and cheerful!!!

pinsandneedles said...

So whimsical! Love it!

Jen said...

Wow, I love it. Those buttons are fantastic. They totally make the quilt.

Unknown said...

Ohhh, its soooo cute, I love it!

Shelley said...

This is absolutely THE cutest thing I have ever seen! Your work is so inspired and inspiring :) Thanks for sharing!

Terrie Sandelin said...

This is absolutely fabulous. The detailing is incredible. I think you have one very lucky swap partner!

Tonya said...

That is amazing! It looks like you did an incredible job, especially with all the little details!

Needled Mom said...

ADORABLE!!!! I am so glad that you shared all of the wonderful detail too.

Dorian said...

You just amaze me! I love your work. This is so cute.

Yumm yumz by patticakes said...

Carol:

I truly love your whimsical creations - they make my heart sing!

Would you contact me about a commissioned wall hanging? I promise it would have a loving and stable home! lol

Kathy said...

I love this! You are so creative. How fun it must have been to make.

Sharon@LoftyQuilts.com said...

You're a true artist! I marvel at your creativity.

Mommarock said...

Oh my goodness!! Who wouldn't love that!! Fantastic.. so darn cute!!

Penny said...

Your quilts are awesome! I discovered you while looking at mug rugs in Flickr. I've never quilted, although I'm trying my hand at some [basic] wall hangings & mug rugs. Never knew until recently there were so many cool things that could be done with quilting. Your blog is a definite inspiration!

Penny

Quiet Quilter said...

You have a style and whimsy all your own. Lucky partner in the doll swap!

Kelly O. said...

who wouldn't love this!!!! it's freaking awesome!

Gill said...

Gorgeous! Now off to bed with you and we'll see you when you're feeling better!

Shelley said...

This just brightened up my day here!!

And the buttons.....How cute!!!!

Cindy said...

How fantastic! Just love all the details in it! Your swap partner is extremely lucky.

StitchinByTheLake said...

It is a sin to covet and I know that. But I promise you if it wasn't, I would. This is my very favorite piece I've seen of yours. The detail just blows me away. The whimsy makes me laugh out loud. The bright colors make me sigh. I stand in awe. blessings, marlene

Shannon said...

That is so cool!!! You did a wonderful job!

Cossett said...

The most amazing, beautiful and thoughtful work, You have been blessed with such great talent, Thank you so much for sharing! Love everything you do it always brightens my day.

Paulette said...

That is completely adorable! I love your sense of whimsy!

Chris said...

You'll probably get a gazillion comments because that is just amazing. Even more amazing is the thought & effort you have put into making it so special for your partner.
What a wonderful gift
Chris x

A.J. Dub. (Amy) said...

So darn cute! How could you NOT love it! I want one! :)

Terri in BC said...

Wow, you just blow me away with your creativity and speed! I hope one day you'll consider selling your patterns here.

Anja said...

Oh Carol, why do you do that to me? I have to invent words to describe your creations and my english is restricted in vocabulary, so I say it in german (and perhaps you know that word): G E I L !!!
I love how the quilting makes the clouds pop out, and all those colors, I love it!

Anja

Sue said...

Seriously could win the cutest quilt ever! Great job with the scale of buttons to match quilt design, awesome!

Brita said...

Love it. Love it. Love it. Has to be the cutest little quilt I've seen. Thanks for sharing :-)

PeggyinNO said...

Who wouldn't LOVE this CUTE quilt!! You are sooooo talented! I have been reading your blog since you were on Stash Manicure. And with every new post, you just blow me away! Great stuff!
Back to this little "cutie". I LOVE all the buttons, especially the sheep!! I can see why they jumped in your cart!! Gotta go, have to "study" your quilt a little more!

Susan said...

Who WOULDN'T love it Carol! You are a unique quilt artist!

Manda said...

Amazing! Think you'd stuggle to find someone who didn't like it!

Trudi said...

How could anyone not love it! It's fantabulous! I love all the special buttons too!

Nancy B said...

The little detail that caught my eye was the binding. You think of everything! Love it!! Love your blog, too.

Susan said...

Love it - I thought the sheep buttons were fantastic til I saw the binding - I love that you matched it - a perfect finish. But I am confusd why this is a doll swap, so have to go investigate that blog - and I am so glad for you - finally a comment.

Regina said...

Unbelievable!

Ursula said...

that is amazing! You are truly a creative and talented person. I bow to your awesomeness.

Dianne said...

If this is what you accomplish when you are "undertheweather" one can only imagine the fabulosity that would have been created if you had felt fit as a fiddle!!! Way too lovely for mere words. The sheep make me giggle!!

Kathy said...

This is such a cute quilt! You are really talented.

I love the little sheep buttons!

Marie said...

How could anyone not just love it. (My favorite are the little sheep buttons.) It is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

Hugs - Marie

Quilting Kim said...

Your work is truly amazing & I just love the whimsy that you incorporate into each of your designs. It's totally understandable how those buttons just jumped into your cart - they are perfect. I would love to crawl inside of your head for about an hour and tap some of your talent.

Sparky said...

R U kidding me...there are ducks in the pond, apples in the tree and planes in the air...lol the details the adventure of it all...well can I say one word?....Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, yep that is my word for tonight .lol

Deborah said...

Amazing! And sew inspirational!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Great visiting you over at Stash Manicure Carol. Do I need to tell you again #13 is my favorite mug rug?

Lisa said...

Hello! Just saw your mug rugs over on Stash Manicure and #12 is my fav! The mouse is so adorable!

Christine M said...

Hi Carol. I've just popped over from Stash Manicure to say hello. I love your little village. Those tiny ducks on the pond are so cute.

Sally said...

I am in awe of everything you make!

schmidt1016 said...

This is so clever! I love the fabrics you chose. And the little airplane button with the sky writing is too cute!

Leslie S. in MN
esclante at comcast dot net

schmidt1016 said...

Oh, I forgot to tell you that I came over from Stash Manicure and left a comment there about your adorable mug mats. Now I'm following you and subscribed to your feed. And as former Wisconsinite and forever Packer fan, wasn't that terrific?!

Leslie S. in MN
esclante at comcast dot net

JariJari said...

amazing work and yr partner is so way lucky! what a treasure. I believe one day you'll be heading out of your home teaching and lecturing. You are totally awesome.

Annette said...

It looks like a beautiful sunshiny day there in mamacjt land. We could use one of those around here...we're having lot of cold and cloudy days.

Another awesome design.

pcflamingo said...

Just popped over from Stash Manicure - I luv luv luv the Frog Prince mug rug. And I love the little sheep (buttons?) on the project on this page. Little dangling legs and all.

BubzRugz said...

Just love love love love your designs....
Hugz

A Gal Who said...

I am soooo glad to find your blog through Stash Manicure! I just love the mouse in the tea cup mug rug! Thanks for this opportunity to win a mug rug.

AKnativewoman said...

Oh, my gosh!! I was just at your website, after reading and commenting on Stash Manicure . . . you are phenomenal!! I was dizzy with delight, looking and looking . . . I have looked at many other websites this past month (I finally jumped in to
learn quilt-making), and you take the prize! I just wanted to let you know of my admiration, and please keep showing us what is possible - wonderful!
Sincerely,
lvitzthum@alaska.net

Catherine said...

Drepped by from Stash Manicure. Love your work and the mug rugs, #3 and # 13 Funky bird and unbirthday. Thanks

Jane said...

I've just come over after reading your post on Stash Manicure and seeing your mug rugs. I wasn't prepared for this, it's beautiful and so great to see how it developed from drawing to finished item. Glorious

Patty said...

Your work is darling. I was looking at your mug rugs at Madame Samms and love the circle one with the daisy, #9, I think.

Mary said...

I'm so glad you showed us Mug rugs over at Stash Manicure! I have a Mug rug to make and needed some more inspiration. You're so talented with drawing! I love the doll quilts, How do we sign up for a SWAP of those? Being a blogger myself I know how nice it is to get comments!

Grammasheri said...

Your quilts and mug rugs are so whimsical, vibrant and FUN! The mug rugs at Madame Samms are delightful and I loved #1 the best.

Patches said...

My favorite is the "unbirthday" mug rug. Thanks for sharing

Unknown said...

I know Ive commented before, but now Im coming from Stash Manicure, and Im hoping to be the proud and happy owner of one of your mug rugs:o) Have a happy day!!! Merete

Limbania said...

Wow, are you creative or what? So glad you came to stash manicure and gave me the opportunity to come to your blog. Most certainly I'll be following. Cheerful, Whimsy, fresh, cute and so cool designs!

Michelle said...

Wow that is just sew cool!!!

Miranda said...

Carol this is amazing! I'm not surprised your swap partner loves it! It’s so bright and fun and detailed. Thanks for the great post over at Stash today- I haven't made any mug rugs yet (terrible I know!) but I would love to so thankyou for sharing and inspiring me :) I can't wait to see what else you create!

sunny said...

wow - that is awesome!

Julia said...

WOW! I have never seen such amazing applique!

Betsy said...

Wow, I have never seen such a beautiful design. Did you design this yourself?

Janet said...

That is the cutest thing I've ever seen! And I covet those sheep buttons! Your swap partner is LUCKY!!

Quilt n Queen said...

Your swap partner was a very lucky lady. Your work is amazing. The detail...fabulous...luv the sheep and the puppy...just darling.

I was on Stash Manicure on Wed. and I'm having a give away on my blog too....would luv it if you stopped by:)

deborah said...

Your quilts, well everything you make, are just awesome! I did love all the mug rugs you've made, but the doll quilt is just de-li-cious!!

Eat Sleep Quilt said...

Awesome quilt, and such detail! What's not to love about this one, your swap partner is very fortunate.

I always enjoy your posts on Stash Manicure, you are so talented!

Linda

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

very colorful - love your art.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

Angie said...

You make the most ADORABLE pieces ever!! Your creativity makes me green with envy. :)

Mary said...

The doll quilt is nothing short of amazing. So cute, cute, cute. Thanks for the nice show on Stash Manicure. Your creativity is over the top!

Michele T said...

Your creations are amazing and fun!! Thanks for sharing.

Brenda said...

this one is so fun. thanks for showing us the process as well as the finished project. I'm glad your swap partner liked it -- because how could she not!

Darlene B said...

I love all the creative touches you put on this piece. You thought of everything!

Sallie said...

I dropped by from Stash Manicure. I love #1 mug rug and also really like #12 and #13. The quilt here is adorable! You are very talented! I'm a new follower

Cossett said...

Loved you posting on Stash Manicure. I loved all the mug rugs you did. Thanks again for the smiles

Calicojoan said...

If I had 1/10th the talent you have I would be delighted. Can't get enough of reading your blog, you inspire me every day! Thanks for sharing your talent with us all. Just one question how to you draw? I guess I never got that drawing gene when I was born. It trips me up all the time! :-)

Ariane said...

This quilt is stunning!!! You have a gift!!! I love it!!

matate10 said...

Your art is absolutely amazing! The detail on your mug rugs is so precise and then to see this "out of this world" doll quilt just made my day. Love mug rug #13 at Stash manicure. Hope you feel better soon.
Mary Ann

sewandsow said...

Sew creative! I love it. I recognize some of the decorative stiches as some I have on my machine. Thanks for the great ideas. Happy Sewing

Jean Burke said...

I love this! So colorful....looks like a place that quilters would live. The mug rugs are fantastic - thanks for all the inspiration. Making one for my Mom for Valentine's day. Have a lovely weekend.....piece.

Debbie said...

I just love coming to your blag as it is always cheery and bright. Love the doll swap quilt.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

You are just too talented. I love the buttons (I'm a button nut) and you were right to take the button run as they just add so much to this mini. I love it!

KatieQ said...

This is an incredible piece of work. I love the way you are able to make your sketches come to life. The details are amazing. The perfectly placed little buttons and sky writing take my breath away. This may sound like hyperbole, but I really am in awe of your talent.

Anonymous said...

that would be such a treat to look at in the waiting room of the pediatrician or in a pediatric hospital!
It would be a great quilt for a mom to play "I spy"
with a scared little one waiting to see the doctor or nurse!

You are very very talented! Your swap partner will cherish it.

Holly

Teresa Marie said...

Okay, I think this is the CUTEST thing I have ever seen!!! OMG, I want one. You are amazingly talented. So glad to have found your blog. :)

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

I have been a follower since your last visit to Stash but I know you have heard this before, but you are a true artist! Your works blows me away and this is amazing!!!

QuiltinAnnie said...

I "discovered" your blog about a month ago. The joy, the whimsy is so uplifting. You are the designer/quilter I always wanted to be.

cam said...

Love your work!

Lynda said...

just discovered you from Stash M...love your whimisical pieces and the colors....my hope is to someday do art pieces but I have only had the quilting bug for less than a year and have a lot to learn first. Following you will be fun - hope to get a lot of inspiration.

mary e said...

my first visit here, love your blog and your wonderful quilt creations. i'm inspired to make a mug rug.

ShirleyC said...

I always love looking at your mug rugs. You aren't just a quilter, you are an artist!

Jeane said...

Your wonderful artistic talents are just so wonderful to view, thank you for sharing. I love making mug rugs and yours are a real inspiration. Thanks for your visit to Stash Manicure.

Julie S said...

Again I am amazed by your talents! Now I'm off to check out more of your blog AND your flickr pool!

Karen said...

The colours are wonderful. I bet she can't wait to receive this wonderful little quilt.

Char said...

I always love visiting your blog. Everything you do is so cheerful and lively.

West Michigan Quilter said...

I love visiting your blog. I sit here so inspired and then try to copy what you do, but it's never the same. You do beautiful work.

Sheila said...

That is one of the cutest quilts I have ever seen , you are so creative and I love all the little buttons you added , terrific !

Jan aka StampQn said...

I didn't know you had a blog til I read it on the other post. OMG I am so happy I found you. I love your work. Jan

Canadian Kristin said...

WOWZA!!!
I had already seen this on another blog this morning and sent it to all my friends so they could drool over it, too!!! Tell me, what's the technique to making this amazing work of happy-peppy-chipper-joyfulness?!!!?

LOVE the buttons and the details and the sail on the boat and the sheep in the field and the writing in the sky.... WOWZA!!!!

Dot said...

Wow. Just...wow. I came here from Stash Manicure, and now I'm rolling my jaw back up. It dropped when it saw the doll quilt. Oh, my...

Yep, I'm stayin'.

Dot
dminshall67@yahoo.com

Gmama Jane said...

Carol, You have the wrong partner!! You need me! I would be shouting so loud you would hear me in Wisconsin all the way from Alabama! I absolutely love everything you do, draw, sew, etc... You are the American Idol of sewing
Gmama Jane

Marsha B said...

This is amazing!

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

that is the cutest thing I have ever seen!!!

Anonymous said...

I came here from Stash Manicure. I love your creativity! Fun stuff!

Frances

frances@robsonclan.net

Wendy said...

Okay, how about you start taking photos of your work and sell it for artwork ... then let me be first in line to purchase it and hang it on my wall!! That wall hanging is ABsoLUTEly A-MAZE-ing!!! Thank you for sharing your genious!

Sarah Craig said...

That is one amazing quilt! Just jumped over her from Stash Manicure, and was totally blown away by your newest creation!

Tricia C. said...

I follow your blog but just came over from Stash Manicure after seeing all your great mug rugs. I'm go glad you took close-up pictures of your newest work. See the details adds so much. Love how you used the buttons.

Deb said...

It's amazing!!! I can't even begin to pick my favorite section...beautiful!!

Fabricmom said...

Wow what a marvelous little gem. It is just darling. Very creative and the buttons set it off perfectly. Hats off to you.

Renea said...

Love your work. The colors you use jump right out of the computer.

Anonymous said...

Wow, you are one of the most clever designers I've run across! Wish you lived near me. I'd love to see your process in person.

Anonymous said...

Hi I'm Gail and I'm hopping over from Stash Manicure to say "Hi" and admire and oggle (maybe even drool a little) your designs.

I love your free-motion work applique/quilting and your whimsy you must have some pretty colorful dreasm. How long have you been doing free-motion work and what kind of sewing machine do you use?

My Needle Crafts said...

Wow! Love this! How could your swap partner not love it?!?! Just popping over from SM to say hello :) Cheryl

Lueyes said...

I dropped by from stash Manicure. Love the mug rugs. My favorite is # 11. YOur blog has a wonderful quilt on it today.

Girltwin64 said...

Where is this I want to live there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Which house is vacant? Please please let me live there!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coffeebean's Dailies said...

ok. that does it. i need to commission you to make something just for ME! Are ya willing to do a private swap? Your work is to die for!

Keep Stitchin' said...

Your stuff is so insanely cute! Love it! Very inspiring!

Kathy said...

Your work is marvelous! It looks like it is all raw edge applique, is that right? Do you have problems with fraying later or are these rarely washed?

baukje said...

So LOVELY!!!

Susan said...

Yep, another favorite of mine! I'm so glad your partner commented, that really does make a girl feel good that they're on the right track!

This is a fabulous piece of art, Carol! Great job. LOVE the dog by the mailbox, what a hoot!

Marie said...

Holy Smokes! That's the most cheerful doll quilt I've ever seen! I work in a yarn shop and we sell those adorable sheep buttons (black sheep and white sheep). Let me tell you, my head is swimming with ideas now! You are an inspiration!!!

Karen said...

All the little details you added to this make a wonderful folk art type quilt. I enjoyed seeing it.

Amanda Jean said...

it IS AMAZING, Carol! and that is all. :)