Author: Frances Dowell

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In spite of a weird summer, I’m happy to say I’ve finished a couple of quilting projects. Above: “Melon Patch” is done!

My latest quilt is a 1930’s inspired numbed called “Double Windmill.” For a free pattern, go here.

Are you listening to the Quiltfiction podcast? We’re up to Episode 9 of Friendship Album, 1933.

I didn’t intend to take a break from podcasting, but Travis got sick this summer and much of July was dedicated to his care and feeding. He had a herniated disc which seems well on its way to healing, though he’s not back to 100% yet. We’re looking forward to getting him groomed as soon as the vet gives the thumbs up. Right now he’s pretty fuzzy:

See you soon!

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The view from our porch on Ocracoke Island. As I write this, the ghost tour is taking place across the street. I’m doing my best to eavesdrop on the story the guide is telling about the empty lot where a house once stood … Wait a minute: I think she’s telling a story about our house! Should have paid to go on the tour. Maybe next year …

Don’t forget to comment by 6-18-18 to win the Podcastiversary Giveaway!

Have you listened to the Quiltfiction Podcast yet? Whatcha waitin for?

Links to stuff mentioned in this episode …

https://austinkleon.com/

Books Mentioned (or read, but not mentioned)

Two Steps Forward by Graeme Simsion

Calypso by David Sedaris

Coming to My Senses by Alice Waters

Everything Happens for a Reason by Kate Bowler

See you soon!

It’s here, it’s fun, and I want you to listen to it ASAP and let me know what you think! Here’s a few words about on the Off-Kilter Quilt podcast:

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Click this link to go the iTunes page. Please don’t forget to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quiltfiction-podcast/id1395029852

For background about the story, go here:

http://quiltfiction.com/

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Above: Melon Patch–almost done!

So we’re celebrating eight years of podcasting, and that means a giveaway! Leave a comment for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to either Fat Quarter Shop or your fave local independent quilt shop! In the episode I say the deadline is June 9th, but because I’m getting this out so late, I’m going to change that deadline to June 18th.

My Broken Star blocks … with a word!

Books I mention on the ‘cast:

The Female Persuasion by Meg Wollitzer

You Think It, I’ll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld

American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

Educated by Tara Westover

See you next time!

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Finished Sweep Exit–well,almost (still have sew the facing to the back):

Melon Patch Top!

New Quilty Podcast! https://kristinesser.com/2018/03/06/simple-handmade-everyday-podcast-episode-3-show-notes/

Interesting post on quilt consumer trends:

http://www.cherylarkison.com/diningroomempire/2018/3/1/5l9wymkoh8i9i1wzkddxhty34sbf99

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Block work

Here’s the block I made for my local MQG challenge:

And here’s the first block from the Patches of Blue Quilt Along that my mom and I are doing together (please note how blunted most of my points are–arrggghh!):

For more info on the quilt along, go here: https://www.laundrybasketquilts.com/blog/

Big news about a new project: I’m doing an interview web show with the Quilt Alliance, and my first interview–with the fab Victoria Findlay Wolfe!–and it’s available to watch for free. We’ve got more interviews planned, but to view those, you’ll have to become a member of the QA (a worthy cause indeed!). Check out me and V here:

Congrats to Margaret and Carmit, winners of the Margaret Goes Modern giveaway!

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I’m doing my best, honest I am!

BTW: In the opening I refer to this episode as 121. I am incorrect. It’s Episode 221.

Almost done quilting Sweep Exit. Here’s the backside view:

Melon Patch blocks!

My mom and I are doing this BOM with Edyta Sitar:

https://www.laundrybasketquilts.com/blog/patches-of-blue-quilt-along-block-1-frost/

My new/old furniture:

Charity Block!

The Quilt Alliance gals came to visit my guild two weeks ago and put on a great show! Learn more about this great organization, go here: http://quiltalliance.org/

Follow my girl Charlotte on Instagram–her handle is madquiltlady. And here’s her blog: http://theslightlymadquiltlady.blogspot.com/

Until next time–remember, life’s short, quilt first!

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So here’s the quadrant of “Sweep Exit” quilting that I like:

Here’s the rest:

The quilt I want to make next: Melon Patch—

This quilt was made made in 1902 by Mary Midgett Bridgman (1845-1928), Hyde County, NC.

Fun links:

How to take photos of quilts: 10 photos you should take

Back issues of SAQA journal: http://www.saqa.com/members.php?ID=3149

To sign up for Debbie’s great newsletter, A Quilter’s Table, go here: http://aquilterstable.blogspot.com/

Reading:

Vacationland by John Hodgman

The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash

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Hard at work on “Sweep Exit”–so many threads to bury!

The quilted center:

If you want to hear the Crafty Planner interview with Mark Lipinski, go here:

http://www.craftyplanner.com/2017/11/13/mark-lipinski/

The quilting book I referred to (incorrectly) about quilts from the 1950s and 1960s: Unconventional and Unexpected: American Quilts 1950-2000 by Roderick Kirocoff.

The latest Quilts, Inc., survey: http://quilts.com/assets/qia-2017-results.pdf?mc_cid=2d42d560b6&mc_eid=8f4fe123f6

What I’m reading:

The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil

The Shepherd’s Life by James Rebanks

What I’m watching:

Alias Grace (Netflix)–lots o’ quilts!

My So-Called Life (Hulu)

See you next time!

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After a summer of slow quilting, things are speeding up in Off-Kilter Quilt Land. Got this top finished:

And I finished the back, too:

Now it’s time to get quilting. Yikes!

I made a new design board, so now I’ve got two.

That pink line down the right side is a measuring tape.

Reading:

The Narnian: The Life and Imagination of C.S. Lewis by Alan Jacobs

Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher

Dreaming in Color by Kaffe Fasset

I’ll be speaking at the National Archives next week–here’s a link, if you’re interested:

http://www.francesdowell.com/news/frances-oroark-dowell-discuss-shooting-moon-national-archives/

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Stars Upon Stars I–The top:

My friend Patty’s sampler: http://www.elmstreetquilts.com/2017/10/skill-builder-qal-lazy-angle-blocks-and.html

This is the Finish quilter I talk about in the second Quilt Diary. Her name  is Saija Kiiskinin, and I think her quilts are really lovely.

https://saijaelina.blogspot.fi/2017/09/tahtia-tuulessa.html

Fun post on modern v. traditional quilts: http://www.agfblog.com/2016/09/traditional-quilts-vs-modern-quilts.html

Books I recently finished:

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict

Don’t forget to leave a comment and be entered into a giveaway for Christa Watson’s new book!

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“Sit-In” AKA the Chair Quilt is finally done!

It’s good to be done, but I enjoyed every minute of the process!

The Stars Upon Stars quilt, so far:

In other news …

Christa Watson has a new book out and it looks fab!

To follow the fun Piece and Quilt with Precuts blog hop, check out these blogs:

Kristin Esser: https://kristinesser.com/2017/10/02/piece-and-quilt-hop-along-week-3-a-finished-quilt/

String and Story: https://www.stringandstory.com/blog/2017/9/25/pieceandquilthopalong-make-a-quilting-plan

My Creative Corner 3: https://mycreativecorner3.wordpress.com/2017/10/02/piece-and-quilt-blog-hop-week-3/

Recent reading:

Small Hours by Jennifer Kitses

See you next time!