Bunny Treat Bags

I saw these bunny treat bags some time ago and wanted to make them as gifts for Easter and include a little treat inside.  I was almost hopping with joy at how cute they turned out. 

Essex linen and two Carolyn Friedlander Euclid prints were used for the outer fabric.  And, for the lining fabric I used recycled fabrics from men's chambray shirts.  The pastel blue, yellow and pink paired well with the Essex. 

It had been a long time since I had done any embroidery, but it went quickly as the eyes were just two french knots.  I don't know the name of stitch for the nose but it was easy to do as well.  I also used Aurifil's Cotton Floss for the first time. 

Here's what the Bunny Treat Bags look like untied.

The Bunny Treat Bag free pattern and tutorial can be found here at Stitched by Crystal.  I did omit the pom pom tail without subtracting from the cuteness factor too much! 

 
I think my great niece and nephews and co-worker's child were all thrilled with the Bunny Treat Bags which were finished just in time for Easter. 

Since making the Bunny Treat Bags was my April One Monthly Goal,  I'll be linking with Patty at Elm Street Quilts.  You can see all the April OMG finishes right here. 

Quiltfolk Issue 14: South Carolina + I'M IN IT!

I was so surprised, well shocked, to be one of the quilters chosen to be included in Quiltfolk Issue 14 dedicated entirely to South Carolina.  And, the even bigger surprise was when my sister texted me after her issue arrived to tell me, "You're a cover girl!"  Well, not really me, my quilt was a cover girl.  Something else that's very special to me, is that's my grandmother's Singer sewing machine in the photo, the one I sat at with her.

That's my quilt, Sew Charmed, on the cover.  You can read all about its making and how I challenged myself to use a Michael Miller Cotton Couture charm pack received in a QuiltCon swag bag.

In fact, my challenge quilts are the main focus of the article titled, Up to the Challenge, and was written by Riane Menardi Morrison.

I'm still pinching myself over the fact, that the Quiltfolk crew actually came to my house one chilly winter's day.  While Riane interviewed me, Mary Fons, yes, THE Mary Fons, and photographer, Azuree Wiitala buzzed around my house taking photos.
 
Before they headed off to the Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail, Azuree snapped this photo of Riane, me and Mary.  Yes, that's Mary holding the first quilt I ever made.

If you aren't familiar with Quiltfolk, it's a quarterly publication, better-than-a magazine, not-quite-a-book as Mary, the editor, describes in her post here.  Publisher, Michael McCormick devotes each issue to one state so there's 36 issues to go.  You may be interested in his recent interview with Stephanie on the Modern Sewciety Podcast.

You can meet all the quilters included in the South Carolina Issue 14 at Quiltfolk here.  A yearly subscription can be purchased here or single issues here. 

Paige with Mustard Stain - Photo credit Zzuree Wiitala and Quiltfolk

These are the kind words that were actually written about me:

Lifelong Southerner Paige Alexander describes herself as “a traditional quilter who loves modern quilting”. In her sunny studio, ribbons from local, regional, and national quilting shows line the walls. Alexander’s meticulous attention to detail and solid technique take her quilts to the next level, but it all starts with a challenge: Alexander found her inspiration by taking on challenges issued by guilds. The results are winning, indeed.

I'll leave you with one photo from the pages of the Quiltfolk that contains treasures close to my heart.  My Grandmama Hazel made the ceramic thimble and the sewing machine oil was from my Grandmama Sadie that taught me to sew.  

I've never won Best in Show for one of my quilts, but this must be what it feels like.  Thank you Quiltfolk for including me in the South Carolina issue.  

In Bloom #4 + Henry Clematis

I've always referred to this early blooming Clematis as "O Henry" but the official name is 'Henryi'.  The blooms are rather large, probably around 6" across.

Until I took these photos, I never really stopped to count the petals.  These blooms all have 8 petals, or really sepals.  I like the touch of purple on the newly opened bloom. 

The flowers have and even number of petals, but the leaves are all in groups of three.

And, here they are after the rain.

Next time you are out and about, count the petals.  I understand a lot of flowers have an odd number of petals and many are Fibonacci numbers. 

Stay safe everyone,

In Bloom #3 + Azaleas

If it is the third Saturday in April, that means one thing for Pickens, SC...it's time for the Pickens Azalea Festival.  It would have been the 36th festival but was canceled due to Covid-19.  That won't stop me from sharing some azalea blooms with you.  This was taken at the office last Saturday before the storm on Easter Sunday. 

The Azalea Festival has always played an important role for my traditional guild.  We would always rent a booth where we would sell raffle tickets on our presentation quilt (or raffle quilt) that would be given away at our quilt show in the fall. 

Not only is it a fundraiser for our guild, we share our love of quilting with passersby.  It it also a time of fellowship with members.  Just look the smiles on members' faces.  I found this photo which dates all be way back to 2005.  (It was taken with film so I had to scan it!) 

The quilt shown here was group effort by guild members.  Blocks were made by members and the top was assembled by Gail Sexton (top right) who also designed and added the heart and floral applique.  You can't tell by the photo, but this quilt was hand quilted by several members. 

Gail found this on-point layout in a book, Quick Classic Quilts.  The block is call the English Wedding Ring or the Single Wedding Ring. 

And, here is one more azalea photo taken at the office.

In Bloom #2 + Dogwood

The dogwood in my front yard has been blooming for over a week now.  I sure am glad the blooms stayed around for Easter. 

I found the legend of the dogwood and Easter here. 

Happy Easter, everyone! ...He is Risen! Matthew 28:6

In Bloom #1 + Tulip Poplar

Everything is starting to put forth new growth and I certainly welcome the chartreuse leaves of the Tulip Poplar. I have been taking more walks outside since the gym closed.  And, besides the pollen, the weather has perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

This was taken right along the driveway.  Since upgrading my phone, I am experimenting with portrait mode which is a new feature to me.

Stay well everyone!