Daffodil Days

Last week I provided free instructions for Daffodil Days, a small wall quilt.  Since this week heralded the first day of spring, the quilt is a reminder of the flowers that begin to bloom during this season.

In my part of the world we still have a couple of feet of snow on the group, so this may be the only reminder I have of spring for at least a few more weeks.

I pieced my blocks for this quilt last Saturday (National Quilting Day), and then agonized over the fabric for the setting triangles.  Fortunately a number of Facebook fans offered opinions and I decided on the "teal" fabric.  The border was a fun fabric I picked up at Four Season Quilt Shop in Maple Grove MN.

Here is my version of the quilt (still minus the binding):

Daffodil Days by Kari Schell

I recognize that some may have put off piecing the quilt as you couldn't find the Corner Beam™ trimmer.  I will mention that I have a few for sale in my store.  I really think the ruler is amazing and makes doing these blocks a breeze.  

However I thought I would also offer some alternate instructions for cutting and trimming down these units without the tool.

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Double Irish Chain Quilt from Grandma Keller

This is the quilt that got me interested in quilting. My grandmother made it for me (probably in the late 60s or early 70s). I loved the quilt and when it began to wear out I wanted another one for my bed.

When I look at it today, it isn't very "inspiring" -- but I still treasure it as a gift from my grandmother. She has been gone for many decades -- but her memory and her handiwork -- are still with me.

Note that she appliqued the corners on the alternate blocks. There were no rotary cutting tools at this time. It was also hand quilted (and is probably the only hand quilted quilt that will ever grace my bed).

Do you have a quilt that got you interested in quilt making?

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Cleaning your Iron

Earlier this week I saw a post about cleaning your iron. As my Oliso was very unkindly purging white mineral deposits when using steam, I thought I would give it a try.

I mixed 1/4 cup vinegar with 1/4 cup water and put in reserve. Steamed it through the iron.

Then mixed 1/2 cup of baking soda with a couple of tablespoons of water. Put that on the sole plate and let sit for 45 minutes. Wiped clean. (Warning -- do not do this when the iron is hot. Unless you want added entertainment with the exercise)

The iron is currently looking pretty good and so far no mineral deposits when steaming!

Give it a try.

Happy quilting.

Kari

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