Soot and Ashes Quilt

For the last few months I have been making this quilt top. It is called "Soot and Ashes" and the directions came from the blog: quiltsbycheri.blogspot.com. The blocks are 5 inches finished and she gave the directions for one block at a time. So it was my first mystery quilt. The last part is the appliqué for some of the blocks, sashes, and borders. That is the part that is missing here. I have not been able to work on this top for several weeks. The white paper shows some of the appliqué designs that will be incorporated. The extra block next to my left foot (oh well!) will be my label. I made it with some left over strips; it is not on her instructions. I used black/gold fat quarters; and the gold fabric is about 1 yard I had left over from previous quilt.  I will post the finished quilt. It will be probably next year. :-)

Toledo, Spain

Toledo is an incredibly beautiful city just a short train ride from Madrid; but so worth the visit. You can take the Avante (fast) train from Achota Station in Madrid in the morning and return in the afternoon. It has more to do than a day trip; but for some of us it is all the time we had. An important information, if you are planing to return the same day, make sure you by your return ticket before you go. It is a very popular destination and the trips may be sold out. There is a city bus from the station to the center of the city; but if you like to walk and has no problems with stairs and incline, it is a great walk. This is the view from outside the city walls.

New quilt started

These are the first 6 blocks from a pattern that I just got a couple of weeks ago. It is from Kim McLean and it is called "Stars and Sprigs." Pardon my unpolished blocks. They are not trimmed and ready to sew yet. Just finished sewing them and could not resist the temptation to post. The pattern can be purchased from www.gloriouscolor.com. I first saw it several months ago on quiltsalot.blogspot.com.  Like the one in this blog I am using my Kaffe's fabrics. I have been collecting these fabrics for many years. I am ready to use them. The stars will be pieced and I have not started them yet. The quilt is 96 inches square and the borders are also appliqué. I am having too much fun and I am sure I will be doing these for many months to come.  I have to keep the mantra "I think I can, I think I can." If you want to see this quilt and other patterns by Kim go to the site above.