Split Bars Quilt with Kimberbell Scraps

I'm trying to use up old cute fabrics so they aren't sitting around anymore. And I have a stack of Kimberbell fabrics that have been around for a very long time. While paging through my many Missouri Star Magazines I came across a pattern called Split Bars. Since the Kimberbell pile contains many jelly roll sized strips, I thought I could make it work. I did some strip sorting and counting and discovered I was going to be able to make it happen. 

I longarmed the quilt with some pretty pink thread.

Luckily, I had a piece large enough to make the backing. My plan to use up lots of fabrics worked out pretty well. 

In Memory of a Friend

Sue and Jim Middlestead are one of the first couples we met when we joined the Legion Riders back in 2003. They were warm and welcoming and we liked riding to Veterans' charity events with them. Over the the many years we spent together, we always enjoyed each other's company. In fall Jim passed away after a long spell of illness. I told Sue at the funeral that I would be happy to make a quilt for her out of his shirts. In January, she took me up on my offer and brought me the shirts.

I cut everything out and started to put things together. This quilt is different because she added some souvenir tea towels. After moving blocks around, I decided the best thing to do is applique them over the top of the quilt.

I picked out some neutral background and backing fabrics and put it all together.  I absolutely love the Best Grandpa Hands Down block. It's so heartwarming.

It's all ready to be delivered to Sue next month when I see her. It feels good to help someone with a keepsake they will love. 

A Charity Quilt for A Veterans' Event

Our Legion Post does an event called "Souper Sunday" where we serve a lunch of soups, rolls and dessert. Everyone pays per bowl and the event raises money for veterans. 

I made a triple batch of French Onion soup for the event. It was an all-day project just cooking the onions but I was glad to help.

I also made a red, white and blue themed quilt to raffle off. I did't use a pattern, I just made two sizes of star blocks and a nine-patch to go in-between the stars. 

I longarmed the quilt with stars to add to the patriotic look.

Once completed, it was kitty approved!