This weekend I spent a little time finishing up my quilt top "rooms of my heart". I gathered several orphan blocks, like the one above, some fabrics that make me smile, and started sewing.
This quilt top reminds me of so many people and the journeys I've been through in the last 2 years. It has orphan blocks from projects for my mom, friends, scraps from friends, and also includes my first applique block (the tea kettle) and my first template pieced block (the house), and my first paper pieced blocks (the string blocks in the bottom corners. Both the tea kettle and the house are designs from Nanette over at Freda's Hive. Nanette was so encouraging to me as I started these two blocks, and can you believe that after piecing the house I emailed her and told her I didn't think I liked doing blocks that required so many pieces and told her I would probably never do anything like that again?
My how things have changed.
Case in point. Here's my latest Ringo Pie block.
Ayumi's month was May. The theme she chose was: letters and packages. I was stumped. Then my first idea didn't work out. Finally, I chose to make a pattern out of one of her inspiration photos. She loves chocolate, so I put a little chocolate label on the box (and made sure to include some pink in the background fabric since she has a thing for pink, too!).
I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend, doing things that have filled the rooms of your hearts and for those of you in the US, Happy Independence day to you!!
~Penny
Love the quilt and the block - what fun!
Posted by: Jan-Maree | 04 July 2011 at 06:39 AM
What a great idea for all those odd blocks!..it looks fabulous.
Posted by: Effie | 04 July 2011 at 06:40 AM
I don't recall seeing the start of this quilt but it was amazing to journey down your memory late. There is so much to see and absorb. This is wonderful.
Besides that, I saw the Ringo block and thought, that looks just like a box of chocolate. I love, love, love how you create depth with your paper pieced blocks.
Posted by: Suzanne | 04 July 2011 at 06:41 AM
Love your quilt Penny, it has such a nice feel about it.
And your Ringo block is fantastic! thanks so much for sharing your lovely projects.
Posted by: elsa | 04 July 2011 at 07:03 AM
Love, love, love the Ringo Pie block!
Posted by: Amy | 04 July 2011 at 07:50 AM
Your quilt creations are so sumptuous! Happy July 4th to you!
Posted by: Christy | 04 July 2011 at 08:31 AM
Oh Penny - I LOVE your quilt and I love your block! I'm so glad you persevered with the piecing!
Posted by: Allie | 04 July 2011 at 09:06 AM
I think your quilt is very special, Penny and I love the chocolate box for Ayumi, too. The piecing of the ribbon is amazing!
Posted by: krista - Poppyprint | 04 July 2011 at 09:20 AM
Lovely quilt top, and your chocolate box is perfect!!
I really want you Ringo Pie girls to write a book so I can learn to make cool blocks like yours too :-)
Posted by: Leila | 04 July 2011 at 09:26 AM
What a sweet, pretty design. I love that you created such a perfect home for your "orphans." Isn't it always the quilts with stories attached that become our faves?
Posted by: Shannon | 04 July 2011 at 09:37 AM
Stop being so clever. It's making the rest of us look bad. :-)
Posted by: Lynne | 04 July 2011 at 10:21 AM
Haha, I agree with the above ;). Really, this is such a work of art. You pulled them together so very, very well. And it's nice to know that those of us who don't like working with lots of tiny pieces just may have a change of heart...
Posted by: Rachel at Stitched in Color | 05 July 2011 at 10:19 AM
You make me laugh. Hard. I love love love this quilt top. It is amazing. As are you. I would love to steal this from you. I love the fabrics. You're words are so sweet. Thank you.
Posted by: nanette | 05 July 2011 at 02:41 PM
Penny, you always touch my heart and make me feel loved. The effort really paid off with beautiful results. Keep on making the rest of us look like beginners. Your work is awesome.
Posted by: Arlene | 06 July 2011 at 07:27 AM
This quilt is amazing! So beautiful, random, cheerful, and fun to look at. I can't wait to see how you finish it.
Posted by: Sariah | 06 July 2011 at 08:07 AM
you always make the most unique blocks Penny. I love the addition to the star.
Posted by: sewkatiedid | 08 July 2011 at 07:44 PM
Your quilt is fantastic! I really love it! And love the idea behind it. I bet it is a fun one to cuddle up in and walk down memory lane with. :)
Posted by: Diane | 09 July 2011 at 05:17 PM
love the quilt top, penny! i have been wanting to construct a quilt like you mentioned that you did here....but it kinda scares me! you did soooooooo great! i love your style. it will certainly be a special quilt for you!
Posted by: amandajean | 23 July 2011 at 03:12 PM
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Posted by: Moncler Giacca | 13 January 2012 at 12:11 PM
The quilt is stunning. STUNNING. I love it. And I love the orphan block touch. I have a growing orphan block pile that I plan on doing something similar with. I love you Penny. You totally inspire me. Completely. I had to laugh at your "too many pieces comment" HA! Now if only I could handle YOUR pieces. I really need to take up paper piecing.
Posted by: nanette | 21 May 2012 at 06:09 PM