Weekly Get-together

This was a very busy get together this week.  It will be the last time we will be meeting until after Pesach (Passover). From now on we will be busy cleaning, shopping and cooking for this very important holiday.

Naomi brought two exciting new projects.  The first is a wall hanging which is perfect for a pre-teen or teenager.  It's meant to hold hair brushes and other hair accessories.  Notice the back is made from recycled denim fabric. Of course it could hold anything.

This is a hand painted picture frame surrounding a fabric glued picture.  Notice the flowers are 3 dimensional and the cute little buttons in the middle.  The ducks are made of wood.  Naomi enjoys painting and likes to use this medium in her work.  This is a charming picture for any little girls bedroom.

Shifra has finished her purple quilt tops.  She made so many squares that she decided to make two quilts.  We did show some of the squares in a previous post before they were sewn together.  My hats off to Shifra.  For a new quilter she is amazing.

Renee S is working on hexagons and brought this project for everyone to see.  Notice the second row is hand quilted stitches and not pieced hexagons.

Susan just received 3 new books from the America.  She brought them along for all of us to enjoy.  It helps a great deal to see a book before you buy.  Now I know that I would like to buy at least 2 of them.  You can view Susan's blog at http://susanquilts.blogspot.com/

Renee S brought in her daughter's (Bryna) latest picture album.  Bryna had a terrific idea for her Mom.  She took Renee's quilt pictures and combined it with her own specialty -- paper scrapbooking. And now you can see the memorable results.  The album outside cover was also made by Bryna. You can view Bryna's projects at http://bryna-crafts.blogspot.com/

Rena brought in her log cabin quilt and pieced backing to have us sandwich it for her. We discussed how it should be quilted and it was hard to decide.  It's so beautiful that she's keeping this one. This can really be called a reversable quilt.

Scrap & Shirttails Quilt Book

I just received my copy of Bonnie Hunter's book, Scraps & Shirttails.  I seem to be behind the times since Bonnie has a new book out, but it's better late than never.  I can't wait to make one of her wonderful scrappy quilts. I feel like I've already been recycling and going green as she suggests. 

I've been working on the Apple Core quilt and it's close to 1/2 finished.  I am hand piecing this so it's a long time project. All the fabrics are from old shirts and skirts.

Avraham Mordechai Birthday Quilt

Today is Purim.  Three years ago today our little Avi was born.  When each of my grandchildren reach 3 years of age they get a birthday quilt for a regular size bed.

I made the rail fence and of course I ran out of one of the fabrics, so you'll notice a different design on the top and bottom.  It's amazing to me that my grandchildren all under the age of 11 notice the patterns, fabric, and the way they are quilted.  Everyone has a comment and most are positive.  The boys get their first hair cut on their 3rd birthday also, so off goes the long hair.  No more pony tails.

Shabbos Challah (Sabbath Bread)

Bryna, not only is a very talented quilter but she also enjoys baking.  Every erev Shabbos (Friday) I receive home made Challah rolls for Shabbos.  She knows that I think hers is the best in Betar Illit and this is my way of saying thank you for enhancing our Shabbos.

Sampler Quilts

Last year Sara, Bryna and I started our sampler quilts.  Most of the designs came from Georgia Bonesteel's Lap Quilting book. Each week we picked a new pattern to do and we all used completely different fabrics.  Each quilt looks totally different.  This was a great learning experience for us.  They are all hand quilted and finished, finally.

This is Sara's

This is Bryna's

and this is mine!

Purim Meeting

Our meeting this week falls a week before our holiday of Purim.  We dress up in costumes (especially the kids) and we give gifts of food on this wonderful day. We always give gifts to the poor that are less fortunate than us.

This week we started with our weekly shiur (lecture) given by Rochel G, on the Torah. Not everyone made it into the picture, but here are most of us.  All smiles and ready to work.

Rina worked on her log cabin

Shifra brought along her Purim baskets that she is making. They will be filled with goodies. Aren't they cute?  Notice the quilted fish on the side! We hope Susan and Shifra will give us a class on making these soon.

Susan brought several gifts for a raffle but I was unable to get a picture.  Thank you so much for this lovely surprise for the ladies.

Sara worked on her log cabin which is almost finished.

Susan worked on her new quilt.  Next step will be the borders.

I just enjoy seeing what everyone is doing each week.

When the ladies were leaving they each received a little thread catcher full of goodies for Purim.  Some sewing items were included which are always appreciated. 

Recycled Jeans/Denim Quilts

Over the past year or two, many of the Zahava Quilters have made denim quilts.  We've gotten most of the fabric for thrift shops, also called gemachs.  I'm amazed at how different each one is. Take a look!

Sara made these.

Shoshana made this.

Renee S made these.

Bryna made these.

Now here are mine -- Etty.

Naomi's Denim Toy Box

Last week when Naomi left she took some recycled jeans fabric, a pocket and some blue stripped fabric.  I had no idea what she had in mind to make with this.  Naomi seems to be full of surprises.  This week she brought back her finished project.  A toy box for her son to carry his toys in.  She even put in a zipper and a handle on the top. I have no idea where she got this idea but she seems to have a great imagination.  A picture is worth a thousand words.

Marti Michell templetes and Rulers

I just received the new Marti Michell Sashing Stars Set and the Universal Ruler.  I can't wait to start using them.  I'm happy with all their products that I have purchased.  The Ruler is metric and also uses inches.  This is very helpful when living in Israel.

Rena has just started her first log cabin and is using the special Marti Michell log cabin ruler.  So far, she is finding it easy to use.

They have catalogs available and if you want to contact them you may do so. Just scroll down on the left side and you will see their link. 

Great Find At The Trift Shop

You never know what you will find at your local thrift shop or gemach as we call it in Israel. I found this lovely double bed size medallion quilt. It probably was made in China but I don't care. I just can't believe someone was willing to give this up. I wasn't about to leave this quilt behind.  It has to be in the hands of someone that will appreciate it. I'll keep it or find a new home with someone that needs a quilt. Of course the price was outstanding!

Quilters Newsletter Magazine

Israeli quilters are a small group compared to many other countries but we are growing and making a mark in the quilting world.  We are featured in the latest issue of the Quilters Newsletter.  If you have an opportunity to read about our outstanding quilters here in Israel, please take the time.  It's well worth getting to know some of us. 

 

Pot Holder

Naomi finished her pot holder and is on to the next.  I'll be anxious to see what she comes up with.  She left with jean fabric and a pocket from old jeans and some blue and white striped fabric.  We collect old jeans for recycling and we always have a supply ready for use. Naomi is very creative and can work independently.  It's a pleasure to have her in our group