To see if I had the temperment to quilt, without spending a lot on fabric, I found the pattern for Don's throw in a magazine and the pattern is "contrary wife." Totally cracks me out as how very fitting it is for my personality. It is hand pieced and hand quilted using one of his worn dress shirts and a an old pair of corduroys - back then fabrics were freely mixed in scrap quilting and no one thought a thing about it. The white was one of my wedding sheet that was showing wear. For the back, I bought a fleece blanket at Kmart. We still have it and it could be mended as it's not too badly off. I really should do it but since then I've made him a new one that looks better in our first ever new home.

The attachements didn't come through so will add them.

The 2nd photo is also hand pieced and hand quilted with all new fabrics. I too still have it but it's worn beyond my abilities and patience level to repair it. Some of the patches are just plain shot as it the sashing. We used it on that bed for a full 10 years. My day care kids loved that quilt and we often snuggled for story time on it - not brilliant on my part but I sure love using and wearing out that quilt. I tried mending it with the sewing machine and only resulted in such a mess that now I'm embarrassed to show it to anyone. I've been considering options of what to do with it by cutting apart and using the good squares in things like hot pads or maybe small wall hangings. They'd dress up my computer/sewing room if nothing else. A lot of love went into making both of these quilts but then a lot of love has gone into everyone of my quilts. For not knowing what I was doing, I didn't do too badly at all.

The sampler quilt is a hoot. Of course there was not pattern but every pattern I saw and liked I made up and put into this quilt regardless of it's size and I think it definitely falls into the category of one of my prettiest quilts. Actually, they all fall into the realm of one of my prettiest quilts. Mom would shoot me if she heard me say that as one is supposed to be modest but I also believe it's ok to be proud of our work and creations too. The ugliest quilt on the planet was torn apart and became my 38 year quilt that I've previously posted. Thanks for taking a peek.

The 2nd quilt was also the first and last one I've quilted as one section. Now I do quilt as you go by panels. Much, much easier. The 2nd quilt has wrinkles on the back side that no one needs to see.

Oh yes, this is also the first quilt that I used the scalloped border on until recently. Interesting that I haven't used it since.

Both are very nice. I especially like the second one...and samplers are usually not my favorites.

Beautiful!!! You should be proud of the work you do! Keep up the good work and can't wait to see new quilts!

Those are both beautiful. What an incredible undertaking to hand piece and hand quilt. I would not cut up the second one, just continue to use it until it's completely dissolved.

Thank you, all of you for looking and commenting. I'll be sharing more quilts but need to get back to quilting again as I've had a week off which is rare for me. Although my skills and style have evolved, a lot of me is reflected in those first two quilts but I will NEVER hand piece again unless it's a pattern that is better pieced by hand. As long as I can baste and machine stitch, I will try that first but one day, I hope to tackle the wedding ring quilt. I love that pattern but when I did try, I was too new to quilting and too unskilled. When I do post new photos, I'll put my name in as I've been doing so you can spot them.

Beautiful!!! You did a great job on those!!!

Thank you

Both are very nice

Thank you. I love your precious avatar photo.

Wow, I love your quilts, great job! thanks for sharing