Dragon Dance Handmade Quilt Wall Hanging

What a charming way to celebrate a Chinese New Year! (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Dragon Dance Handmade Quilt Wall Hanging

Are your January days cold and dreary? Ours in mid-Missouri are so this time of year I try to bring in as much color into my house as I can. I still have poinsettias with their leaves turned red and pink; some of my moth orchids have re-bloomed and salvaged begonias are brightening up my kitchen.

It’s at this time of year that I also think about how to warm up my rooms with quilted wall hangings.At the bottom of my steps to my basement, I just hung a Four Seasons Lap Quilt Wall Hanging to brighten the landing and remind myself winter will soon be over. Luckily many small handmade quilts or lap quilts and throws like this one also include tabs on the back so they can easily be made into wall hangings. When not in use, the tabs sit flat on the back and don’t interfere with using the handmade quilt for naps.

One of my favorite places for home decor inspiration is local quilt shows such as the 2017 Piece and Plenty Quilt Guild in Rolla. One of the custom handmade quilts and quilted wall hangings that I would love to have on my wall this time of year is the Dragon Dance custom handmade quilt and wall hanging featured here.

Made by Laurie Miller, of Rolla, this lovely piece of fiber art won a first place for the best incorporation of the challenge fabric. In other words, the quilter was given a fabric they had to incorporate into their custom handmade quilt and Laurie was the best in show. Nice going, Laurie!

Take a closer look at the lovely, detailed dragon head. The eyes are amazingly detailed and I love how the fabrics compliment instead of compete with each other. With the variety of printed fabrics, this could easily have been a visual disaster but Laurie selected fabrics that hold their own:

The closeup shows the fabric details including the dragon eyes. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

When I first started my custom quilt business, my first quilter and I used to spend hours pouring over potential project fabrics to ensure that we had the right fabric combinations. Since then, I have seen dozens of beautifully- made custom handmade quilts that suffered from poor fabric selection. If the fabrics are wrong, it doesn’t matter how accomplished the quilter is, incompatible fabric colors will lead one’s eye.

Which is yet another accomplishment of this custom handmade quilt, even with all of the primary colors and strong tones, they seem to like each other.

And can you imagine this hanging on a wall in your house brightening up the corner?

Nice recognition of the lovely quilting work! (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Me, too!

Charlotte

Santa Express Lap Quilt Throw

Santa Express Lap Quilt Throw

I have to confess, I like easy decorating tips. Actually I prefer easy decorating and that’s why Santa Express Lap Quilt Throw is a personal favorite.

We grew up setting up HO-scale trains around our Christmas tree every year. The track set up itself could take a whole week to lay out so that each of us had a train, and a switch to operate. Once the trains were rolling, the objective was to keep the train engines from running into each other and the cats from knocking the train cars off the tracks.

It was a lot of fun and I can still recall the smell of cookies baking in the kitchen as we laughed at the cats and sometimes didn’t work so hard at keeping the train engines from running into each other.

This brand new, 50x60-inch holiday lap quilt reminds me of those holidays down to the child-like applique designs along the lap quilt border.

If you want to give this as a personalized gift, a family name can be embroidered along the bottom red border.. Or for fun, family member names can be added to the train cars.

Just imagine this hanging from a wall in your den or entrance way, it would quickly add a holiday flavor to any room!

Charlotte

It's Snowing Handmade Quilt

Love the way the scarf has a little movement in the patchwork quilt design.

It's Snowing Handmade Quilt

This may sound silly but I got into a lively discussion with a very young man earlier today while waiting at a hardware store. The question was how cold does it have to get before one can make a good snowman.

His contention was that there is no bad time to make a snowman. I didn't disagree with the sentiment but at what temperature, I asked, does snow not pack enough to hold a shape.

This 10-year old had it all figure out, down to bringing a spray water bottle with him to add a little moisture if the snow needed it.  I admired his tenacity but when the temperatures dip below zero, that's too cold to be doing much of anything outside even in a snowy garden, which makes this charming "It's Snowing" handmade quilt a great way to bring a snowman inside. Make that four snowmen!

Here's the handmade quilt with all four blocks making a charming quilted wall hanging.

I know the piecer and quilter of this quilt so this becomes special just for that reason.

In addition, though, I love how the patchwork scarf has movement instead of just sitting on the snowman's neck. Patchwork quilts are based on geometric designs so to see a simple square turn into movement is a nice touch.

The other part of this handmade quilt story? Well, see for yourself in the posted story at Piece and Plenty Quilt Guild's fall 2017 show in Rolla, Mo.:

See, there's hope for those of us with unfinished projects still around!

For those of you who may not know, UFOs are unfinished projects and I have a few of those myself so this will be further inspiration to get some of mine done.

Nice job, Loretta!

Charlotte

Winter Reds Handmade Quilt

Winter Reds Handmade Quilt was shared at the fall Piece and Plenty Quilt Guild show in Rolla.

Winter Reds Handmade Quilt

If there is one bird that should be the Christmas bird I nominate Missouri's red native cardinal. I have a couple of pairs that live in my garden, visiting the bird feeders at dusk to enjoy a dinner of sunflower seeds. In winter, the bright red of the male cardinals stand out against snow, their color even brighter by contrast.

This handmade quilt called "Winter Reds" reminded me of bird-watching from my living room window during winter. The small quilt was among a number of entries in the Piece and Plenty Quilt Guild's fall 2017 show in Rolla, Missouri.

The quilter, Joyce Darr, has done a nice job of melding several different kinds of printed cotton fabrics with cardinals on them in the overall design. The darker panels contrast against the ones with a snowy white background.

Closer look at the beauty of the printed cotton panels in this charming handmade quilt.

Beautiful machine quilting adds a snowy feeling to the white fabric surrounding the center quilt block. Sometimes the quilting can compete with the quilt design but in this case, it adds to the overall feel of the design, as if snow has fallen around the red birds.

Every quilt has a story and this is the story that was posted with Winter Reds Handmade Quilt.

There is snow in our weekend forecast, a promise that we may have a white Christmas, or at least Christmas Eve, this year. I will look forward to watching my bird feeders to see if any of these lovely red birds make an appearance.

There is a charming Ozark legend that red birds appearing are visitations from a loved one. Native American Indians attributed many special attributes to Cardinals and a quick search on Red Cardinals shows that these lovely birds have held a colorful history in many cultures.

I just like them simply in this handmade quilt, a reminder of the beauty of red against white.

Merry Christmas!

Charlotte

Perfectly Seasoned Thanksgiving Quilt

I know these squirrels, I've seen them in my garden, in particular in my Bartlett pear tree!

Perfectly Seasoned Thanksgiving Handmade Quilt

It was hard not to be drawn to this charming handmade quilt displayed at the 2017 Piece and Plenty Quilt Guild Show in Rolla, Missouri in October. The quilt colors are bright and captivating, as are the pilgrim-dressed squirrels at the top of this brand new quilt. The teeny tiny pumpkins the male squirrel is carrying are very impressive, too, imagine how small those fabric pieces were to cut out, the quilter must have been very patient and very careful!

From a distance, the overall quilting in the white space adds a nice dimension to the quilt.

Each of the quilt blocks in the center also have individual characters, from the owl and the pumpkin to more squirrels, acorns and wreaths.

If I were to start a collection of quilted wall hangings, this would be one I would want to make to represent Thanksgiving and have it hanging on a wall somewhere, maybe in an entrance or a den wall, where I could enjoy it every day.

That's one of the advantages of quilted wall hangings, they can quickly change the theme of a room and update home decor to a seasonal mood.

Glad to see the quilter saying this was a "fun" quilt to piece, that's as it should be.

This next quilt block helps to show the detail of the machine quilting, which gives this handmade quilt so much texture.

It still surprises me how much quilting can change the final look of a quilt.

Cute orange pumpkin block sits in the middle of the detailed quilting in the white space.

Here's wishing your home has a "perfectly seasoned" Thanksgiving, from ours, which is definitely more squirrelly!

Charlotte

Red Raffle Quilt Value

This quilt was in a Piece and Plenty Quilt Guild raffle October 2017.

Red Raffle Quilt Value

Raffling off a quilt is a favorite way to raise funds where I live. In part because quilting is still a part of some people's crafting, handmade quilts are often suggested as a donation for fundraisers. We get the requests on a weekly basis!

This red and white handmade quilt was raffled at the local quilt guild show. Piece and Plenty Quilt Guild holds a show every other year and proceeds from the raffle support their activities.

The detailed quilting on this handmade quilt was varied and filled up the white spots.

One of the questions I periodically get is how much is a quilt worth. If it's a first quilt, I say it's priceless because that handmade quilt is a one of a kind in terms of the quilter's experience. 

Trying to place a monetary value on a handmade quilt is part science, part art. One of the things to take into consideration is the detailed quilting, which this red and white quilt has in ample spades.

Look at the back of the quilt to more clearly see all of the quilting.

Among other elements that add value, how well the fabric pieces and sewn together as well as the age and condition of the quilt.

Then there are favorite fabric combinations, and red and white quilts like a red and white bargello quilt are often sought and requested.

This red raffle handmade quilt is a brand new work so I was curious about what value the guild had on the quilt.

Care to guess?

Center block of this red and white handmade quilt raffled by Piece and Plenty Quilt Guild.

According to the lady selling the raffle tickets, this handmade quilt was valued at $14,000, yet another reason to call these pieces truly works of art.

Charlotte

Red Feathered Star Quilt Throw

Simple but elegant, the feathered star patchwork pattern is pretty in the single block.

Red Feathered Star Lap Quilt Throw

I can still remember the first time I saw a feathered star quilt. It was hanging at a quilt show, in the back row, without any ribbon, not exactly a reject but not loved, either. The young quilter who had made it was sitting with her mother close by, although I didn't know that at first.

As I made a bee line for the quilt, I told the lady sitting next to the feathered star quilt this was one of my all-time favorite patchwork quilt patterns and I really liked the one she was sitting by. She beamed at the young quilter sitting next to her and I realized then the young woman next to her had made it.

Like most patchwork patterns, the patchwork patterns can take on different designs based on what fabrics are used. In this red feathered star quilt, reds, white and beige fabrics have been used, a basic elegant color palette that makes this design even more beautiful.

Here's the feathered star quilt in a bigger design with the feathered stars together:

Several feathered stars form the center of this red feathered star quilt throw.

Combined with the detailed border with the red stars, this is a lovely throw that will add an elegant touch to any room. I would be tempted to used is a quilted wall hanging so I could enjoy the design whenever I looked at it, wouldn't you?

Charlotte

Holiday Traditions Quilt Throw Wall Hanging

Holiday Traditions Quilt Throw Wall Hanging celebrated the best of the Christmas holiday.

Holiday Traditions Quilt Throw Wall Hanging

What are some of your holiday traditions?

We didn't have too many set in stone but we did keep to a few of the basics: hanging stockings on a mantle, baking cookies, making gingerbread houses, decorating a tree. This brand new, all cotton quilt throw includes some of those traditions, and more.

A snowman keeps a red cardinal company in this traditional Christmas snow scene.

Although we grew up in South America, and a new bathing suit was part of our Christmas gift traditions, we heard about snow. It was the promise of seeing snow that got us excited about our move up north. I still get excited at the prospect of seeing the first snow, don't you?

Hanging stockings from a mantle is another Christmas tradition.

This brand new, imported from India quilt also has a sweet scene of stockings getting hung on a fireplace mantle. To personalize, you could add names, or initials, those are teeny, tiny stockings, almost the size of stockings for mice. And yes, I have a little stocking on my fireplace for the cats, and the Christmas mouse.

In our home, baking cookies was a favorite pastime even when I had stepchildren.

And what is Christmas without gingerbread - houses, cookies, ornaments. Love the smell of gingerbread anything cooking in the oven so was enchanted to find these little gingerbread cookies having fun in another Holiday Traditions quilt block.

What holiday traditions do you have in your family?

Charlotte

Santa Express Quilt Throw Wall Hanging

Applique trains, reindeer, trees and snowmen are part of the Santa Express Throw landscape.

Santa Express Quilt Throw Wall Hanging

Here's an easy way to add a train to your holiday decor without having to set up one train track. Santa Express Quilt Throw Wall Hanging has a little train traveling through the center bordered by train tracts.

Charming applique and embroidered characters are along the way and in the train cars, including this little blond girl with her brown bear dressed for snow - or maybe for bed?

This little blond girl has a nice companion, a teddy bear ready for bed!

One of the charming details of Santa Express Quilt Throw Wall Hanging is the railroad tracks at the bottom and top. 

The brand new, imported throw is made out of multi-patterned cottons in holiday green and red fabrics.

Cute train tracks along the border encourage the train to keep on going.

Christmas trees, presents, snowmen are all along the border of this 50x60-inch lap quilt and throw.

To easily turn this into a wall hanging, Santa Express Quilt Throw Wall Hanging has a sleeve on the back so it can easily give any room a holiday theme. When not in use, the sleeve lays flat on the back and is barely noticeable.

Lap quilt throws are easy ways to change the look of a room either by hanging these quilts or by tossing one over the back of a sofa or easy chair.

Choo Choo!

Charlotte

Happy Holidays Cardinals Quilt Throw Wall Hanging

Happy Holidays Cardinals Quilt Throw Wall Hanging nicely marries nature with the holidays.

Happy Holidays Cardinals Quilt Throw Wall Hanging

Living in Missouri, it is also hard not to appreciate all of the red cardinals-related references, from baseball teams to kids groups. One of the signs of the holidays for me is seeing red cardinals in my feeders when it snows. There is nothing so pretty as the male red birds against the white countryside.

I'm reminded of that vision every time I see Happy Holidays Cardinals Quilt Throw Wall Hanging, only I don't have to worry about driving in the snow storm. 

These brand new, imported quilt throws have a warm, country feel thanks to the patterned fabrics and simple, applique red cardinal birds.

Simple applique red cardinal birds add country charm to Happy Holidays Cardinals Quilt Throw.

There is also nice space under the birdhouse to add a family name in custom embroidery to easily personalize these quilt throws, we have made several with custom embroidery in that spot over the years.

This design brings the outdoors inside without the cold.

Good spot to make into a personalized gift, the space under the birdhouse.

Don't those red cardinals look happy?

I can easily see this quilt throw handing from an entryway or den, welcoming the neighbors to a warm Christmas party, can't you?

Charlotte

Santa's Workshop Quilt Throw Wall Hanging

Santa's Workshop Quilt throw wall hanging quickly turns any room into a very busy place!

Santa Workshop Quilt Throw Wall Hanging

I really should have a Santa's Workshop Quilt Throw Wall Hanging in my business office, sometimes it feels like I am another one of those little pointed-ear workers madly trying to get projects done - hopefully, in time!

This charming, all cotton imported from India lap quilt throw features very detailed applique and embroidered elves, some working on favorite holiday traditions. One of the reasons I love lap quilt throws is that they can so quickly change the decor of a room, either by hanging them or tossing one over the back of an easy chair or sofa.

This one would definitely be fun as a holiday quilt wall hanging in a den, entryway or sewing room. 

Did you grow up with trains under the Christmas tree? So did I and this elf is putting the finishing touches on a train for a good little boy, or girl.

This applique elf in santa's workshop quilt throw wall hanging looks like he's almost finished.

Now most of our Christmases growing up where on the Equator so for Christmas we usually got a new swimsuit. That didn't prevent us, however, from wondering about the kids who were given ice skates for Christmas.

This elf is lacing a set of skates in santa's workshop quilt throw all hanging. Love his smile!

This next elf made me chuckle. Having grown up with slide rulers and telescopes, I am sure this is one of Santa's engineering elfs!

This elf is wood-working in santa's workshop quilt throw all hanging, love the ruler in his pocket.

And finally last, but not least, what does this elf look like to you?

Putting the finishing touches on a doll house, this little elf looks like a girl elf to me.

Look at that pretty top, I am sure this is a girl elf finishing the doll house by carefully adding tacks to the roof.

And the biggest jolly elf of them all, of course, in the center, Santa himself! Ho Ho Ho!

Charlotte

12 Good Wishes Throw

12 Good Wishes Throw would make a lovely quilted wall hanging at an entrance for holiday decor.

12 Good Wishes Throw

If there is one throw I give as a housewarming gift, especially this time of year, it's this one. 12 Good Wishes Throw is a charming 50x60-inch lap quilt throw that includes a number of good wishes for the family and home.

Each of the throw blocks has an image, and word, that associates with the wish. A card enclosed with the throw explains each block and wish.

With each 12 Good Wishes Throw, an explanation of the wishes enclosed.

One of my customers who received this as a housewarming gift said it reminder her of a modern version of the 12 Days of Christmas, which is a lovely comparison.

In addition to a well-wishing quilt, this charming throw is a perfect size to hang in a room or entry way to easily add a dash of holiday decor.

Charlotte

Christmas Tree Quilt Wall Hanging

With this Christmas tree, you can wait until the last minute to put it up! Not only were presents already under the quilted wall hanging but the quilt maker Portia Ellis had literally added small white lights to her embellished fabric tree.

Usually Christmas-themed quilt wall hangings are made just out of patchwork or applique designs in red and green holiday colors.

Gone to Pieces Quilt Guild, St. Robert, Missouri used Portia's lighted Christmas Tree Quilt Hanging to mark the Christmas Tree Lights Patchwork quilts section of their November 15, 2014 quilt show.

Humm, I've seen farmer bear before and love the gift-wrapped presents. Fun details, these gifts are ready to be unwrapped:

Now this is the way to quickly decorate a tree, hang it up and plug it in!

Charlotte

Red and Black Christmas Tree Lights Quilt

Some Christmas season quilts are very literal with Santa Claus and friends easily recognizable. Some patchwork quilts, like this one, are more abstract, suggesting more than showing the theme.

This Red and Black Christmas Tree Lights Quilt was pieced and hand quilted by Viola Cotton in 2013. The member of the Gone to Pieces Quilt Guild in St. Robert, Missouri made this quilt as part of a mystery challenge, which means she didn't know what the final design was until she put it all together.

Here's a close up of the Christmas Tree Lights Mystery Quilt block:

Here's the whole Christmas Tree Lights Quilt:

Interesting how individual patchwork quilt blocks look when they are all together. Do you see the Christmas lights?

Charlotte