I’ve been making music here at Pieceful Thoughts, getting ready for this Music Blog Hop hosted by Carla of Creatin’ in the Sticks. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, so when I saw this Hop, I knew I wanted to join in. So thank you, Carla, for another fun Hop!
Willie Nelson had it right when he crooned (does Willie croon?? Hmm . . .) anyway – when he sang “. . . life, my love, is making music with my friends . . .” Friends are definitely the music of life, aren’t they? I thoroughly enjoy this community of friends here in blogland, and the encouragement we give one another.
My little project for this Hop is for a good friend I have had since high school. We were in band together, and still laugh about all those miles we logged in marching band. While my marching band days ended in high school, she went on to participate in marching band in college. Now that she’s married and has a family, music has continued to be a strong part of her life. So I thought some cute little musical coasters might be fun for her to have. I asked her what her favorite color was, as well as her husband’s and daughter’s. Then I got to work.
I brought this little project along with me on a little sewing retreat with Vicki (Vicki’s Crafts and Quilting) at her house. I have to confess – and Vicki will attest to this – there was some muttering and time unpicking while I made these. There were some teensy pieces! They aren’t perfect, but they will do.
This cute little musical note is a pattern from Ginger and Jam Designs. It is a paper-pieced design that comes in two sizes. I made the smaller version, and the coaster finishes at about 4 inches.
Here’s a closer peek so you can see the detail a bit better.
Once the piecing was done, I pulled out some scrap batting and left over pieces of the white Grunge. After basting, I did a quick meander around the notes, then finished with a single fold binding.
I’m still trying to get the hang of free motion, but it’s not too bad, right?
The next time the two of us get together for coffee, I’ll be bringing these along to give to her. I can’t wait!
Now it’s time for you to pop over and see what music my friends are making. Here’s the list, just click on a link and enjoy seeing some new quilty inspiration!
Monday, November 14th
Tuesday, November 15th
Wednesday, November 16th
Thursday, November 17th
Hope you find ways of making music in your quilt room today! Thanks for being part of the music of my day!
Wendy
Those little coasters are so cute!!
I too have so many fond memories of my marching band days!
Pretty little itsy-bitsy quilts. She’ll love them!
Neat coasters! Your friend will love them! I can imagine some words when you had to rip out parts–those small pieces can drive a person crazy–but the finished product looks great! Thanks for sharing!
Your coasters are adorable and your free motion looks great!
These turned out fantastic. Little projects are great for practicing free motion quilting, yours looks lovely!
Super cute coasters for your friend and SEW perfect for the Hop, Wendy!!
I love that little eighth note! Your FMQ looks fantastic, and the grunge is always a great choice. Perfect gift for your friends.
We might all have to come over for coffee and enjoy your friends new coasters! They are just too cute! I had to laugh at you saying your muttered! Hummm…that’s so much nicer than what I call it some days, I am going to have to remember that word! LOL!! What a fun reminder or your days in the band together! Oh and your meandering looks GREAT.
Cute coasters! Those are tiny pieces! No wonder you were ready to tackle the FPP deer.
Your coasters are lovely!
What a wonderful gift for your friend. Music seems to always come from the heart for sure. I love reading your marching band story for inspiration for the project. So fun!
“Friends are definitely the music of life, aren’t they?”
You and Willie are spot on!
🙂
I didn’t do marching band, but my kids did and I loved being a band parent! My music adventures were all singing – choir and musicals, etc. Those are cute as can be, and do look like they had tiny pieces. What a great gift for your friend!
I’m sure your friend and her family will love the coasters.
Hi Wendy! You did a fabulous job quilting these! And paper pieced anything is awesome in my book. Gosh, I can think of so many people who would love a set of these coasters. Seriously. I’m going to PIN this for the future – you are also a squirrel enabler, aren’t you?! I accused Linda earlier today, and now you. It’s not safe to read friends’ posts today. AND, most of all, friends definitely are the music notes in life. What would we do without them? I prefer not to think about that. {{Hugs}} a bunch. ~smile~ Roseanne
Oh my gosh. Those are adorable. I didn’t know you were a band geek. I was too. Some of the best days of my life, and they produced life-long friends. I played alto clarinet. What did you play?
That awesome coasters; I’m sure she’s going to be thrilled with the surprise gift. And oh boy are you right about all the miles we packed on in marching band!
“Friends are definitely the music of life…” Well said! Love that you chose such a personal gift for your friend! 🙂
Oh, your coasters are just adorable! And worth the time “un-sewing” to get them just right. I think I need to make some of these! You finished them perfectly, and I’m sure your friend will love them!
The coasters are just perfectly beautiful, quilting and all! I’m sure your friend will totally appreciate them. FMQ was such a pain for me to learn. I still can’t do fancy designs without it drawn on the fabric. Even then, it’s iffy. Yours looks great!
Adorable music-themed coasters. Great gift! Thanks so much for sharing!
Very cute coasters. Your friend will love them. Your free-motion quilting looks wonderful.
Such cool coasters Wendy. I would love to have some or make them for music friends.
Wendy these are adorable.
Those coasters are super cute and if I didn’t already have a bunch, as do my friends, I’d be sorely tempted to make some. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful coasters! I was in the marching band…carried the flag…which was really a chore but I did get to hang out with my friends. I am sure your friend will love the coasters – I thought of looking for a paper pieced note if that fabric didn’t turn up in my stash..fortunately it did but I will remember these if I need them one day.
Yep, they look perfectly wonderful to me! What a great gift to think of someone else, too. Thanks for sharing!
oh but these are lovely. she will love them. thanks for sharing and inspiring
The music note coasters are very cool!! It’s a great gift!
Don’t you love to do paper-piecing? The circles are a challenge, but the points are spot-on. Your friend will love them.
Very cute! I really like your coasters; thanks for sharing.
Your friend should love these coasters. She can have her tea/coffee/wine and be reminded of great times with you.
You nailed the subject matter for the challenge. Very fun and pretty project.
They sure look perfect, Wendy! Fun mini project/gift!!!
They turned out adorable and were worth all the ‘muttering’ and meeting up with ‘Jack’!! Kudos to you for sticking with those teeny tiny pieces:) What instrument did you play in band?
These are lovely! What a lucky friend you have. They will love them. 🙂
They are so tiny and cute! Thanks for sharing!
Lot of blood sweat and tears in those musical notes! Hugs
Adorable coasters! I know your friend will love them. I would have gone crazy trying those piece such small pieces. You did a great job.
They are just so pretty, and very clever too.
I am sure your friend will feel the love in these sweet coasters. Great job.
I love your coasters, Wendy! I can relate to Willie’s song. Many days I longed to be “on the road again.” But nowadays I just want to stay home! LOL Thanks for sharing your cute coasters. I know your friend will enjoy them with you and coffee!!
I think they turned out nicely.
Beautiful notes