Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Dolmades



Today is my day for the Leafs Me Happy Blog Hop.  Now if you know what a Dolmade is, you know where I am going, if not - maybe the photo helps?  I wanted to be inspired by a different 'leaf' for my project.  Being on an old farming homestead, these are found almost everywhere!  Wild Grape Vines!!  And I'm reminded of my great Grandmother and great Aunties.  Oh, the scrumptious Dolmades or Dolmas - stuffed grape leaves.

 
There was, also, tea from the leaves, grape juice and of course wine - shhhh, great gran's wine was well known and well loved.  And the arbors were trimmed in the fall with the cuttings used for basket making, dolly furniture, and wreaths.


And there was Carnival Glass and Milk Glass with grapes and  leaf design thru-out the house.  And as I think back there was metal and tinware and plaster molds.  And hearing Aesop's Fables - 'The Fox and The Grapes'.  Rich memories which inspired my project.

 
First some background fabric and some iron-on batt.


Find one of those useful 'kitchen templates' and make a circle.


I found two verigated threads - yes, threaded both through one machine needle - and just follow that circle having fun free motion quilting and doodling and tentrils dancing.  My grape vine wreath is made.


Add a second thin batt and backing and pin baste out.


Some meander quilting with a yellow thread and bind.  No - I am not done yet...........

  
I hate to say it - I save it all.  Old sprays, sprigs, pluck apart old flower decor and keep the leaves off flower picks.  But there was a wonderful grape vine spray!  So I cut off some leaves and tendrils and found some tiny grape cluster bits on another treasure.


I just chose a leaf and sewed a few leaf veins to hold, wanting a 3-D look.  Make sure your leaves are simply fabric or have plastic veining/stems - no metal or you will break you needle and/or damage your machine.


And my finished piece.  A 12.5" mini for my table topper stand.  I hope you enjoyed. 


GIVE AWAY





A mini star bundle of FQs of 'Fellowship' by Brannock & Patek for Moda.  Just leave me a comment - you don't have to be a follower, but everyone is welcome.  I will ship international.  Comments will close midnight (est) October 10th and winner announced on the 11th.

Thank you Madame Samm for inspiring and Cherry for being Head CheerLeader (she keeps the daily schedule posted thru the Hop).  Please be sure to visit these people who share the day with me:

 
 
Sewingly Yours,
Sharon
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

176 comments:

Sewgirl said...

I really like your creativity with your wreath. I made a similar one with pulled apart flowers that had a spring time look to it. you could probably do one for all the seasons if you wanted. I am jealous you have grape leaves growing on your property( and grapes too I guess?). My mom used to make dolmades with just layering the grape leaves rather that was a little faster than rolling them. It became a casserole which was quite yummy actually!

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

Your mini quilt is really cute...love how you reused the leaves and added the fun stitching..TFS!

Judy B said...

I love how you used your findings to finish your wreath quilt! Kitchen templates, such a novel idea. Thank you for sharing and the great giveaway.

Kathy MacKie said...

what a cool idea and thanks for the giveaway-Happy Autumn!

Anonymous said...

wow Sharon that is so nice,love it and it looks great in the 12" mini stand,well done.xx

Nati said...

What an original work! Very interesting! Thanks for the chance to win!

Sunshine Girl said...

Oooh I love the way you have done your wreath - very nice - will have to try one of those! Lovely giveaway too - thanks for sharing.

louzeekreativ said...

Your block look beautiful and the idea with the leafs is very creative!

Britt-Inger said...

You are a very creative woman. The miniquilt with wreath is very nice with the 3D leaves. I love it
Thanks for sharing and a beautiful give away.

tink's mom said...

wow that is a wonderful piece. Love that you had that wonderful collection of leaves to use. They are perfect, thanks also for the chance on that great fabric bundle.

Heleen Groot said...

Fabulous. What a great idea. I'm adding it to my to-do-list..... I'll get to it, I will I WILL!

Christine M said...

How clever are you Sharon! Your little quilt is lovely. So effective!

Jacquelin said...

Me gusta el bloque que ha presentado. Se ve muy otoñal. Soy seguidora desde ahora. Un saludo.

Pauline G said...

I love this idea for adding to a sewing project with bits and pieces I'm sure we all hoard away - it's lovely. the I've away is a great bundle of fabric

Gill said...

What a fabulous idea! Thank you Sharon!This could be made in other colours too!and what a great way to use up all those odds and ends we all save!
thank you for sharing!

Sue said...

Where in the world do you find so much time to be so creative? Boy, those grape vines remind me of home! Could not wait for the grapes to ripen...nothing better in the world. Your block brings back loads of memories!!!!

charlotte said...

Love your grape vine! Nice interpretation for the leaves of fall.

Sowing Stitches said...

I love grape vines and your block is such a Great Idea!!! I'm thinking I may try this as a table runner...a great Christmas present for mom...shhhhh....I hope she doesn't see this.....

sowingstitches [at] gmail [dot] com

Lyndsey said...

I love your grape vine. It is inspired. Thank you for sharing.

Betsy said...

I love your garden and I also love how you incorporated it in your block.

Thearica said...

Your farm sounds like my grandparents farm that I grew up on. My grandparents cooked out hominy, made lye soap, granddaddy made grannys brooms with grape vines for handles and he grew his own broom straw... I dont think she ever bought a store bought broom... Granny picked out all of her nuts from the trees on the farm... and the list goes on and on... I think I might do a blog post on them soon. :)

BTW: Love your block!

Pauline said...

I love your wreath, you made an original miniquilt!

Marla's Crafts said...

I wish I could think od interesting things to make. I need a pattern for everything. I am a follower.

Patty said...

great idea for a table topper!

Karen M said...

Your machine quilting of the grapevine wreath with tendrils is great. I love your finished project. Thanks for sharing.

QuiltSue said...

That's so clever. I really like the look of it.

Lisa England said...

Gorgeous project and so original! Thanks for sharing.

Sandy D said...

What a great block.I also did not know you could use two threads in one needle.I like the idea of using the double threads for the wreath.

Calicojoan said...

I love it. What a great way to use up those tidbits we can't seem to part with!

Linda said...

What a cute little project! Great job! (I'm already a follower.)
I remember wild grape vines from my childhood. My grandmother made grape jelly from them.

Colleen said...

Okay, now that was creative thinking at it's finest! That little wall hanging is adorable! Thanks for sharing.

Michele said...

Great idea Sharon. Well executed. I especially love your fancy "kitchen template".

Jeanie said...

Clever idea to use the xtra leaves. I like the effect. Thanks for the giveaway!

JudyCinNC said...

I love your creativity, Sharon, and can always depend on you for something inspirational. Thank you for sharing your childhood memories which you so cleverly designed for Fall blog hop. Judy C

yorkie mom said...

Adorable mini quilt! love the stitching and leaves.

beaquilter said...

how cool that you sewed on the leaves!! great project

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

That is one sweet mini quilt. I just love it!! I do follow and thank you for a wonderful giveaway!

Debbie said...

This one is terrific....love your inspiration idea, too. It can't get any simpler or more attractive than this one!

Average Quilter said...

That was so creative and turned out so nice.

evelyn said...

Sharon, your background story brings both smiles and tears. Thoughts of a time gone by. Love that you up-cycled. Your block is gorgeous. Thank you for including a tutorial.

krislovesfabric said...

How pretty! Good that you saved all those leaves, such a nice result!!

Unknown said...

Sharon, coming from your background, this was such a natural. I loved the free dancing! Beautiful.

pinsandneedles said...

Sharon...How clever to use flower picks to make your mini quilt 3D. It is so pretty! Thanks for your generous giveaway!

The Slow Quilter said...

That was very clever, I will have to try that someday.

Mommarock said...

What a cool idea! I would have never thought of that.

Gina Loomis said...

Oh what great memories! Thanks for sharing them! Your block is fantastic! Thanks for participating & inspiring us!!

linny said...

Love the wreath, very creative.
lyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com

Needled Mom said...

I LOVE the block. That was a fabulous idea and it feels so "fallish"!!!

carla said...

Hi!!! I love your wreath block!!! Sew creative!!! I love the history you gave us!!!! Thanks for the fun!!!!

Pamela said...

Your block is very creative. And beautiful! Don't you love having those special memories and being able to create something that shows that. Awesome.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

How creative Sharon! It is so neat!

Denise :) said...

Sharon! That's inspiring! I really do love this one -- definitely putting this on my bucket list! I hope I get one of those little mini-hanging things for my birthday so I have a reason to make blocks like yours to put in it!!! Hugs! :)

Sparky said...

HI Sharon..how is you...feeling fallish...absolutely...
I adore your ingenuity...your creativity..well you...and I think you made our......wink

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

It's wonderful Sharon. I also really enjoyed your story. I felt like I was right there. Of course I would love to have a glass of that wine. ;)
Such a beautiful place you in. I know the air must smell divine this time of year.
Hugs to you my friend.

QuilterLaura said...

Love your table topper, very creative! I think we all have a plastic bin around somewhere with old silk flowers and the like. Great use for it.

Brenda said...

How wonderful! I would never have thought to put the leaves from left over decorations on a wall hanging like that! Great block! I love the farm memories too!

Lesley said...

Sharon, you are the Creative Queen! Love how you designed your block from something in nature...it is awesome! And thanks for the chance to win a lovely giveaway!

gpc said...

What a clever idea! And I love the way it turned out!

SewWhatsNew said...

That is really pretty. I will have to file it to a future use. Thanks for sharing.

Truffle queen said...

Thanks for the great tutorial! I just happen to have a bunch of those silk grape leaves! Wouldn't this be perfect for my friend who also makes dolmades!! Great block! Also, thanks for the chance to win the beautiful fabric!

Patricia said...

Nice project, good idea for using those leaves. Haven't been by your blog in a while. Nice to see you are still quilting away.

Sallie said...

Very creative - love what you did! Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway!

Deb said...

Very creative! I'd love to be included in your fabric giveaway.

SIMPLESEW said...

Very nice and festive

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

Such a unique little quilt. It's great.

Pam said...

That wreath is just stunning, I hoard all sorts of oddments and use them when wrapping presents, I use plain paper and white ribbon, that way the decorations really stand out.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Sharon you always inspire me! Two threads at once what a great idea! I so have to try this and yes I would use a plate too!

BizyStitches said...

Your wreath block was very creative. I love it. Thanks for tell us how you made it. Thanks for the lovely give away. This has been a fun hop.

Unknown said...

What a fantastic design! I never thought to combine sewing and silk leaves like that, but it turned out fabulous!
Serina

aiah23 said...

I really love your block, that is awesome! How long have you been cross-stitching? I do more of that than quilting.

Fawn

Anonymous said...

Sharon-I love your wreath idea of using leaves-Michael's carries so many seasonal pics that it never occurred to me to use them in a block. You're so clever, thanks for sharing.

sew.darn.quilt said...

What a clever design, I just love this. It's a wonderful piece!
Thank you for the tutorial and for the chance :)

Teresa in Music City said...

Sharon you never cease to surprise and delight with your creativity! I just simply love your wreath!!! And the walk with you down your memory lane was delightful =^..^=

Jane's Quilting said...

Ahh, you got my attention with the first word. What a great leaf, huh?? Your mini quilt is adorable. I love the way you made it. Thank you for the tutorial and the great idea.

Anonymous said...

NEAT TUTORIAL!
THANKS FOR SHARING!

msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

Lyn said...

I just love your little block for your stand! It is so creative. Thanks for being part of the hop.

Ariane said...

Oh I like your originality with this mixed media quilt!! Love it!!

StitchinByTheLake said...

Sharon what a wonderful idea - I would never have thought of that but I love it! blessings, marlene

quiltma said...

Beautiful giveaway. Thank you

Anonymous said...

Your wreath is lovely! Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Your wreath is lovely! Thanks for sharing.

Robin said...

Oh, my, that is a wonderful idea! I love grape vine wreathes. I will definitely be "borrowing" that idea!!!

Bonnie58 said...

Love the block. Your creativity is wonderful. Thanks for the opportunity on the draw.
bonnielarson58@gmail.com

Apple Avenue Quilts said...

Very clever block! I love the 3D leaves and berries. thanks for the chance on you lovely giveaway!

Wendy said...

Wow, this is beautiful! I love the way you did the wreath

Rebeckah Austin said...

I lke the use of kitchen templates. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Like your grape wreath mini quilt. Thank you for the chance to win the beautiful fall fabric.

thelady at hotmail dot com

Carol Swift said...

I love your beautiful stitching and your idea to put those leaves on the mini quilt. Very cool! Thanks sharing your ideas. :O)

Quilt n Queen said...

Good afternoon Sharon, your creativity is always inspiring, I definitely enjoyed your block and your ingenius template. Thanks for sharing in the hop and for the chance to win the star FQ bundle. Have a wonderful Wednesday and happy stitching. Pauline

Teri said...

Wow....what a cool mini quilt....and I am a follower....

Sheila said...

How very creative Sharon , I love the grape vine wreath and the use of the leaves was perfect ,thanks so much for sharing !!

Farm Quilter said...

Sew creative!!! I love the way you made this wreath using "found" objects! Also nice to find another "saver" like me cuz I just know I'll use it somewhere, sometime!!!

Marnie said...

WOW, I love your grapevine block.
It is on my to do list.
Thanks so much for sharing.
I am now a follower of your fantastic site.

Julie S said...

Really great idea! I love the way you made the twiggy wreath!

Carrie P. said...

how creative you are. great block.

Lori said...

your wreath is fantastic. Thanks for sharing and a chance to win.

Foolish Feathers said...

I love your little mini-quilt! It will be unique and yet it is fallish as well in my mind. My father had a little wild vine he used to care for and he would prune it back in the fall and get it set for winter.

Pippa Parsons said...

ohh that's great, I'm making a felt autumn wreath but yours is scrummy

Belinda said...

That is very lovely and interesting! I've never seen that done before!!

mary mahoo said...

I love your grapevines. My mother's homestead had them growing all over as well--it's one of the few things I remember from the old farm. Thanks for sharing.

In stitches and seams said...

love it! as I am reading your post I am eat sowm grapes picked from my daughter vines. I have been makeing jam jelly and juice..... mmmm....mmm..... good.
in stitches

Gwen said...

I love grapevine wreaths-- and your idea to make one with fabric and thread is wonderful!! It turned out so pretty--- I especially love the tendrils! :-) Thank you for the chance to win! I am so happy that Fall is finally here and the cooler temperatures are flirting with us! :-)

Kathryn said...

I like your combination of machine drawing and recycling of leaves. Very nice.

deborah said...

Your block is beautiful! We have a vacation home in the Finger Lakes...NY wine country and I love anything grape viney!!

Leslie said...

Wow! A very cute, clever, inspiring design. Love it.

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Sharon, what a great mini quilt. Loved the story with it. Now you have a great quilt to remember your gran and aunts and all the grape items in your families life.

Sheila said...

Wow what a beautiful block and sew different! Thanks for being part of the "Leaf me Happy" blog hop.

Snoodles said...

Sharon, your block is stunning - you know how I love 3D work! Just beautiful!

Texas JennyWren said...

Your creative wreath is amazing!! Oh my, that must look so wonderful in your home. I love grape vines too. My mom would send us out to pick grapes for her along the brooks behind my house. When we got enough she would make the BEST tangy grape jam. We ALL loved it. I never thought of making those wonderful stuffed grape leaves. How would you get the leaves ready to do that, do you know? I have eaten them and LOVE DOLMAS, but never thought to make them with wild grape leaves. HOW FUN!!

Chris said...

Oh! That's darling.....and so unexpected! thank you for shairing.

nhlady said...

Your grape vine wreath is wonderful!

Thanks for the giveaway.

Tricia said...

Hiya Sharon,

LOVE the creative of way to making your 3D grape-vine wreath. I thinks it's prefect for this time of year. Yummmmm stuffed Dolmades!! Being in Michigan, we sure don't want for a Greek restuarant. I got a cookbook (Opa!!))based on Detroit's Greek restuarants & love making their stuffed grapes leaves... even if no one else eat them in this house. Ohhhhhhh Swooon!!! Those fq's are soooo pretty & fall inspiring. Thank You for the chance the chance to win them and for sharing with us.

Sincerely,
Tricia

Catherine said...

Your mini quilt is wonderful. I love your free motion wreath and tendrils. I`m from Pennsylvania, wild grapes everywhere in our rural area. Thanks so much for a fun visit!

Rosemary B❤️ said...

Rosemary B here:
SO nice, love the wreath, and the added leaves, so cute, This is a great idea. Wow, you are super creative!

thanks for the give away of these nice fabrics

SharonZ said...

I love your grape wreath. I made a similar hanging several years ago for a pumpkin wallhanging swap. You are so creative, adding in bits and pieces to make an original design.

Sheila said...

LOVE your use of mixed media for this most original piece of art! I took a peek at your blog early this morning and I've been thinking about it all day. Love it.

Karen said...

What a clever project. I just love this hop since Fall is my favorite season as well.

ThreadCatcher said...

Your grapevine wreath truely shows your creativity. Thanks for sharing and for the chance at your giveaway.

Rosa said...

Wow,that`s absolutely beautiful.Thanks for sharing and the giveaway!

Karen O said...

I really like the way you did this wreath. A good combo of different crafty skills!

LJ said...

Darling grape wreath. You are definitely a great FM quilter. What a neat idea to make it 3D. Thanks for sharing your block and your grape story with us hoppers!

maggie said...

Dear Sharon
I love your block! Very clever.

Happy fall!
cheers
maggie
maggiemine42@gmail.com

Judith said...

Sweet Creative leafs! Oh My! Simple and sweet and I will have to use your tip on using two threads. What size needle do you use for the two threads? Thank you for sharing today,,,Judith, Texas

Michele T said...

I love the way your wreath turned out... very creative an unique!!

ritainalaska said...

love your pretty wreath! looks like fun to make! enjoyed your pix and post on the grapes.

barbara woods said...

wonderful idea thanks for the giveaway

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Wonderful wreath! You always do such a nice job.

Nancy in IN said...

Your creativity shines. Thanks for inspiration.

Julie said...

I usually think of grapevine as a weed. Now I will look at them with new eyes! Very nice!

Anda W said...

Your fall projects is so unique, love it! awolk at rogers dot com

Unknown said...

What a talented lady your are. To find a project from nature and it suits fall. Loved your project.

Sherill said...

What memories! You ceated a very imagitive block. Thank you for sharing it.

Cecilia said...

Great block! Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway.

Emily C said...

Hahaha i love your kitchen template. Very lovely fall piece. Love the pack you picked for the giveaway also.

Mary C said...

This is so cute; thank you for sharing your inspiration!

Vickie said...

What a pretty wreathe. Good idea!

Kathy H said...

I love the wreath. Glad to see you could use those threads in your machine. So pretty.

Karen said...

What a creative block. And you did a fantastic tutorial for it. Well done!

DeAnna said...

Love the wreath..great idea...and also the fabric you are giving away. Thanks.

Maria Kievit said...

Love your wreath! Really thinking outside the box! Thanks for sharing.

Diana said...

Love the creativity with the wreath. Thanks for the giveaway.

Unknown said...

Sharon we can always count on your for your creativity..it looks beautiful...yeas I am a follower and very glad that I am....

Gloria said...

Great tutorial and creative block. So cute hanging on the table stand.

Jeanne Gwin said...

Now look what you have done. Made something so cute I'm jealous. that is sweet for sure. Thanks for sharing and your great giveaway.

Rhonda D. said...

Love your grape vine wreath block.
Thanks for sharing!

wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

jules said...

How creative, thanks for sharing.

Vivian said...

Very creative, thanks. Vivian

Carin@Ullhärvan said...

Your mini quilt is fantastic! You're always so creative!

Terrie said...

Love your project !!! Loving fall as well :)!!!
Thanks much !!

Sally said...

love the grape vine wreath--beautiful. I'd love the fats and yes, of course I'm a follower!

Carin said...

I love that little quilt and how you made it.
Thanks for the great give away !

Pam said...

Hiya! Love your mini---so creative. And I remember grapevines at my Grandma's place when I was little too. She just usually made jelly from her grapes. But it was delish! Thank you for participating and sharing, and thank you for having the giveaway. Blessed be, hugs!!!

playamom57 at yahoo dot com

Karen said...

Wow, what a great design! Thanks for sharing it with all of us. :)

Judy said...

The wreath is so clever. I would never have thought about doing that. Oh no, more ideas in brain. Thanks!!

SewCalGal said...

Your wreath is beautiful. Great technique. Inspirational. I definitely want to try to make this. Love it. Thanks Sharon.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Suze said...

Thanks for taking time to participate and share. And I thought I had to cut all those leaves out of fabric! How clever! That's part of what about this process of blog hopping ~ this old female dog is learning some new tricks. Now she just needs to implement them. A nice project!

MoeWest said...

Your grapevine wreath is brilliant! I love the 3D effect and it's proof that hoarding little crafty bits is not a bad thing!

Katherine said...

How wonderfully clever, Sharon! It turned out so beautiful and I bet it feels wonderful to have given those sprays a new lease on life. :o)

Thanks for the inspiration!

Leah said...

Beautiful block. Very nicely done.

SpartanBabe said...

Love the block! And the memories :o) I lived in Greece for a fall season and miss the fresh dolmades so much! Thanks for sharing Sharon :o)

Mary said...

So fast and cute for FALL decorating. Great Tutorial Sharon. You could even find some leaves at the Dollar Store for this.

Mary said...

So fast and cute for FALL decorating. Great Tutorial Sharon. You could even find some leaves at the Dollar Store for this.

Mrs.Pickles said...

wow that is so pretty and so darn creative!!

Peggy said...

Your wreath is beautiful.
Thanks,
Peggy
peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

Miki Willa said...

I love the leaf wreath. You are so creative!

Judy1522 said...

Your block is beautiful and I love dolmas. Great giveawy

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

Very pretty. Congrats on being one of the chosen.

nicolesender said...

Your wreath is quite lovely. I was interested in the way you started to develop your wreath.
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

rag55 said...

What a great idea! !! LOVE how it turned out!!!
rachel.garibay.55@gmail.com

Stitches said...

Very interesting...thanks for the chance to win.

Linda said...

I just found your blog and all I can say is, "OMG" This is awesome! I just started quilting and just love, love your ideas! Keep up the great work. You are very creative. I know your blog will be visited very often. you are in my favs!

Vesuviusmama said...

I love your new display!

Wendy said...

I love the creativity that is in your new little fall quilt! Just beautiful! Great inspiration for those of us who love the fall season.Thank you for a chance to win lovely fabric!

Char said...

Great job Sharon, I love the mini. The grapevine wreath is perfect.

Bobbie Bentneedle said...

The dolmades wreath is lovely as is the beginnings of your Treasure Box in autumn fabrics - always a favorite of mine. Thanks for sharing!

Material Girl said...

Very cute! Love the free motion grapevine, so clever. Fabric giveaway is awesome! Pretty fabrics!