Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Table Topper Blog Hop (and a small giveaway!)

Welcome to The Table Topper Blog Hop!  I don't know about you but I love making small projects...there's just something about starting and finishing in a day or two that rejuvenates me.  I bought my hanger a couple of years ago and love the quality of it.  If you're interested you can click on the logo to find a wide assortment.  Also Michelle at Raspberry Rabbits carries some cute ones.  




 I love having my hanger in my kitchen window.  This is a huge window over my sink and the view of the lake is such a blessing to me.





This is one of the first hanging table toppers I made and is a hand embroidered red work piece that I call The Wonder of Snowflakes.  It's also one of my first free motion quilting attempts.

 This was an "orphan block" that I decided not to use in a primitive country quilt top so I repurposed it for my hanger and call it Country Hearts.  I hand quilted this one.


This is probably my favorite hanging table topper - I don't remember where I got the pattern but it's a combination of embroidery and machine applique that I call Tea in the Garden.

 And no kitchen would be complete without A Rooster!  This preprinted block was part of a panel that I fussy cut and bordered.

 July Stars was another of those orphan blocks that we all have in drawers and can't decided what to do with.  I hand quilted this one too.

 This piece is wool applique and is done with a hand blanket stitch.  It's a very simple piece with a very simple name...Bluebird.
This is one of my latest pieces - O Christmas Tree.  The tree is scrappy strips and the decorations are buttons.  This is another of the first pieces I practiced free motion quilting on.

Another great use for these hangers is perfect for one of my favorite things - tea towels!  I love to applique and embroider tea towels for the seasons and they can simply be hung on this rack to add a bit of whimsey to any corner.





I have a small giveaway for those of you who are interested:  I love Sassy by Sandy Gervais for Moda and have more than one charm pack (confession time!) so I'm offering one to you along with a couple of patterns, Quilt Jam by Marcie at Patchalot Patterns (love her stuff!) and Quilted Postcards by Scrap-bags.  Oh and a lanyard for your scissors that says "To Quilt is Human, To Finish Divine."  Don't you love that!  Just leave a comment and I'll draw a name on Monday.



I hope you'll go visit the other blogs who are participating today and I hope to see you here again soon!



Friday April 20th 



154 comments:

tpott said...

Yay! I'm never first. What a talented quilter you are, hand quilting, redwork and so prolific. I need to make a few table toppers from orphaned blocks, then I could practice free motion quilting and hand quilting. Since they're smaller maybe I wouldn't be so overwhelmed and I'd finish them. Thanks for sharing, they're beautiful. ;-> Toni Anne

Julie Fukuda said...

How great is that to have something for every season! It would be hard to pick and choose. I don't really need more fabric and patterns but that leash for the scissors might make them easier to hang on to.

Judith said...

I love your toppers! Beautiful window view....Now I have to sew one for my office....Thanks for sharing, Judith, Texas

Needled Mom said...

The toppers are gorgeous.

Needled Mom said...

The toppers are gorgeous.

Marie Rayner said...

What a wonderful way to showcase smaller pieces of your work Marlene! I love all that you create. You do such a fabulous job! I'm always so impressed with all that you share with us. xxoo

charlotte said...

so many cute things! The tea towels are a great idea and a giveaway too, how special.

QuiltSue said...

What lovely mini-quilts. I specially liked the teapot one (well I would, wouldn't I, seeing as I'm English?)

Gill said...

Great toppers! I love your wool applique! that's something I haven't tried!

Carin@Ullhärvan said...

Those table toppers of yours are lovely! I love Sassy by Moda too.

Lesley said...

Each and every one of your table toppers is precious! I also love how you used the frame to hang your adorable tea towels. Well done and thanks for the giveaway!

Betsy said...

I so love all your toppers I have one for every month but now I want to make more. Thank you for the chance to win

Teresa F. said...

Great table toppers. Having one for each month is wonderful, I think I have to make some for me, too.

Michelle said...

Such pretties!!

Ruth said...

Your little table topper quilts are adorable! I have always wanted to get one of those racks - I need one! I would love to win your giveaway.

Sparky said...

Good Morning Marlene....ohhhhh my the quilting divine fob...love that ..but the table toppers...every one of them distinctive, and downright inspiring..love them all..isn't this fun? lol

Teresa said...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful work with me.

Truffle queen said...

Hi Marlene! Love your little table toppers! Gives me great inspiration to make more for mine! Thanks for sharing - and for the opportunity to win! Your generosity never ends! Blessings!!

Anonymous said...

Sweet table topper quilts! I want one of those racks but am waiting to move first. I love the idea of changing out quilts seasonally or even special occasions. I envision a birthday cake.

Rose said...

I thought each person in the blog hop would create one topper, but not so many from one person. The towel idea was great. Good Job and thanks for the opportunity to win.

Charlene S said...

Your tea towels are fantastic. Your kitchen window view is glorious!

Unknown said...

Your post is jam packed of great table toppers and tea towels. I wish my first attempts at FMQ looked as good as yours. Thank you so much for sharing your work.

yorkie mom said...

Adorable table toppers! Love the tea cup one. Count me in for the giveaway.

JudyCinNC said...

Love all of your little mini quilts and towels. Thanks for sharing because you inspired me - never thought about all the embroidered towels I have and they would work. Yours are so lovely. Judy C thanks you

Sandra said...

New Follower here. Your table toppers are so cute. Thank you for the chance to win.

Joyce Carter said...

Your table toppers are really cute, and what a great way to use all of the orphan blocks.It has inspired me to do something with mine.I have gotten a lot of ideas from your blog. Thank you so much and thank you for the great giveaway!

Teresa said...

It's been so much fun to see what everyone has made on the Table Topper Blog Hop. Yours are all adorable.

Little Penpen said...

Love, love, love your table topper blocks. Where did you find the cute little hanger? ps. I am a new follower!

Renea said...

Your table toppers are sew cute. I only have three made but I am getting lots of ideas sew I can make some more. Thanks for the great giveaway.

The Mayo Family said...

Love the table toppers!!:):)
The rooster one is so cute..My MOM has them in our kitchen!!:):)
Thanks for the giveway:)
Annamarie

Debbie said...

Love all your toppers....some of the cutest I have seen. So many ideas and variety....I may need to get a topper. Thanks for sharing.

In stitches and seams said...

just amazing the number of toppers you all have come up with .... sew many ideas..... great job
ps thanks for having a charming give away
in stitches

Messy Karen said...

i have favorite teatowels. great idea. i love the one you stitched.

Christine L said...

Love ALL you Toppers and the Tea Towels are adorable! Great Inspiration!!! Thanks for a giveaway chance... I LOVE SASSY!!!

Sallie said...

I love your table toppers! What a great idea for an orphan block and for the lovely tea towels you've made! Thanks for the giveaway!

TinaTx said...

Beautiful toppers and awesome view!

Katherine said...

What a parade of beauties! Thanks for sharing your lovely creations with us, Marlene.

krislovesfabric said...

Oh, I love your toppers! Especially that teapot and the wool one...and...well they are all great :) Thanks so much for sharing and for your generous giveaway too!

Linda said...

I love all your toppers. Thanks for participating.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful giveaway! I love all of your minis & the tea towels is a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

Kathy H said...

I love all your toppers, especially the tea in the garden. My daughter collects teapots and has a lot of red in her kitchen so that would be a perfect little topper for her. Great idea for the tea towels. I love to make them too but they aren't my favorite kitchen towels so that would be a great way to display them. Thanks for sharing all your ideas.

Densews said...

I love the small quilts you featured. Also the idea of using wire frame for tea towels. Thank you for the giveaway.

~Kelie~ said...

Gorgeous work! I believe the country hearts is my favorite! Thank you for a chance to win!

Michelle said...

AMAZING! What beautiful toppers...LOVE the rooster! I think it's a great idea to add a HST topper to your collection ...lol! Have a wonderful weekend!

Lyn said...

I just love your blog What a beautiful spot to quilt. I love all your darling mini quilts. Thanks for showing us.

WoolenSails said...

What wonderful mini pieces and a great way to display them. I love to make small pieces and switch them out during the seasons.

Debbie

TheaMinPA said...

Sandy Gervais is my fave designer - it's so hard to pass up her charms!
thanks for posting the giveaway. 8-)

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Lovely mini toppers. Yes, they are good for learning new techniques, playing with FMQ - but I like the idea of hanging pretty towels - I need another hanger. Thank you for sharing with us today.

Josie McRazie said...

Can I tell you now how much I LOVE Tea in the Garden! Ummm I never thougth about hanging little towels from my little hanger guy (palm to forhead!!) Now I have to learn red work and get working on my towels! I have ALWAYS wanted a set!!

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

Oh they re all so nice. So many pretties.

Betty Lou said...

What a nice collection of table toppers you have made and all so very different. Like that you have used some orphan blocks and practiced you FMQ skills. Thank you for sharing.

robin said...

I love all your little quilts! Thanks for the giveaway chance!

Gwen said...

All of you table toppers are so pretty! I kept thinking that each was my favorite, but then decided that I just can't choose a favorite! :-) I really like that little hanger too-- definitely need to get me one of those! :-) Thank you for the chance to win!

Linda Crosby said...

All I can say is "WOW"... love all the toppers especially the tea in the garden one and what a great idea for the little tea towels. Thanks for sharing your ideas and beautiful view thru the window.

paulette said...

Your table toppers and dish towels are all wonderful!! Thanks for sharing and for the lovely give away!! Very generous of you! Take care and thanks for the chance!
Paulette

Snoodles said...

LOL Love the lanyard - so cute! I enjoyed seeing all of your minis...some great ideas there! Your lake is lovely, and bet it's inspiring, too. Thanks for the chance to win!

Teri said...

Wow....what a lovely giveaway.....and I just love all your table toppers.....

Elizabeth said...

I enjoyed seeing your lovely small projects. Thanks for sharing. I would love to win your giveaways.

Laura said...

Love your minis! Thanks for the inspiration!

Leslie said...

Your post is full of inspiration and fun.......and a giveaway, too! Thanks.

Mrs.Pickles said...

wow you have been busy!! great mini's!

Michele T said...

Love all your little quilts!! Thanks for sharing some great ideas!

Carrie P. said...

Marlene, all your minis are so sweet. The tea pot is my favorite. It looks like you could take a vintage runner and made a mini quilt out of it. Love it.

Gmama Jane said...

Love your quilts but my favorite is the teacup!! Precious!! Samm may want to steal that one from you! You have a very nice give=away too!!
I love your blog!
Blessings
Gmama Jane

ytsmom said...

I love Sandy Gervais. Her fabrics and patterns are just so cute! Also that lanyard is perfect for me!!

Julie said...

Wow...how prolific you are! I wish I had the energy to crank out so many fine projects. They are all beautiful.

marie said...

Would never thought of using tea towels on the rack, thanks for the idea. Love all your designs.

Judy1522 said...

All of your table toppers are beautiful. Your Tea in the Garden one is my favorite.

Sharon B said...

I like the asian tea pot - great toppers, everyone!

Julie S said...

Thanks for sharing your lovely mini quilts! It would be such fun to be able to switch out the quilts every couple of weeks. A nice giveaway, too! I am a fan of Sandy Gervais!

Anonymous said...

Oh, your favorite is my favorite... Tea in the Garden. A very close second is the redwork snowman... lovely quilting, too. I have embroidered tea towels... why didn't I think of that? I'm a new follower, too! :-) Thanks for sharing your table toppers. ~Karen

rockgranny said...

Your little table topper quilts are adorable

Unknown said...

just found your blog, I love your mini quilts, especially the embroidered one of Yankee Doodle, makes a nice hanging for July 4th. Barbara

Linda Lee said...

WOW! These are all GREAT! A wonderful variety of fun toppers. So many different styles, fabrics, notions and methods. A fabulous idea where to practice free motion quilting! Thank you for sharing. God Bless!

Bobbie said...

Love the teapot in the garden- sew sweet! all the embroidery is sew pretty on all your toppers! Thanks for the giveaway

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh Marlene, I love them all. Especially the red work and the ric rac.

JoyceLM said...

Love all your toppers. Thanks for the great giveaway.

KatieQ said...

I love the wide variety of mini quilts you made. I particularly like the wool applique. Thanks for the tip about the tea towels. It's so obvious once you see it, but I never would have thought of it.

Karen M said...

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful table toppers. I really enjoyed looking at them. Thanks for the chance to win.

ritainalaska said...

enjoyed the table topper show - they're lovely, such fine work. thanx for sharing and the opportunity to win your prizes.

Diann said...

I've really been enjoying this bog hop. My favorite of your table toppers is the one with the teapot. So cute!

Jeanie said...

Great line up of mini quilts! And thanks for the great give a way opportunity!

Bonnie58 said...

Beautiful toppers. i purchased a hanger a year ago and still have not made anythng for it. I now feel motivated. Thanks

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

WOW I'm comment #85! You have lots of readers!

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

I forgot to say, the Tea in the garden would be my favorite!

usagypsy said...

I love all your little quilts! I too really like your Tea in the Garden. It has that vintage feel to it.

Rosa said...

Beautiful mini quilts and Tea in the garden cathes my eyes!!

Linda said...

Enjoyed your post and am now encouraged to do some small things. Sassy....yes....love that fabric.

Donna Joy said...

Your table toppers are darling. Love the appliqué and embroidery on. Love acorns and oak leaves to. It is fun to do small projects, thanks for sharing such a wonderful gift, the lanyard is a great idea for scissors. sandy gervais fabric, yeah.

barbara woods said...

love your table topper's thanks for the giveaway

Loralynn said...

I love the variety of subjects you have for your hanger! They are charming!

pinsandneedles said...

Wow! So many minis for your table topper! I love how your used ric rac to frame the tea in the garden quilt. Thanks!

Sheila said...

Wonderful variety of toppers and I really like the idea of the decorative tea towels , thanks for sharing.

Dorothy Thornton said...

Love the toppers

hueisei said...

Thanks for sharing your cute mini quilts. I loved the rooster one! :)
I'm following the hop and thanks for the lovely giveaway too!

Renee G said...

I love your projects -especially the Rooster and the redwork snowman ones.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOt)com

Sandy D said...

What great ideas we are getting blog hopping I like the idea of quilting up some orphaned blocks.The view you have is amazing. I am looking forward to coming back as a new follower of your blog

evelyn said...

I loved looking at all your minis. What a great way to try something new. Your little wool bluebird inspires me to try a mini with wool. Thanks for a great give away as well.

Lea and her Mustangs said...

I particularly like your rooster. That is what I have in my kitchen. Looks almost like the same rooster.

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

What a beautiful assortment of minis you have created!!! TFS
~Terry~

DaiseyB said...

All the things offered in your giveaway are really nice. Thank you so much for offering them. Now I just hope I win but I will be happy if someone else does to.

Cloud 9 said...

Thanks for sharing. I'm getting so much inspiration seeing everyone's table toppers.

Vail said...

Every one of your minis is just lucious! I love them all! This is such a fun blog hop.

Vail in tn

Vickie said...

Isn't this the funnest blog hop? I love your creations, all of them. Hearts are my favorite things but I love all of your little quilts. Vickie

Karen said...

Love your toppers especially the Bluebird!

Karen said...

Love all your toppers! Thanks for the peak at them.

Laura VanVleet said...

I love your beautiful little quilties! My favorite is the stitched redwor snowman. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Wow how pretty these are..I love the wool one and the leaf and the applique oh I could go on and on....

Unknown said...

I so love that charm pack and lanyard. I thank you for the chance to win.

hennies.pennies said...

You have created some beautiful table toppers! I'm so inspired to create when I see the wonderful work you ladies are doing through this Hop! Thank you for the opportunity to win an awesome treat!! Be especially blessed, Kathy

Jodi - usairdoll said...

Oh your toppers are beautiful! Your redwork snowman is similar to a redwork quilt my embroidery group is making. The hanger really showcases your work which is awesome!

Thank you for a great giveaway and a chance to win.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Annmarie said...

Your minis are all so lovely & lucky you to have such a view! I would love to win some charms & patterns - thanks for the chance.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

What beautiful table toppers and tea towels! Love your view and thanks for a great giveaway!

Lori said...

i love the idea of the hanger. and so many things you have made to dress up your kitchen. they are wonderful
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

mary mahoo said...

I love all your toppers, but that rooster makes me crow! Thanks for the chance to win.

juliehallfeldhaus said...

Love all your little quilts. I might have to get a stand like yours and start making little quilts:)

Beth said...

I love your table toppers! They are so cute. I'm going to have to start making these.....I can finish these!! I also love the saying on the lanyard. Sassy is one of my favorites. Thanks for the chance to win this fabulous prize. I have my fingers crossed.

Anonymous said...

love your star orphan block! you have quite a selection of hanging toppers, all very lovely.

LeAnne said...

Great table toppers. Love your idea of hanging tea towels on the hangers.

Tiger Oma said...

I just love your site. First time I have visited. Just love the topper hop too. My favorite of yours is the Yankee Doodle. It is so cute. Excited about following you

Anna @FreshDewDrops said...

Beautiful work. Love your idea of using the stands for tea towels as well. You could use it to showcase towels that have been hand stitched or embroidered and that are just too special to actually use : ) Thank you for sharing.

Marcia W. said...

I love your assortment of mini table topper hangers. Really like the teapot mini too. Thanks also for your giveaway. I'm filing away in my list that Shell has hangers at Raspberry Rabbits.

quilterfaye said...

Hi Malene,I've been a follower or ages.love your Tea in the Garden table topper. it's so sweet.thanks for sharing
Faye

Anne said...

Lovely projects all! My favorite is the rooster! I have roosters in my kitchen. Your stitching is perfection, Marlene. I am fortunate to have seen some of your projects in person, so I know just how talented you are.

leanne said...

wow Marlene - so many mini quilts and they are all so gorgeous - love the tea towel idea as well :)

Jeanne Gwin said...

I am so glad I don't have to judge which table topper is the best of all of these. they are all very nice.

maggie said...

Dear Marlene
Your toppers are all wonderful but I am mad over the Tea in The Garden one. I love the vintage look.
Cheers maggie

Unknown said...

Your table toppers and tea towels are the cutest ever! I kept thinking, "oh this is my favorite, no this is my favorite, no THIS is my favorite!" I couldn't decide - they are all so darling! Thanks for the opportunity to win such a great giveaway! :)

Patty said...

Love them all - snowman could be a favorite!

Deanna said...

Love the table toppers, they look wonderful

Carol Swift said...

Love them all, but the four-heart one is so cute! Tea towels are a great idea.

Kathy said...

Nice collection of table toppers! They are fantastic. thanks for sharing

Michele said...

I like them all. I am finally inspired to get hanger and make a few myself.

Val said...

How fun!!! I love seeing all these displayed!!! I LOVE your tea towels! Since my hands are better I have been doing a little embroidery. (I am just learning, a beginner)lol

Lee said...

I love the rooster and holiay tree - but of course all are lovely. I have enjoyed the hop -your strawberry preserves looks very good! thanks!

DebbieM said...

I admire your mini-quilts. My favorite is the acorn, primitive looking one. I am just now a follower of yours and can't wait to take a look at your past blogs. Thank you for the giveaway too!

Quilt n Queen said...

Marlene, you have been such a 'busy beaver' creating a parade of mini quilts. My favorite is the tea pot one with the embroidery....luv the snowman and the rooster too....I luv them all. Great job Marlene. Thanks for the inspiration and for sharing in the blog hop....Happy Sunday!!

Donna Baker said...

those are fabulous! love that quote!

sao said...

I just LOVE your minis - I can't decide which one that I like the best - they are all wonderful.....I love the view of the lake from your window too

sao in Midlothian, VA

Susannah said...

Hi Marlene, Your quilts are gorgeous..each and every one of them! You say these are small projects?...oh, they are wonderful!!!I love them. I always wondered about your view to the lake. I'm sure it is another of God's blessings!

Mhairi said...

I love the lanyard. Of course, I love the fabric too but the lanyard is absolutely perfect for me with my multiple WIP's or UFO's.
Love the quilts you showed. They are very creative.

Mama Masek said...

I really enjoyed your topper tour!!!! (That lanyard is priceless!!!)

Sherill said...

What great ideas! I love the orphan block idea, have many! Now I will use them.

Cherise said...

Great job on all the quilts! Thanks so much for sharing! Have a Happy Day! :)

JoAnne in southern California said...

I love your little quilts and other toppers, your Tea in the Garden is so very lovely.

I also want to tell you that I loved your story about getting plants from mother's and others gardens. I have violets from my mother's garden, Mom is gone but the violets live on. Thanks for making me think of them, they're not in a part of our yard that I can see from the windows.

BonnieGay said...

I love the rooster one best but then again everything in my kitchen has a rooster on it. I would love to win your giveaway and really enjoyed your site.

Jessica Jo said...

I'm not too late, am I? Love your little pieces. I agree, finishing a project in 1 day is an amazing feeling!

Carla G said...

What beautiful little quilts! Thanks for sharing! :)

Rose said...

I like the embroidered quilts the best. I'm not sure people realize how much time is involved to complete a project, even if it is a mini. Thanks for all the ideas.

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Love them all! They're so much fun!

Wendy said...

You have made some beautiful minis! I love Tea in the Garden too.

MoeWest said...

Thanks for sharing your great collection of minis.

Anonymous said...

I am running a little bit behind in getting round to see everyone's wonderful creativity. You have accomplished so much and look how beautiful your work is. I love them all, but if you make me choose a favorite I will choose the sweet tea pot. I will be back to read more. ~Kelly

unDeniably Domestic

Unknown said...

Oh, I know I'm soooo late, but love your table toppers, especially the Tea in the Garden, and love the idea of using them for the tea towels!