When the Queen…

Image from https://www.touchofglass.uk.com

..is happy there is peace in the kingdom!  I am so pleased to be joining in this fun hop with Joan at MooseStash Quilting . Truth be told, I am not the silliest person when it comes to design. I had hard time coming up with an idea (I had a few that fizzled).

However, my mother came to mind and something she always said, “Always a queen, never a princess!”   I am sure it was her way of saying something about being in charge. Anyway, I think she was right in many ways, but, I didn’t think that was a fun enough saying for this blog hop, so I kept thinking.

“Who Needs Words To Tell A Story” by the Tulsa Modern Quilt Guild

I began to think back to QuiltCon 2020. Above you can see this terrific entry in the charity challenge category; the challenge was text in a greyscale.  This led me to think about making a mini but I needed a quote I liked and could convert to emojis. I searched and found the one I used.

Then, I looked to see what emojis were used for some of these words and chose these.

I made templates the old fashioned way – placing the images under fusible web and traced the pieces.

I rooted through my stash and selected fabrics. Next, I put the fusible on fabric, and then centered the paper and background. I fused the pieces, added some lattice and an outer border.

I decided to quilt closely and not stitch down the pieces. This will be a piece that hangs, so, I am not worried about fraying edges. In hindsight, there are two changes I would have made.

First, I would have previewed it in EQ8 which would have clued me into the fact that the two yellow blocks would be right next to each other. Second, I would have cut the black out in the smiley face much narrower or not at all. Live and learn, but the queen is still happy!

Let me tell you, the quilting was fun! I used Superior MonoPoly in SS Tabitha and put a cross hatch pattern in each block, using my Prostitcher. I then did some quilting around the edge to make it about the same density as the rest of the piece. This was the first time I placed quilting like this in a block – hooray!

I made the binding just single fold, cut at 1 1/2″.

I added triangle corners and 2 bits of narrow sleeve in the center (sorry it doesn’t show in the photo). The piece measures 32″ so I thought I’d prefer to have some more support across it all. I will hand sew those pieces down. Also, I did the narrow binding as I figured I need to conserve my black fabric, as I don’t have much with me.

When the Queen is happy,
There is peace in the kingdom.


This is an unusual time and I hope this brought a smile to your face and wish you peace as we go through it. And yes, Sandra, this is my squirrel project for the month, so I will link up with mmmQuilts! on the last Saturday of the month!

But, wait there is more….for more smiles, check out the bloggers below.

A little advertisement from me – Check back on the 22nd with either some tips or a tutorial for you! I have a few in mind, so you will have to come back then to see what I choose. Also, there is a linky party, that goes to the end of the month so there are more tips than just mine. Hope to see you (and yes your tips/tutorials too) on the 22nd!

Wednesday, March 18

Qwazy Thursday, March 19

Qwazy Friday, March 20

Qwazy Monday, March 23

Qwazy Tuesday, March 24

Coming Up: 
2020 Monthly Color Block
QuiltCon (I promise soon!!)
ProStitcher Retreat
Tips and Tutorials 3/22
Spring Fling  (cancelled)
Awesome Ocean Top 3/29

Linking Up:
Mid Week Makers
Put Your Foot Down
DrEAMi! #38

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54 Comments

  1. March 20, 2020 / 2:41 AM

    It’s a rebus quilt! Love this! I have never seen one before. Your quote is perfect! I really enjoyed seeing all the pictures on how you made this. Thank you for the smiles and inspiration!

    • kathleenquilts
      March 20, 2020 / 11:18 AM

      I forgot about rebus puzzles! Thank you for stopping by and commenting.

  2. March 20, 2020 / 4:06 AM

    I love reading everyone’s backstory. Thanks for the smile that it brought to my face.

    • kathleenquilts
      March 20, 2020 / 11:23 AM

      I am glad that it made you smile!

  3. March 20, 2020 / 6:32 AM

    A real smile on my face today. Thank you, fun to see and read.

    • kathleenquilts
      March 20, 2020 / 11:22 AM

      So glad. How are things where you are Turid – due to the virus.

  4. March 20, 2020 / 7:36 AM

    What a fun project! “When the Queen is happy, there is peace in the kingdom.” Love that saying lol!

    • kathleenquilts
      March 20, 2020 / 11:26 AM

      It is a great saying, isn’t it. More elegant than “happy wife, happy life”.

  5. Susan Nixon
    March 20, 2020 / 8:16 AM

    Thanks so much! I love your mother’s saying, and the way you turned it into a whole table runner. =)

    • kathleenquilts
      March 20, 2020 / 11:28 AM

      Thank you! It was fun to think about something she said and have a whole different perspective about it as an adult.

  6. Gene Black
    March 20, 2020 / 8:46 AM

    Hmm… I suppose that would work for “King” also…hehehee

    • kathleenquilts
      March 20, 2020 / 11:30 AM

      You are right, and I was thinking of it as I was doing it. Glad you mentioned it.

  7. farmquilter
    March 20, 2020 / 9:19 AM

    Love the way you turned your mother’s saying into a wall hanging! Cute way to send a message without words.

    • kathleenquilts
      March 20, 2020 / 11:31 AM

      I do think it is a fun way to get an idea across. I was in a class where a teacher was mentioning hanging a quilt over her head and changing the one there. It would be a great reminder as to who is in charge.

  8. March 20, 2020 / 9:26 AM

    I love the saying and the project behind it, very clever also is that guild quilt, I can actually read the story… I do think I drink more coffee tho. 🙂

    • kathleenquilts
      March 20, 2020 / 11:40 AM

      That guild quilt is clever isn’t it! I don’t drink that much coffee, but maybe I should – I would get more done?

  9. March 20, 2020 / 9:46 AM

    Hi Kathleen! Your saying itself makes me smile, not to mention the icons. The quilting looks fabulous. You must be getting more comfortable with your new machine. Thanks for sharing your project with us today! ~smile~ Roseanne

    • kathleenquilts
      March 20, 2020 / 11:42 AM

      Aw, thanks. I am loving the quilting and trying new things. I am amazed at how fast it is, once you understand it. It took less than an hour – it would have been 3 times that on my domestic machine. So pleased you enjoyed it.

  10. Joan
    March 20, 2020 / 9:51 AM

    Oh yes, your so right about the Queen! LOL!! Isn’t it funny what pops into our minds to help us create? I love using clipart, it opens the doors to so many ideas. You have certainly hit the nail on the head with this one. Love love love it! Thank you for bringing us smiles today!

    • kathleenquilts
      March 20, 2020 / 11:46 AM

      Thanks, Joan! It was really fun once I got going on it, but boy was I stumped once my original idea wouldn’t work. Good news is I love it, and it reminds me of my mom in an unexpected way.

  11. Lori Smanski
    March 20, 2020 / 9:52 AM

    wow these are wonderful. i love how you told the story in emoji’s
    thanks for the smiles

    • kathleenquilts
      March 20, 2020 / 11:47 AM

      So glad you enjoyed it. My first emoji quilt…I wonder if there will be more.

  12. March 20, 2020 / 10:14 AM

    What a fun little quilt that’s sure to make you smile whenever you see it. Makes me think of the adage “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”. I do know I often set the tone in the home, so I try to remember that (most days). Great finish, Kathleen!

    • kathleenquilts
      March 20, 2020 / 11:51 AM

      Yes, it is similar to that saying but maybe bringing it up a notch. There is often one who sets the tone in the house the majority of the time. We had already settled into this retired life, which is good, as we already were spending a lot of time together. The fun thing is this will always remind me of my mother.

  13. March 20, 2020 / 10:54 AM

    Super cute interpretation of the theme. Love it Kathleen!

    • kathleenquilts
      March 20, 2020 / 11:52 AM

      Glad you enjoyed it. It was fun to do once I made up my mind.

  14. March 20, 2020 / 1:19 PM

    Your project is perfect, and exactly what your mom said – well done!!

    • kathleenquilts
      March 22, 2020 / 10:13 PM

      Thank you, Susan. I, too, think the emoji phrase reflects her thoughts well.

  15. Audrey Neufeld
    March 20, 2020 / 1:36 PM

    Yes, it did made me smile, a very wide smile. I plan to make one for my husband as a gift. He will be tickled.

    • kathleenquilts
      March 20, 2020 / 5:39 PM

      As another person mentioned, there is no reason it couldn’t be the King. It will be yours to decide who is in charge of the kingdom!

  16. thedarlingdogwood
    March 20, 2020 / 4:39 PM

    I did laugh! Peace in the kingdom for sure! I loved that emoji quit when I saw photos and your adaptation is a hoot! Love it!

    • kathleenquilts
      March 22, 2020 / 10:16 PM

      Thanks, I did have fun once I got over myself not having a funny bone!

  17. selina
    March 20, 2020 / 6:14 PM

    This was such a fun stop. You have such a creative mind. Love what you came up with using your moms statement.

  18. March 20, 2020 / 6:17 PM

    Thank you, I have a little “hopping” to do to see what every one else has done!

    • kathleenquilts
      March 22, 2020 / 10:18 PM

      Thanks, Nancy, it was fun to do once I got it going.

  19. sewswift
    March 21, 2020 / 10:28 AM

    I love this saying put into emojis…cute, cute, cute! Thanks for sharing!

    • kathleenquilts
      March 22, 2020 / 10:17 PM

      Thank you, it was an unexpectedly fun idea.

  20. Brenda @ Songbird Designs
    March 21, 2020 / 12:11 PM

    Your quilt is perfect for your quote, Kathleen!! Congrats on using your ProStitcher for stitching in each block! I use mine a good bit, but have never used it with crosshatching. I’ll have to give that a try! Thanks for sharing – you did make me smile!

    • kathleenquilts
      March 22, 2020 / 9:48 AM

      The cross hatching was fun and sooooo quick! I thought it might be slow by in less than an hour it was done!

  21. March 21, 2020 / 6:52 PM

    I keep thinking, what possibilities….love what you have done.

    • kathleenquilts
      March 22, 2020 / 9:48 AM

      You are so sweet! Thank you.

  22. jean
    March 22, 2020 / 1:40 AM

    Having that black behind the yellow makes the smiley face look more 3 dimensional. I thought it was planned and wondered how you did it, then find out it was a “mistake”. Well, don’t believe that, it makes it more personal and REAL. You are an artist, embrace that!

    • kathleenquilts
      March 22, 2020 / 12:10 PM

      Well you are sweet! I have to work on embracing that artist, we are always harshest on ourselves.

  23. Lj Meyers
    March 22, 2020 / 8:25 PM

    What a cute idea – no words. You did a great job of bringing a smile to my face. It reminds me of the saying…Happy Wife, Happy Life! Stay healthy and safe.

    • kathleenquilts
      March 22, 2020 / 9:16 PM

      Thank you for your kind words….and wishing you many smiles in this difficult time.

  24. Colette
    March 22, 2020 / 9:47 PM

    Thanks for the smile.

    • kathleenquilts
      March 22, 2020 / 10:10 PM

      Glad it worked; it continues to make me smile too.

  25. Nancy Myers
    March 23, 2020 / 4:00 PM

    This is cute. I’m not sure I would understand it if you hadn’t explained it, but I usually don’t understand most jokes until hours later. Thanks for sharing.

  26. March 24, 2020 / 6:36 PM

    Love how you used the emojis for the quote. Clever!

  27. March 24, 2020 / 7:00 PM

    Yes, I totally get that. I think many emojis can be interpret in different ways!

  28. March 26, 2020 / 11:00 PM

    Thanks for sharing the original inspiration, I enjoyed that quilt pic immensely. I also like your little version, both for what it is and for how it is special to you. Thanks for linking up at the Chameleon’s colour and inspiration party.

  29. April 3, 2020 / 12:23 PM

    Ooh, I love this, and enjoyed walking through the process with you. I don’t think the blackout is wrong at all; I guess the two yellows could have been altered slightly, but it doesn’t bother me. I love the piece, such fun! Thank you for linking this up with DrEAMi!

    • kathleenquilts
      April 4, 2020 / 3:05 PM

      I always love sharing the process, and love sharing a DrEAMi!

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