My Favorite Quilt

Did any of you participate in the Spring 2009 Online Quilt Festival? It features the favorite quilts of nearly 600 bloggers! I got so wrapped up with the virtual quilt show that I missed the deadline for including my own post, but here’s the story of my favorite quilt.

In 1991, I could not have been busier. Our little family was outgrowing our first tiny house, which we’d decided to sell it by owner. At the same time, we purchased a lot and started construction on a brand new house about 30 miles away. Every waking moment was focused on our kids, a toddler and new baby, showing one house, checking on construction of the other, cleaning, packing, moving, and oh yeah, starting a new quilt!

My local guild sponsored a quilt challenge that year. I’d been too busy to attend the meeting where the project was proposed, but my friend, Laurie, just knew I wouldn't want to miss out on the fun. Unbeknownst to me, she signed me up as her challenge partner!

The two theme fabrics were a large cabbage rose and green stripe, both of which we had to use in the center block of our quilts.

I adapted a pattern from an 1870's quilt for my center block. The original (below), was made by Mary Parks Lawrence in Russellville, Kentucky. The design has several variations but is commonly called "Pot of Flowers." 

When my block was finished, I swapped with Laurie, who designed and stitched the first border of my quilt, as I did hers. We were limited to elements outlined in the challenge rules (rules and deadlines, just what I needed): four-patch, nine-patch, saw-tooth, dog-tooth, flying geese, appliqué sprays or vines.  

Laurie framed my flowery block with wonderful spiky points, a great counterpoint to the appliqué. Once a design element was used, it couldn’t be repeated, so I appliquéd floral sprays and vines as my final border.

I hand quilted a 1/2" grid in the center block and a 1" grid in the outer border.

Cherry Challenge

44” x 44”

1993

We hung the finished quilt in our living room so it's the first thing you see when entering our home. After 16 years on the wall, it's become gently faded but still serves as a reminder to meet life's challenges with beauty and grace.

Happy Easter

Photograph by Christopher Baker

"Martha Stewart Living"

April 2003

Inside Out

Here's my view inside today...

and this is outside!

With a new quilt project to ponder, I’m more than happy to stay indoors. It's a small, unfinished quilt top that I bought from Wanda Hanson.

Isn't the layout interesting? You seldom see log cabin blocks arranged with another block like this. 

It would make a nice runner as is, but I'm thinking of adding a border. Any thoughts?

April Fool!

It's April Fool's Day and the joke's on me! I found these remnants of my quilting past (c1981) stashed at the back of a cupboard. Geez, I wonder why?

The blocks are Drunkard’s Path and Crown of Thorns, both hand pieced, hand quilted, and sewn into pillow covers. 

What was I thinking when I chose those fabrics, and just where did I expect to use them as pillows? They don't exactly blend with our decor!

I'll let you know when I find a spot. Meanwhile, they're headed back to the cupboard!

"T" is for Trouble!

I've been in a blogging slump lately and don’t have much to say. But when a friend sends you something that elicits this kind of reaction, you simply have to share!

Barb surprised me with another little quilt on my birthday this year. I've always loved the "T" block pattern and was touched to tears when I opened it.

Turning the quilt over to admire the back, I noticed the label. Barb had named it “T is for trouble." It cracked me up! Out came the first authentic belly laugh I've had in months.

Now that's a true friend — someone who can take you from tears to laughter in a single breath, over your own crappy circumstances, no less.

11" X 15"

Thanks for your friendship and another great quilt, Barb!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Left over bits and pieces to make a fabric postcard for a friend.

The Strawberry Patch

One of my favorite memories growing up was going through the linen cupboard with my mom. Everything had a story, from the fancy damask tablecloths we only used "for good," to the delicate hand crocheted doilies, dresser scarves, and antimacassars made by grandmas and aunts long gone.

I liked the handmade items best so when we came across a set of napkins hand embroidered with strawberries, I wanted to know more. Apparently, Mom had no recollection of them whatsoever! Is it possible have saved them "for good" so long she forgot them altogether?  

, the napkins had never been used and, so I asked if I could have them someday

Fast forward to recently when I saw a series of small quilts made by Vicki Haninger of Turkey Feathers. showed just how to make use of those berries. Vicki added an embroidered motif to each of her little doll quilts and the result was so charming, I couldn't resist trying it myself!

Used with permission of Vicki Haninger

Equally as charming were the fabrics Vicki used: pure, bright colors, prints with white backgrounds, assorted checks, polka dots, and whimsical designs... none of which I had in my own fabric stash.

An Internet search led me to Sandy Klop, whose American Jane fabrics ticked all the right boxes--cheerful colors and charming prints, all with a retro vibe!

I cut four sets of fabrics, one for myself and three to share with friends, along with four vintage strawberries. Speaking of "vintage," can you spot the Cranston Print Works calico in the photo below?

Why not find a scrap of stitchery and give it new life? It's a perfect way to honor an anonymous needleworker from the past!

The Strawberry Patch 

15" x 17"

machine pieced

2009