What's That You Say?

Good morning…
I said, GOOD MORNING!

Sorry, I’m having trouble hearing you for all the BANGING
and POUNDING… on the roof!

What’s that? Yes, OUR house….
We’re getting a new roof today.

Oh, you mean THESE houses.
CUTE, aren’t they?
No, I didn’t make them.
They’re from a doll quilt my friend Barb
made for me several years ago.
SWEET little neighborhood, isn’t it?

Tell you what, let's talk again another day.
I can’t concentrate with ALL THIS NOISE!

Two Cents Worth

James had a letter to mail yesterday, an unremarkable document in a postage paid envelope. Under normal circumstances, it could have been dropped into any nearby mailbox, including the one at the end of our driveway.

I remembered that postal rates had recently increased, and suggested he have the letter checked at the post office. Sure enough, the envelope required an additional two cent stamp. James had exact change, two flat pennies, which he pulled from his pocket and slapped on the counter.

Assuming this simple transaction was complete, he turned to leave. The postal worker called him back. “Don’t forget your receipt!”

This is what she handed him…. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Is it any wonder that postage keeps increasing? There’s got to be two cents worth of ink and paper in that receipt!

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!