And finally,

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

A few more

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Sharing . . .

color! Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Recently,

I had the opportunity to listen to a lecture on Amish quilts given by Rachel Pellman.
For those of you who have been studying and appreciating Rachel's work for years know, and I'm sure agree, that there are not nearly enough books available on older Amish quilts.

And so I spent several minutes of Rachel's time voicing my opinion and requesting (pleading would also be a good word) that more books on Amish quilts of the 1930s and 40s be produced.

Dear Rachel, being the gracious, kind lady that she is, listened intently to my diatribe and honestly admitted that choice wasn't a factor, unfortunately time had the upper hand in such decisions.

(Insert heavy sigh by yours truly).

Having pondered this concept at great length, I've decided to post as many pictures as possible of various solid colored quilts in order to share this marvelous art form. They may not be very old, but they are indeed equally inspiring.

Thank you Rachel for listening to my request and also for your wonderful lecture. The books you've published have brought to light a way with color that has encouraged many and we salute you.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Road trip

It's nice to discover what America has to offer. Colonial Williamsburg is a wonderful place to explore our history. I loved the architecture. One of the neatest examples of early season gardening was this gem here. Willow woven to enclose hay insulation around a simple cold frame. The paned windows went back on at night.


The master gardener was just putting in the herb garden. Notice the willow trellis - simple, functional, and lovely.


Even utilitarian items had quilt designs.



And so as not to disappoint, here's Dolly looking cute and adorable as always.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Have you seen the latest QOV challenge . . .

going on over at Moda? Their goal is to make 100 quilts in 100 days for our soldiers.

You can be a part of this great project by piecing one simple star block (much simpler than the one pictured above). The deadline for receiving all blocks is May 1st.

Click here for the free pattern and donate a block today.

(Picture courtesy of the International Quilt Study Center).

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Treasure hunt

I took a little road trip recently over to McKay Used Books in Chattanooga, TN.

Let me warn ya, it's a very dangerous place. Especially if you wander down the craft book aisle. Not only did they have 652 bujillion cook books (none of which I purchased, as I'd rather quilt than cook) . . . they also had enough quilt books to fill the trunk of a 1957 Plymouth. All at half price or less, usually less.

And yes, this is the original edition (published in 1933) of Rose Kretzinger's book. A true treasure indeed.

They also have music CDs, movies, books on tape, books on CD, and of course children's books.

I took books to trade and got over $22.00 in store credit. You can bet I'll be going back, as their inventory changes daily.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .