Awww shucks . . . .

Kim over at kimscozyquilts has been kind enough to bestow this award upon me. That was so very thoughtful of her. I'm glad my quilts bring inspiration to others and that blog land offers the opportunity for global sharing. Such a wondrous age we live in.

There are so many blogs going that offer me inspiration, I'm afraid I won't be able to choose just a few. However, feel free to pass the award on to someone who inspires you.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . . .

Sparkley

I really love this quilt and have been meaning to share it for awhile. The white space just begs for intense quilting. The outside edge feather scroll is the same one I used on The Chicken Egg quilt. It's a long time favorite. If you feel shy about attempting such dense quilting, be sure to use a batting that is going to shrink a LOT and cover mini-mistakes; something like Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon or Hobbs Organic Cotton, which has a higher loft. As the quilt ages and gets washed, it will get softer and softer just like grandma's.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . .

The Chicken Egg Quilt

An article on chicken eggs in a Martha Stewart magazine was the incentive for this quilt. Yes, really.


At the time, Martha was raising a type of chicken that layed a lovely pale aqua egg. From that color, she went on to design a line of paint. I loved the color so much, I used a similar hue in this top, which I made in 1993. Then, while on a business trip to Colorado in 1994, I purchased the wool batting at Harriet Hargrave's quilt shop.


The black border has a feather wreath from one of my favorite stencils. I guess it's queen size and the first big quilt that I've finished for myself in a very long time. It's out on the line right now drying so I can put it on my bed tonight.

So others will be inspired, I thought I'd pose the question of, "what is the oldest project that you are currently working on?"

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . . .

Bright and cheery

In the past few years, I've developed a keen interest in Mennonite quilts. The colors of red, yellow, and green call my name when I see photos of such quilts from Pennsylvania, where many of my paternal ancestors settled and their descendents still reside.

Perhaps it's because the colors are available once again that I decided to experiment with a simple red and yellow. The pattern is an easy one, although I cannot recall it's name. Can anyone help me with this?

I worked up the 7-1/2" blocks yesterday and finished the top today. I'm enjoying the process of working small once again as I experiment with this unique color arrangement. It certainly brightens up a cloudy winter day.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . . .

Ideas

I was researching color ideas on the website at the International Quilt Study Center when I came upon this lovely gem. (http://www.quiltstudy.org/)

The estimated date is 1850-1870 and it is believed to have come from Vermont.

If only I had a time machine, meeting this quilter would be high on my list. Such a vibrant spirit she must have had. I imagine this was a person prone to adventuresome ideas in an age when women were restricted socially, politically, financially, and especially in style of dress. Can you imagine what it was like to sit in front of a quilting frame in a corset? No thank you!
Whomever she was, her spirit soared in color and thank goodness for it.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . .