HAND QUILT ALONG: in the snow

This morning we woke to a light dusting of snow. I was so sure we would escape the rest of this winter without any. We had a little heavier snow fall back in November but the following weeks and months had me in only a heavy sweater, scarf and gloves. I never really needed to bundle up and brave the elements.

Snow: the perfect time to bundle up under a comfy hand stitched quilt; so I decided to take my quilt along project out into the backyard to capture my progress. It’s been slow going, perhaps because the weather has been so mild and has called me outside to tend and ready the gardens. I did get one full wedding ring stitched and have moved on to capture and stitch the joining ring.

I have abandoned the quilting stand and prefer to quilt with the hoop on my lap.

This close up actually alerted me to stitches pulling out. I need to go back and fix this.

Look who was across the stream watching me

 

In light of this weeks senseless tragedy, I would like to repost something that I read on Bella’s page. It spoke volumes to me in so many ways. Not only do quilts connect us to nature as in photo’s above but they have a profound affect in connecting us to the human story. Thank you Bella for permission to repost from your page.

“Our quilts have the potential to connect us with others. We can add a message to them as Mary did, then share the message with all who will listen. We can donate them to a charity and help someone else in need. We can make quilts and give them to a homeless person who might have nothing but what is on their backs. As quilters, we are creators and all creators have the potential to change lives. Mary has inspired me to do this and I hope she has inspired you too.” ©

The QR Code Quilt

https://createdbybella.com

____________________________________________________________________________________________

This Hand Quilt Along is an opportunity for hand quilters and piecers to share and motivate one another. We post every three weeks, to show our progress and encourage one another.  If you have a hand quilting project and would like to join our group contact Kathy at the link below.

Kathy, Lori, Margaret, Kerry, Emma, Tracy, Deb, Connie, Deborah,  Susan, Jessica, Sherry, Nanette, Sassy, Edith, Sharon and Bella.

While I Wait For Spring

While I wait for spring, I spent an afternoon strolling through Chuckanut Bay Gallery & Sculpture Garden. One of my favorite spots to get my dream and color fix on….

http://www.chuckanutbaygallery.com

This burst of color reminds me to get in full gear with my winter quilting project, get her done (is that possible?) so that I can get outside and in my garden. ©

 

Life in a Log Cabin

Who doesn’t love a log cabin ~ patterned quilt? Truly one of my favorite patterns yet I have never attempted it. There are so many variations with wonderful names like Barn Raising, Pineapple, Court House Steps, it would be silly to even try and name them. It’s all about the shadows created by the block strips that matter with these rustic masterpieces.

Just it’s name Log Cabin has me picturing a huge field stone built fireplace a glow with flame. A braided handmade rag rug on the floor with an old ladder back chair or rocker front and center. I think of wood cutters, the massive chopping log, axe ready at attention to preform. I think of a metal framed head & foot board beds with down stuffed quilts resting on top.

Recently I found this wonderful book at our local Goodwill store. Like the pattern names themselves, endless, so are book selections, however there was something about this book that caught my eye. I think now it can be summed up with the wonderful two photos representing the ‘Log Cabin’ Quilt

Seeing this picture of the logs of this cabin, the play of light and movement within the logs themselves, along with the quilt below, really tied this all together for me.

 

©