12 February, 2012

Sunday Best



At long last, my Southern Album is a full-fledged flimsy, and has a proper name. The seemingly never ending project formerly known as GBY* has been officially christened  "Sunday Best" and is a tangible object lesson in perseverance.  It's been a journey, one that began in January 2008. The name was natural combination: Southern Album classes taught on Sunday afternoons and my best efforts at precision piecing and appliqué. There are special blocks to commemorate milestones celebrated and observed along the way.

Sunday Best
65" X 82"


* Great Big Yawn
A red leaf on the Tree Of Life represents the birth of our first grandchild, Mason, in 2008.
Hannes makes an appearance in this block too!
 2010 saw the arrival of two more grandchildren, Lucy Ann and Gregory, 
and the addition of two more celebratory red leaves.

And, of course, strawberries! Just for me,
because strawberries are always a reason for celebrating and giving thanks.

I would also like to express sincere and deep gratitude to my friend, 
and ever-encouraging teacher, Kathleen; thanks for never giving up on me!

Now, onto Sunday Best quilting. 
Sundance... start your engine!
Life is Good!

26 comments:

Laura said...

Wow! It looks amazing and I love how personal each block is for you.

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

It is magnificent.

Frog Quilter said...

Your beautiful quilt put a smile on my face this morning as I read your blog. Hugs.

Teresa said...

Wow..it is so pretty, and has that extra special touch of the red leaves. You will have to be sure and include that on the label!

JudyCinNC said...

This beautiful quilt deserves a story label for the back - an entire page chronicling the adventure and your journey making the quilt. A masterpiece for sure. Congratulations to you. Judy C sends best wishes

*karendianne. said...

aww, I love this and the beautiful workmanship. I'm especially moved by the way you've represented your growing family. That's what quilting is all about in my little world.

Salem Stitcher said...

Congratulations!!! Sunday Best is a perfect name. I never thought GBY was a fit but it is now definitely anything but a yawn of any kind.

KaHolly said...

Its just beautiful. Congratulations on the finish and for having such perserverance (did I spell that right?).

Karen said...

Congratulations on making this simply gorgeous quilt top! It literally took my breath away. You made it extra special by using the red leaves for special events in your family.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Pat said...

Absolutely lovely. It is an album quilt in the truest sense, commemorating significant events in your life. Make sure you write it all down so that the history can go along with the quilt where ever its journey takes it.

I'm with Nancy: magnificent. Could just sit and look at it for hours.

CarlaHR said...

What a delightful quilt - this will definitely become a family heirloom.
I am in envy of the precision of your piecing and your perseverance.

regan said...

Sunday Best is lovely! And I love that you added the red pieces commemorating your grandchildren.....beautiful!

StitchinByTheLake said...

What a wonderful journey the making of this quilt was. And like the day it's named after...it is a warm embrace. blessings, marlene

Shakerwood said...

Wonderful, wonderful job! Have you emailed a pic to Kristi and Diane yet? They would both be thrilled....

Janet O. said...

Just beautiful, Debbie! What an accomplishment, and it is a treasure. I love the commemorative touches you have added for the births of grandchildren. Very special! And the strawberries, of course. Whatever you do is done well!

MJMR said...

Looks great. I know you are glad to have it behind you. How what quilt will have another "red leaf" added to it, it need be?

Ancestor Collector said...

This is truly spectacular!! Such beautiful work!

LizA. said...

Wonderful!

AnnieO said...

The blocks by themselves are stunning, and adding each special personal touch just ices the cake. Beautiful!

Paula, the quilter said...

Loverly, Mrs. G.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Fabulous . . . and I can only imagine the magic you and Sundance will create . . . Congratulations!!!!

Barbara said...

It's a good thing that you took a long time over it - it gave you the opportunity to add all those personal touches when the grandchildren were born. It is a lovely quilt (and must be lovely to tick off your list). Congratulations!

MARCIE said...

Beautiful quilt Debbie! Nice work. Sometimes the best ones take a long time!

Karen Newman Fridy said...

Stunning!! I love how you used special pieces to commemorate events in your life. I hope you will put those things on the label for future generations!

bingo~bonnie said...

what a beautiful quilt! Love the personal touches :) It's sure to be a treasured heirloom for sure!

Love from Indiana! ~bonnie

Tanya said...

Gorgeous quilt and you've made it just your own with the special touches! The colors too just shine!