16 March, 2013

Mountain Day!

I've been grabbing bits of time here and there to piece these split nine-patches; as I complete one I pin it to the wall. Row upon row, the quilt top is taking shape... like peaks on so many mountains this layout reminds me of the term "long-range layered views", which often appears in realtor's write-ups for the classifieds on mountain properties. Earlier this week a joy-filled memory came to mind from my college days, forty years ago! I went to a small Junior (2 yr.) College in Montpelier, VT. Back in those days, as the fall foliage came into peak color, we were surprisingly treated to an impromptu holiday! As students we didn't learn that classes had been canceled for the day until we descended the stairs to the dining hall for breakfast and were greeted by a large sign that read: "Today is Mountain Day"! We boarded buses and were transported to Stowe for hiking and nature in all its glory. Lunch was provided and we were bused back to campus by dinnertime. It was a great day, enjoyed by all and still happily recalled, all these years later! This happy, scrappy quilt has been named Mountain Day and will serve as a permanent reminder of those happy times!
Alongside my sewing machines I've used small, plastic, stackable boxes to catch my threads and dog-ears. The other day I was down in my husband's workshop and I found these two, turned, wooden bowls which he had just sitting on the work bench. I took them (wooden you?) and replaced my plastic boxes with his handiwork. I like these so much better than what I had before! I'm glad that I took them, they make me smile.I believe he must be happy that I'm enjoying them too... he didn't ask for them back!

Life is Good!

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Получается очень красиво, свежо и позитивно.

Janet O. said...

What a lovely scrap creation--and great memories it evokes.
Oh, those bowls! Wish I could wander downstairs at my house and find things like that. : )
I actually did pick up a nice small wooden bowl at a local thrift store and I keep it next to Gidget as I quilt. It holds my thread snips and catches all of the basting pins as I remove them. Beautiful and practical is so much nicer than simply practical!

Nane said...

That should be a national holiday!!

straythreads said...

beautiful blocks and bowls love the way you used the super bright green and orange
Ann

Pat said...

I love the bright colors! So many "mountain" quilts are done in much more restrained repros -- this quilt just sings with color. The bowls are beautiful. I can almost feel the smooth texture!

Unknown said...

Looks good! Nice design wall!

AnnieO said...

The memory associated with your Mountains is lovely--and what charming containers for your thread ends and dog ears! I would have taken them too :)

Quiltdivajulie said...

I use some of DH's bowls on my desk at work (binder clips in three sizes, paper clips, etc.) - lots of comments and they DO make me smile (just like the ones on your sewing machine).

Love the new side bar photo!

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

Love the blocks, love the bowls....

Carol said...

Wonderful, wonderful blocks...that's going to be an amazing quilt! Love your bowls...glad you're using them.

45th Parallel Quilter said...

Beautiful blocks ... you're giving me ideas .....
Bowls are BEAUTIFUL ... feel free to send along any you don't want to keep ... I'm just sayin.....LOL

45th Parallel Quilter said...

Are your squares in the 9 patch each 2-1/2"?

Teresa said...

oh my goodness yes...a treat to find the bowls that have been hand crafted and now put to use. I love things like that and they become as much a part of my pleasure in quilting as the quilting itself. I do love your Montain Day quilt - what fun memories it will bring to mind.

Tanya said...

Ooh. Love those mountain peaks. Can I save your picture for a "someday quilt" of my own? It is just beautiful and I have so many scraps in my bin!