11 February, 2021

Applique Inspiration

Infused with inspiration by applique quilts on display at the National Quilt Museum I came home and planned a little wallhanging of my own. More on that after the back story. 
This quilt, by Pat Holly and Sue Nickels is entitled "Two of Us". They're quilting sisters,  both from Michigan, and draw their inspiration from folk art applique quilts of the 1800's. They celebrate the spontaneity of our quilting ancestors who weren't as structured as we are today. I love this quilt of theirs and have long been a fan of their work. 


These three applique quilts from the Southern Quilts exhibit went on to further bolster my enthusiasm. A week after we returned from our quickie road trip these quilts were still in the front of my mind. I have taken several workshops from Sue Nickels over the years and remembered a UFO from one of those that was lingering somewhere in a box. I found it in short order. "Why haven't I finished this?", I asked myself.
Two of the blocks are done and I had already selected the patterns for two more for this four-block wallhanging. All of my fabrics were folded away with this, even the books and the threads too! Guess what just moved to the front of the line, project-wise? I know that if I tackle this now, while the inspiration is burning brightly, that I'll be happier in the long run and be proud to look back on the effort.  So, isn't it funny, how a tidy and well managed "to do" list of UFO's can easily be interrupted by a brash late-comer who pushes right to the front of the line without any shame is welcomed warmly? Yeah, it is. 

Life is Good!

4 comments:

Quiltdivajulie said...

Inspiration is a powerful motivator! Looking forward to watching your wallhanging come to fruition.

AnnieO said...

A well-documented UFO is a treasure indeed. Something bossier jumped ahead of that quilt! I’m guessing something grandchild related :)

cityquilter grace said...

i can see why your trip inspired you to pull out an old UFO....beautiful quilts....i took a sue nickels workshop myself on drafting your own feathers...your posts get more and more gorgeous with photos from your trip!

Janet O. said...

Love all the inspiration that brought you to finish this buried project. It is good to have a "to do" list to keep moving ahead, but when something stands up and shouts for attention--well, that is moving ahead, too. This project is going to be beautiful!