Another One Joins The Ranks

Move over, quiltmakers, it's time to make room for one more; Lucy Ann has finished her first quilt and she loved the process! This photo was taken just after that very last hand stitch was put into the binding, (admittedly her "least favorite part" 😉) her smile says it all! You might remember that she tie-dyed the backing  (and her T-shirt) back in September. We'd been waiting for another overnight stay to get it quilted up and bound. This past weekend provided just the right amount of time to get that accomplished.

I had the quilt sandwich loaded onto the longarm when she arrived and she took to the quilting process like a duck to water. She  did an excellent job of following the pantograph; she approached this step fearlessly and told me that this was the most fun part of all.

Off the rails and time for trimming. Is this one happy, proud, quilter or what?

The binding was attached before bedtime. 

As soon as breakfast was finished the next morning she set to work getting that binding whipped down.

And, just like that, by early afternoon; another quiltmaker has joined the ranks! She wants to know now what we're going to do next.  I couldn't be any more pleased.  She called after she returned home and reported that she was going to sleep under her newly-finished quilt  on Saturday night. 

Sweet dreams, Lucy Ann!

Life is Good!

Living With Purpose

If you haven't heard of this wonderful lady from North Dakota, here you go; her life is a lesson for us all... work hard and live with purpose! Thank you, Myrtle.

Life is Good!

Hunter's Star Quilt

I am the lucky recipient of this old quilt, a Hunter's Star. I received it from my daughter-in-law's mother last week. Purchased decades ago at a yard sale in Onslow county, North Carolina, the origin and the quiltmaker are unknown. The fabrics date to the 1920's according to a reference book I have on the shelf. It is heavy, filled with dense cotton batting. It survived a bath and I set it outside to dry yesterday, sandwiched between two sheets on the driveway. (I photographed it out there, that explains the shadows.) It will need to be rebound, I will search for a close match, color-wise, to accomplish that task. It is hand pieced and hand quilted. I don't know where this beauty will end up. For now, I am lucky to be it's caretaker. It is speaking to me, softly, and I am listening; it invites me to gaze, to appreciate, and to wonder. Like an honored guest and a revered elder I am learning all that I can and valuing it's company for as long it stays with me! I feel blessed to provide sanctuary for any and all wayward quilts.

Life is Good!