Wishing For Pine Needles

something Different....a Book signing

On a recent trip to my favorite, not-so-little quilt store, the Fabric Shack, I saw a flyer that author Jennifer Chiaverini of the Elm Creek Quilts book series would be coming to town to speak on her book, the Lost Quilter.  This book is historical fiction at its finest and documents the life of a slave and quilter just prior to the Civil War.  Conveniently enough, I had just finished reading this book and couldn't think of a reason in the world why I shouldn't go to to hear her speak! 

 

It is always very interesting to listen to an author speak on the very book she wrote, and to hear her thoughts on the fictional characters that she herself created.  This particular story was a complex one, and I enjoyed learning about the research that went into its creation as well as some of the ironies and intricacies that I missed the first time I read it (ahem).

She's written seventeen of these novels and the three I've finished have been interesting, fast and clean reads that are seemingly enjoyable to quilters and and non-quilters alike.  So I have fourteen more to read.....good thing they're all available at the library!  This particular book tour was promoting her newest book, The Union Quilters, which was just released this month.

Jennifer drew a full crowd and signed a lot of books, incuding mine.  (And, without being too obnoxious, I even snapped a few, quick pictures!)

 

 

the Quilts in our Home - part Four

This week's quilt is different in the sense that it is not the traditional patch-work-of-art.  But nonetheless, it is a still quilted beauty in its own very intricate way!

 

 

In case you were wondering, each stitch of this design is a hand-sewn cross-stitch.  How on earth is that possible??  How many thousands of cross-stitches are in this single quilt??  Oh, I would love to know!

 

And, as if cross-stitching the entire design wasn't enough, this quilt is actually quilted completely by hand.  Not a stitch of it was done on a sewing machine.  (There truly must be over a million total hand stitches in this masterpiece....)

 

 

The best part is that it was made by my great Aunt Ruth, and I loved everything about her.  She was certainly talented at needlework and we all still have and cherish her many creations.  She smelled fantastic every time I saw her.  She'd simply say,  "Well, my perfume goes with my body chemistry. You need to find a perfume that goes with your body chemistry."  Easy enough for her, I suppose.  I loved that she always had little rosebud soaps in her bathroom and that she would give my sisters and I each one when we came to visit.  I love that she got her hair done every Thursday, even in her last days.  I loved that after nearly 60 years of marriage, her husband still called her Ruthie. 

I miss her and think of her often.  And I am so very grateful to have been given this amazing quilt that her very own fingers stitched with love.

 
Christmas 1978

Flour Sack Friday - Gym-less

Despite the fact that we cancelled our gym membership a year ago, I still manage to get a few (indoor) weekly workouts.  And I couldn't ask for a more economical, fun-for-all, cozy, clean spot in which to do them!

So, where is this magical place?

Grandma's house!  All the free snacks and drinks we want and a nice, hot shower at the end.  (I don't think too many of us here are missing the gym....especially this boy!)

Happy Weekend to You!

 

Happy Day to You!

 

 

Hoping your Heart Day was sugary sweet!

(And my new favorite holiday for gingerbread houses?  Why Valentine's Day, of course!)

Flour Sack Friday - a new skirt, Repurposed

This week brought us sniffles, fevers, chills and tummy aches.  But the good news is that we are mostly recovered...well, all but the girl in the middle who we pray is at the very tail end of this little bug herself!

Because we spent a lot of time here at home this week, I tackled a fun, little project that made me feel somewhat 'productive.'  (I guess one could achieve 'productive' by cleaning one's house, but that's not nearly as fun, now is it?)

I rescued this jumper from a church clothing swap a couple of years ago.  I never intended to wear it (um...not really my style...), but I absolutely loved the thick, red cordoroy fabric and knew it would be a perfect addition to my fabric stash. 

 

I'm happy to say that I finally tackled the project of repurposing of this lovely jumper.  (And it was so fast, easy and fun!)

 

I simply cut out the mid-section of the jumper because I loved the pockets and the buttons.  I made a casing for 3/4 inch elastic at the top, and trimmed the bottom with some left over quilt binding that was a perfect match.

 

And, wa-la,  my big girl has a new skirt!

  

Rylen, who loves all things homemade, was delighted with her new red skirt.  (And what do you know?  Just in time for Valentine's Day!)

 

the Quilts in our Home - part Three

It's bone-chilling cold here.  Freezing.  So onto my favorite cozy thing to think about these days. 

Onto more quilts!

The following three quilts entered our life approximately eight, five and two years ago.  They have become prized possessions of their young owners and their mama, who realizes that someday she will have to let them all go.  (The quilts and the kids, that is.)

But for now, they are thankfully all still here in our home...bright, colorful and full of life!

 

Rylen's quilt was made by our dear friend, Deb, in Chicago during our time there.  I still remember opening it at a baby shower and feeling so touched by all of the work and love that went into something so beautiful for my baby.  It's just as beautiful now as it was then, albeit the eight years of faithful wear and tear.  And my girl, who is loyal to the core, still sleeps with it every night.  (Oh, and this beauty is hand-stitched, too.  How's that for an heirloom?)

 

 

 Marianne's quilt was sent as a baby gift by the forementioned Aunt Linda.  We received it when she was about a month old, and it instantly seemed perfectly suited to the sweet, rosy cheeks and personality of my new baby girl.  I believe it is a nine-patch pattern, but correct me if I'm wrong.  (Still learning, here!)  (Oh, and I must add that this quilt's current employ is to serve as a floor blanket for my girl's many stuffed kitties and and other *wild* stuffed friends who she's trying to keep 'in line.')

 

 

Hans's quilt was also a gift from Aunt Linda, and perfectly 'little boyish' for this feisty young son of mine.  I love the way this is quilted in a water/wave design to go with the ducks.  After dabbling in a little machine quilting of my own, I can tell you that it is not easy!   This little, big boy of mine is growing up faster than I can believe, and I'm pleased to say that my special boy and his special quilt both made the transition to their very own big boy bed!  I'm dreading the day when his little body just grows too big for it.  But, for now, it covers him entirely and I am entirely OK with that!

(You may be thinking that this big boy is also too "big" for a pacifier....and I completely agree with you.  Just try tellling him that!)

Happy Winter to You!

a day in the Sun

Yesterday brought us a sunny break.  Sandwiched between a grey week and an even greyer weekend was a glorious sunny Friday.

It reminds me that even in the midst of cloudy times, the sun is bound to come out again.

Even if it is just for one day.

(I'll take it!)

 

 But if we walk in the light, as he as in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.  I John 1:7

the Quilts in our Home - part Two

The second quilt I'd like to introduce to you in this little series is none other than this snuggly, blue, log cabin beauty!

  

This quilt has been in our family just as long as we have been a family....we received it at our wedding from Dan's very talented aunt.  (Who I wished lived closer because just maybe she would be up to sharing a bit of her quilting knowledge with you-know-who!)

 

The detail speaks for itself and the fabric choice is perfect for this log cabin, where the colors are appropriately dark on one side of the square and light on the other.  One of my very favorite parts is the pieced border.  It adds plenty of character and gives this quilt that extra wow factor, don't you think?  My other favorite part is the heart, because no matter where this quilt ends up, her history will always be clear and remembered.

   

Our wedding quilt has found her permanent home folded up our our couch for the last decade, and I will stand by the fact that there has rarely been a day in these last ten years where it has actually stayed folded!

 

(And this is an understatement.)

I hope something just as cozy keeps you and yours warm as we head into this longest, shortest month of the year!

Happy February!