Stitches in Bloom Quilt Show

Returned home from Silverton last night.  We had the most wonderful time at the Stitches in Bloom Quilt Show.

As I said in my last post, I won this trip.  It included a nights stay at the Oregon Garden Resort, breakfast, lunch, a massage or pedicure for two, and entry to the quilt show of course.  

I told Mr. LB that I should get him a shirt to wear when he attends quilt shows with me - it would say, "I'd rather be fishing."  He's such a gem.

So, on with the pictures.

I had to vote for this one because I am me:)  She said it took her 16 years to complete it.

                                                                   

This one is simplistic, but I like it for that reason and the craftsmanship was great.  The flowers are needle turned.

                                                                                                                       This one just impressed me as an art quilt.  Those are little square pieces of fabric flying above the flames all quilted on in a geometric design. The quilting was all geometric on it - very interesting.                                              

And this one just had such nice quilting.

 This one might not look extremely impressive - a star quilt,

Oh but wait - Those are little 1/2 inch squares in the midst of all those stars and very nicely done too.

Though the colors are pretty bright, it was all needle-turned applique which I appreciate.  And the bright works for this one.  I love the top center square for some reason.                                                                         

Our room was beautiful complete with fireplace.  I like the garden gate head boards - very appropo for a garden resort.

Here is one shot of a portion of the garden.  We were at about the farthest point when it started to sprinkle.  By the time we made it back, we were drenched so needless to say we didn't take many pictures along the way.

I didn't take a picture of my toes, though they look so nice as I shove them into my woolly socks and warm shoes.  We have about 8 inches of snow to trudge through around here.

I am so thankful.  This was a wonderful quilt show and weekend.  I didn't even know about this show or this place before this trip.  The internet is an asset in as many ways as it can be a detriment. 

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

A Quilt Show in January and Flowers

My favorites - yellow roses. 

I found these day before last so treated myself.  

They needed a little extra something so...

I added a piece of artificial ivy as filler.

I've had this little ol' picture for some time and love to use it for flowers.

I haven't seen it since last summer so

having it on the table just makes me smile.

It just seems so genteel.

I stated in an earlier post that I dress my table.

People kinda look at me funny when I say that.

That's what it is called.  Even though the majority of the time

it's just Mr. LB and me, there is a table cloth, place-mats, a center

piece, and of course cloth napkins.  Since they are my favorite,

when I found yellow rose fabric, I made napkins.  So my table 

at the moment is just a happy place.  These napkins look really nice 

with a soft blue as well.  I showed the foot and how I make them

in a post prior to Halloween here.  

The other exciting news is that there is a quilt show in January!

It is in Silverton, Oregon at the Oregon Gardens.

January 25 and 26.

We are heading out tomorrow to attend.  I have never been there,

but there are 80 acres of gardens, and the Stitches in Blooms Quilt Show

is in the pavilion in the gardens.  It is supposed to rain,

so I am thinking a lot of beautiful quilts will be a wonderful site.

I actually won this trip and will be sharing more upon returning - 

hopefully with lots of pictures.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

Old Beauty

At least several years ago, maybe more, I purchased a quilt through ebay.  It was found in a Chicago attic, no musky odors, but in pretty rough shape.  I think opening bid was ten dollars and I ended up paying eleven due to one other bid.  After I received the email confirming I had won the bid, I received another email - from the seller.  His remark was, "Really?  It's in really bad shape.  Did you look at the pictures?  If you don't want it, I understand."  I responded, "I looked at the pictures and am aware of the condition.  It's fine."  I'm sure he thought I was nuts.  And I knew there was no convincing him of its beauty.  A week or so later I received it.

Every year, I use this quilt as the tree skirt to my bedroom Christmas tree.  Yes, we have a tree in the bedroom too.  The other eleven months of the year, I generally have it hanging over the rocking chair my great-grandfather was rocked in.

I still see its beauty.  There is just something so wholesome and non-intimidating about those deep rich colors.  There is no maker's name or mark, but whoever she was, she too found beauty in it at one time.  And when she was gone, and there was no longer someone to admire it, it was packed away in an attic to wait for me.

I have other quilts that are far more pristine, in far better condition, with far brighter colors, but this one, yes, this one - I find it to be absolutely beautiful.  It's kindness welcomes me.  It's tattered fabrics let me know that my seams are strong and even beautiful when I am feeling completely worn out.  It reminds me that if someone cared enough to add a few embellishments to my life a long long time ago, I should still remember them.  

As you lay your stitches upon your fabrics with love, and pass the treasured quilt on to the recipient, keep in mind that perhaps, just perhaps, your stitches might mean something extraordinary to someone you will never know.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches



PS. - Those are chenille flowers and leaves, silk ribbon daisies, and pearl
cotton and silk floss embellishing stitches.

Oh Happy Me - WIP

Night before last, I returned home after working, and it was there.  It was the package I had been waiting for.  For two long weeks, I waited and waited anxiously checking the mailbox each day.  And what was I waiting for?

Aren't they pretty?  14 new colors.  I have about a dozen colors and got started using this #8 pearl cotton so wanted to remain consistent.  

Now you will either laugh at me or cry with me.  I love living in a rural community, but trying to find certain things such as pearl cotton is a bit challenging.  The closest pearl cotton is an hour away and only a few basic colors.  It is at times like these that I value the internet.

And to show you what I am using it on...

These are all works in progress so please excuse my markings and a few of the stitches that require more than one color are incomplete.

This will be a long term project as I don't get to work on it a lot.  None of these blocks are finished as I was waiting for more colors.  Now I can finish up a block at a time which is more like me.

I'm not quite sure how it happened that I have two hand stitching long term projects going at the same time.  Baaad me, shame on me.  Oh well, I won't be board - will always have something to work on.

The other long term project in my Cathedral Window quilt which if you are keeping track (as I'm sure you are:) I only have 54 more blocks to iron.

Keep warm and until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches