Spools Mini Quilt


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I participated in the Secret Sister Swap at Quilt Bliss, and was happy to have Lori assigned to me.  When I read her list of preferences, the first thing I noticed was that she loves blue fabric.  A girl after my own heart!  After some back and forth and stressing about what to make, I settled on the Spools Mini quilt from the Liberty Love book.

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I pulled some favorite blue fabrics and settled on a scrappy low volume background.

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The block was fun to make and came together quickly and precisely.  I think this one was my favorite:

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The final product:

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I would quilt it differently if I made it again.  I chose straight line quilting in a diagonal grid, but wish I’d done some free motion quilting on each spool.  I was nervous, however, because I’m out of practice and even when I’ve been practicing my fmq leaves much to be desired.  So I went with something I knew I could do, but I’m not sure it was the best choice for this mini.  Still, I do like it and I was out of time so it had to work!

A couple of things I re-learned in making this mini:
1.  When I sew for myself, it’s generally relaxing.  When I make a gift, I generally enjoy it.  When it’s a swap, I’m a total stress case.
2.  I really, really love low-volume fabrics, backgrounds, everything.  The trend hasn’t bothered me a bit and I’m not at all tired of it.  I love the visual interest it gives a quilt.  Low-volume makes me happy.

And there you have the story of this mini quilt.

I hope Lori enjoys it!

Quilty Magazine COVER!!!


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I shared this on Instagram early in March, but haven’t yet shared it here.  I had the opportunity last year to design a quilt and send it off to Quilty Magazine.  Imagine my total shock when I opened a nondescript manila envelope with my name on it and saw my quilt on the cover.  On the cover!

When I first saw it, I was speechless as I processed what I was looking at.  And then I held it up in the air and started jumping up and down and sort of screamed to my family what it was.  We were in the middle of finishing the dishes after our Sunday dinner and they all turned and stared at me, trying to figure out what on earth I was screaming for.  Then I started laughing and crying and my husband started filming and they all started laughing at me.  Trust me, not one of them had ever seen me behave like that before.  In fact, I don’t think I ever remember behaving like that before.  It was terribly funny.

But the fact is, even after looking at it for three weeks, I kind of can’t believe it.  My quilt.  Published.  It’s all so strange and yet such a happy gift.  They did a beautiful job of photographing it and the quilt arrived home this week.  I’m excited to take some pictures of my own and share more.

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The quilt pattern is available here (called Prosper, my original name for it).  It’s a big block that’s dramatic and fun to make.  I still can’t believe my work ended up on the cover.  Shocked and honored and giddy and all sorts of emotions.  Crazy!

Jennifer

Hyacinths to feed thy soul


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If of thy mortal goods thou art bereft And from thy slender store Two loaves alone to thee are left, Sell one, and with the dole, Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.

– Saadi, Persian poet hyacinth2 I’m curled up in the corner of my living room couch so my nose is about 2 feet away from these flowers as I type, reluctant to miss out on their heady scent while it’s mine to enjoy.  I still remember the first time I smelled a hyacinth.  It was a bright, vivid pink and I was attracted by the sturdy stalk covered with cheerful flowers.  I leaned in for closer inspection and as the distinct fragrance flooded my senses for the first time, Saadi’s poem swiftly came to mind.  Years later, I find myself responding the same way each time I spot them blooming in the yard.  I close my eyes, breathe deeply and think, “Yes.  To feed thy soul.”

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It is true that my soul needs nourishment as surely as my body does.  I am grateful for simple joys and beauties that accomplish it.  Sometimes the feast comes in fresh flowers.  Lately it’s also come in sunsets, new appreciation for the nearby mountain range, the curve of my daughter’s cheek, the chirping of birds, prayer, children’s picture books, color. I realize it’s all built into life beautifully by my Heavenly Father who perfectly understands the need – a feast there for the taking if I have eyes to see.  Which reminds me of another favorite verse…

Earth’s crammed with heaven, And every common brush afire with God, But only he who sees takes off his shoes; The rest sit round and pluck blackberries.

– Elizabeth Barrett Browning Wishing you a day that feeds your soul in simple, wholesome ways, and eyes to see all that God is doing in your life.

Jennifer

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