Thursday, March 7, 2024

Flower Garden Appliqué quilt finish - finally!

 


Late last night I finished tacking back the binding on the Flower Garden appliqué quilt.  

This quilt was 3 1/2 years in the making.  I'm so happy to have it finished. 

I started this back around November 2020 in Tokyo, as a block of the month from Sentimental Stitches, called Poppy's Polka Dot Garden.  I have ended up calling mine simply Flower Garden. 


 

I made a lot of the blocks, but not all, and I just chose a very simple layout.  The blue is a shot cotton I got in Tokyo when we lived there.   I added little polka dot circles on the alternate blocks and the border, and machine quilted it very simply.  

The backing is a yellow beehive print, supplemented with a very old blue print.  





I sized it to fit on a twin bed: 




I have not washed it yet, and after seeing the photos here, I can really see where I might add more machine quilting.  Not sure.  I want it to remain really drapey. 



I am so happy to have this finished!  Now I don't have anything unfinished from the Covid/Tokyo years.  I just have a good sense of closure now. 





This quilt will live here at home for awhile at least. 

And, against my better judgment I've just started a second scrappy Liberty hexie EPP quilt.   It will be throw sized.


For some reason I'm just giddy about my new sewing basket  - from Liberty in London.  The benefits of David traveling and being willing to go to Liberty for me;). 


The print reminds me of my 70's childhood.  I love something that is practical, AND fun, AND pretty. 


I've been reading (mostly listening) a lot of books lately, and can recommend these: 

The Women by Kristin Hannah  - historical fiction about nurses during and after the Vietnam war.  I couldn't put it down. 

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin - really remarkable novel about two friends and video game creators, whose lives intersect over many years.   Somewhat strange, compelling.

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner - Korean American memoir, her mother's cancer; food culture; grieving.  

Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad - a remarkable memoir about living with cancer.  I also recommend the documentary American Symphony.  But read the book first. 

Finding Me - Viola Davis' memoir.  One of the best, most powerful memoirs I've ever listened to.  Unflinching, moving. 

Let me know if you've read anything fantastic lately! 

xo

Cynthia 



Tuesday, February 27, 2024

QuiltCon in Raleigh - inspiring!

Last week I went to a quilt show in Raleigh.  I'd heard of the Modern Quilt Guild and Quilt Con but had never been to one of their shows.  

Wow, it was just wonderful.  Very exciting, inspiring with a friendly inclusive vibe throughout.   

Here are some of my favorites, including the quilter's statements. 

Quilt by Corinne Sovey





Quilt by Rebeka Lambert: 





Quilt by Jennifer Candon





I loved seeing my friend Barb Vedder's quilt in person:  





The best in show, by Ginny Robinson, was so powerful: 





There was a special exhibit of quilts by Jacquie Gering




As well as a special exhibit of quilts by members of the African American Quilt Circle of Durham, North Carolina, including this striking quilt by Willa Brigham






The vendor area was crowded, but nothing like Tokyo crowded, lol.  I picked up a couple of variety packs of Liberty fabric.  


Just one more of my favorites from the show - quilt by Julie Reuben: 




I loved how she achieved a secondary design with the dense stitching in different colors.  



Cynthia 

Saturday, February 24, 2024

Tokyo trip - days 11 and 12

 Tokyo trip, continued. 

On Saturday and Sunday, we packed in as much fun, food, shopping with Kaela and Liz as we could.  What a whirlwind with Kaela in town for only two nights, just for the concert really, before getting back to Charlotte and the twins.  









The girls LOVED the concert as well - 


We met them afterwards - 

And taxied to get some sushi - and debrief the greatest concert any of us has ever seen. 



And the next afternoon, we all flew home.  At the airport Kaela needed David's help packing in souvenirs;). 



One last sushi lunch at the airport - 


Tired and happy Kaela.  And grateful parents.  We loved seeing her and we were very touched that she made it possible for us to see Taylor Swift in concert.  

Sayonara Tokyo.  We love you. 

xo
Cynthia