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!
