Yeah! Two finishes...

 

The Tlingits, one of the First Nation tribes, number in the 20,000's and live primarily in southeastern Alaska/borders of Yukon & British Columbia. We visited the Heritage Center in Teslin, Yukon a few years ago - it is situated on the shores of Teslin Lake - a stunning location...a row of hand carved totem poles marked the entry way...

Tlingit totem poles - taken in 2005

The Raven holds a position of great importance in their culture. It is the Raven who tricked an old Indian Chief into giving up an ornately carved box which held the sun. When the Raven opened it, the sun rose into the sky and covered the earth in light. Further reading go to - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tlingit

The design (an original by Tlingit woodcarver, Tommy Joseph in collaboration with Lisa Moore of Quilts With A Twist ) on my pillow is the Raven holding the sun in his beak before releasing it. Tlingit artwork often features the use of red and black colors and much embellishment with pearl buttons. Choosing earth toned batiks however fits in with our living area. I tried doing echo quilting around the design - using the zipper foot attachment on my Bernina and am pleased with the effect. A softly variegated Superior thread was used in the machine quilting.

I went back and added three caramel colored buttons to the inner border as suggested in the pattern.

The 2nd finish - The Irish Chain quilt from Aunt Reen's Place February Sew Along. I had a friend of mine do some really lovely feathered wreaths and cross hatching - the stitching from her long arm shows up so nicely on the Moda Bella Suede background - I would love a bolt of this - gorgeous fabric! I did just a simple matching binding and think this turned out to be the perfect fall quilt to curl up with on chilly evenings by the fire.

Both completed (love that word!!) projects have provided a satisfying break from the huge, long term quilts going on.

Wishing each of you a week of finishes too!

Pat

 

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Just an old dirt dobber...

 

Being a flower/vegetable gardener - (my other love along with quilting) - often involves moderately hard work - but for blissful times - I grow a selection of herbs. They are so low key in maintenance for the most part and provide tastes and fragrances going back hundreds of years.

My lemon verbena was left alone all summer while we were away...it apparently did not miss me at all - the branches are huge and loaded with leaves to dry...

I wish there was "smell-o-vision" for you, dear readers! It is heavenly...

As is the sage - bunches dried and more waiting to be dried in the potting shed.

The carrots are all but gathered - one more row to dig...

And our apple trees are calling...almost applesauce and pie time...

Wishing each of you a satisfying week...

Pat, at the edge of the northwoods

 

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Life in the fast lane...

... we used to say...stop the world, I want to get off...lately, that keeps running through my head...

Since returning from our extended summer travels, the days jump from one to the next - no rhyme or reason, no calming routine...

Walking into my sewing room, the head spins at all the UFO's and projects in my heart..so much so that it is easier to turn around and walk away for now. I may be in a quilting slump or just plain tired...for now I continue to focus on only stitching all those Drayton Hall diamonds together late in the evening - 1 border done, 2nd started... 2 more to go...

Clover has come out with smaller than mini Wonder Clips - recently got a package and giving them a try...

You can see the difference in size compared to the larger minis. And they have markings on the back...so far I like them and they don't get in the way as much as the larger ones. Looking forward to using them on bindings too...

Mr. Outback volunteered to drive me down to Nancy Zieman's Quilt Expo in Madison on Saturday...we live about 170 miles north. It was definitely a fast lane trip and turnaround!

Arriving at the Alliant Center at 4:00, I made a mad dash to locate my quilt - it was afterall, the first juried show I have entered. The quilt was found & photographed for the scrap book...

... and a much too quick viewing of the stunning Best of Show and other winners. You can see the awarded quilts on Monday at the Expo website. Another mad dash to the Superior Thread booth for 2 little packets of threads to use in applique and a stop at the Quiltmania booth to purchase this lovely classic...

Then into the long line to retrieve said quilt - I was out of the Exhibition Hall by 5:30...a quick stop for dinner and we were back home by 9:00 p.m. Whew! What a blur...

And...I did not buy any new fabric...

Pat

 

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A day in Cedarburg...lots of photos!

One of the groups I belong to is Liberty Ladies...14 of us share a love of quilt history and we often travel together visiting places of interest which includes the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts. A few years ago we were able to take in the Cheddar exhibition they offered - (here & here) - a truly wonderful exhibit (and a good fit for all of us Cheeseheads:-). On August 31, we drove down to Cedarburg - a very fun place - lots of history and great shops.

The Museum is among a select group to exhibit 32 award winning quilts from the 12th Quilt Nihon Exhibition. This is the largest quilting contest in Japan. These quilts are over the top in beauty and worksmanship.

Here are just a few...

 

 

After viewing the exhibit, we found this gorgeous waterside restaurant and had lunch al fresco - perfect!

Fortified after a well prepared lunch, we headed to some of the nearby quilt shops - outstanding quilts, friends, food and fabric...a very good day!

Pat

 

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