Week 6: Back to the Basics
Theme
A photo of something that shows play.
Photo Stats
Photo of the most recently completed quilt block Stately Sunflowers, part of the Prairie Flower Quit by Barbara Brackam.
Photo taken
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, in Siloam Springs, Ark.
Photo Background
In 2001, the Kansas City Star returned to their traditional roots and began to publish quilt block patterns, once a month, in the newspaper. Their first quilt, the Prairie Flower Quilt, by Barbara Brackman intrigued me.
I loved the appliqu patterns and the historical nature of the quilt each block has ties to pioneer women who traveled west during the 19th Century. But when the quilt pattern first came out, I was just learning how to quilt. Needleturn appliqu, well, was way beyond my league at the time.
I initially thought I would use button-hole appliqu (which includes a raw edge style finish), but my friend, Kim Barber persisted. She said I would be disappointed if I didnt at least try to learn how to do it the old fashioned way.
I bought the fabrics for this quilt in 2005 but I really didnt start working on it until 2006 it took a while to work up the nerve to start this big project.
Slowly, Ive been making progress. Finishing the Stately Sunflower pattern has been a turning point of sorts for me. Ive finished five complete blocks and have started a sixth block.
During the ice storm I traced out the newest block and the remaining six blocks on freezer paper (what Im using to make my patterns). Ive also assigned fabrics to half of the remaining blocks.
I have a goal to finish this quilt before the end of 2010. So I have 22-1/2 months left to meet my goal. Im learning to play a bit, and do something kinda frivolous and just for myself making this quilt.
It will never win awards, but its going to be a hand-appliqud quilt that I can pass to future generations (after I use it for myself).
Quilting is one way I play, and in the last few years, I havent let myself indulge in this manner for a while. Im learning that this kind of play is beneficial for my mental health. Besides - it makes me turn off the computer!
Im also having to learn that its ok to deviate from the pattern I kind of switched the ring of flowers on accident they are pointing outward rather than toward the center. I still think its a pretty block, and when its all said and done, nobody will notice or care.
Credits
Paper & Elements - 52 Inspiration 2009 week 6, Genevieve Sass, Oscraps.com
Photo for Project 52 - ScrapArtist.com
Font: Pea Jay and Century Gothic
