A Work of Heart

So, on February 14, 2015, I began an incredible journey.  It really "started" at Thanksgiving 2013 when my Aunt Ileene put some precious cargo in my hands.  She gave me a box full of quilt blocks and applique' pieces my Granny had made before she passed away in 1990.  As a quilter and as a granddaughter who really, really loved her Granny, I was overjoyed.

It has taken me awhile to jump in with it.  I mean, it's kind of a big deal, right?  Piecing together parts of her heart (because as a quilter I know that it is more than fabric and thread) is kind of intimidating.  Plus (again, as a quilter) I had 142 projects already in the works that required attention.  And then people keep having babies and they need quilts.  And then I get a little ADD and see other new projects I have to try.  Oh but I digress.

So yesterday, the traditionally known "day of love", I jumped in.  With both feet.  In a rapidly flowing river.   As I stitched and pressed I kept thinking that I really need to share this journey.  I know Aunt Ilee will want to know my progress but whoever ends up with these projects and perhaps even my kids and their kids may someday be interested.

All I know is that I can look and see her sewing cabinet and her machine which is in my quilt room and am blessed enough to be able to remember her sitting at it.  I am blessed to see these pieces she traced and cut and some of her stitching ... quite similar to things I've done in my own quilting journey.

You can literally feel the love in the fabric and stitches.  You can see her style and artistic side from her fabric choices and combinations.  And I can't help but think of her stitching tenaciously, once she knew the cancer was back, trying to leave something behind to comfort, warm, and snuggle with those she loved most.

If only she'd known the legacy of love ... for God, for family, for life that she left with us.  It has comforted us and warmed us.

Here is what I first pulled out of the box:

Here it is after I did a little tweaking ...

I like to think she would LOVE that I'm picking up where she left off; that she would LOVE to see these projects be finished and get the love they deserve.  I can't wait to dive in more. 

Until next time, take time to be quilty, if you're a quilter.  If you're not a quilter, well, don't do that.  Just take time.  For whatever it is you take time for.  Or consider taking up quilting.  Just sayin' ...

Amish Circle Quilt Block #121 - "Reunion"

Block # 121 -
"Reunion"

Started on:
9-3-11

Completed on:
9-16-11

Technique:
Raw edge applique'

   I can not believe this block is number 121 of 121!  And this is another one of my favorites!  I know, I say that quite often!  I like this one so much though that I've already made and completed another one as a wall hanging that is displayed in my quilt room.

   Driving through Kansas back in March, we located the Amish district near Haven, KS.  We saw them driving their buggies on the roads, we saw many of their homesteads, and we saw some of the local businesses that are based around them as well.  We saw a family stopping to get a newspaper.  I took some photographs but it was snowing most of the time so that complicated the picture process.

   While I will most likely post some updated on this quilt and its completion later, this is technically the last post on the blocks of this quilt.  I want to thank Rosemary Youngs, the author of the book I followed for this project, first, for her creativity and her love of quilting and the Amish ways.  I also want to thank her for her advice, instruction, and overall support during this long process!

   If you happen across my blog while working on your own Amish Circle Quilt, I would love to offer advice and help as you navigate your way through the lovely, charming blocks of this amazing quilt.

   Future posts on this blog will be documenting my journey with my Dear Jane quilt that I recently began!

   Blessings y'all,
   Lesa

Amish Circle Quilt Block #120 - "Signature Sunflowers"

Block # 120 -
"Signature Sunflowers"

Started  on:
9-3-11

Completed on:
9-16-11

Technique:
Raw Edge Applique'

   This was another one of my favorite blocks!  I love sunflowers and brown eyed Susans.  The idea of having some of these with my friends' signatures in the middle makes me feel very happy!

   I wish more of my friends were into quilting!  I would totally host a quilting retreat and bring them in from all over the country! Actually, while I do love the idea of running away from home to go quilt somewhere for a weekend or month, whatever, I actually prefer the idea of kicking everyone else out of my house and staying here to quilt.  See, I don't suffer from the affinity to take care of household needs when I can be sewing.  So, I could easily stay home and have fun.

   This is my next to last block post!  Wow!

   Blessings y'all,
   Lesa

Amish Circle Quilt Block #119 - "Square in a Square"

Block # 119 -
"Square in a Square"

Started on:
9-19-11

Completed on:
9-21-11

Technique:
Paper piecing

   When I began this project, I had never even tried paper piecing.  This piece was one of my favorites that I finished during the building of all these blocks.  My brain wiring doesn't naturally process flipping pieces over and accounting for any strange type angles.  However, this block was mostly straight forward triangles and I did a lovely job.  (Ha!  If I do say so myself!)

   I currently have so many projects in the works.  Once I finished blogging about these blocks, I'm not sure how long it will take be to do the sashing and cornerstones.  A lot of the fabric is already cut so that is helpful.  But trying to figure out what projects to give priority to is difficult for me!

   Two more after this and this series of posts will be done!  It's been a fun journey.

   Blessings y'all,
   Lesa

Amish Circle Quilt # 118 - "Making Apple Butter"

Block # 118 -
"Making Apple Butter"

Started on:
9-3-11

Completed on:
9-17-11

Technique:
Piecing and Raw Edge Applique'

   Another one of my favorite blocks!  I don't think  I've ever had apple butter.  I've certainly never participated in a community size apple butter making frolic.  

   I love apples!  Apples are one of the only fruits I actually like.  The kids and I make a killer apple pie.  A-a-apple was one of their units as they went through Kindergarten (homeschooled).  We bought so many different kinds of apples and tasted all of them.  I love Fuji and Gala and the kids love Honeycrisp now.  Of course you have to use Granny Smith for pie!  Apples were a great part of our homeschool.

   I think this fall we will try to make it to an apple orchard.  I've put it off too long!

   Blessings y'all,
   Lesa

Amish Circle Quilt #117 - "Double Nine-Patch"

Block # 117 -
"Double Nine-Patch"

Started on:
10-15-11

Completed on:
10-15-11

Technique:
Piecing

   The letter that goes with this block talks of the girls hand piecing blocks for quilts.  I have to admit that if I had to hand piece blocks, I probably wouldn't be so into quilting.

   Hand quilting, now I enjoy that although I have very limited experience.  I can't make myself take that long to complete a project.  I can get so much more done by machine quilting.

   However, I am seriously considering hand quilting my Dear Jane quilt that I recently started.  For some reason it feels like it would be paying homage to Jane and all of her hard work if I sacrificed the time it would take to hand quilt my version of her quilt.  We'll see.  

   I love my sewing machine and am happiest when I'm sitting there stitching.  So, to each her own.  We're all creating in our own special ways.

   Blessings y'all,

   Lesa

Amish Circle Quilt Block #116 - "Roadside Stand"

Block # 116 -
"Roadside Stand"

Started on:
9-3-11

Competed on:
9-17-11

Technique:
Raw Edge Applique'

   I love these highly detailed applique' blocks.  They are filled with personality and a bit of whimsy thrown in for good measure.

   If I was Amish, I think I would be one of the women who run a roadside stand.  As previously established I probably wouldn't have great produce to sell, but baked foods, crafted items and homemade gifts?  I could certainly make a go of it with such products!

   I wish there was an Amish community closer to me.  The nearest one is about 4 hours away but it is very small still and I've never noticed such stands around there.

   I long to write letters to an Amish woman of my age.  I'd like to tell her about my life and learn about hers.  I'd like to share secrets and recipes and discuss our faith.  I'd like to weigh all of our differences and discover in what ways we are alike.

   There is a blogger out there who actually makes fun of those of us who would like an Amish pen pal of sorts.  I liked that person and their blog until I read their thoughts on that.  I guess if I had visited with Amish people all over the country and had many Amish friends, I could make fun of others who wished they had similar opportunities.  But then, I'm not a jerk!  So, I wouldn't.

   I hope your day is filled with peace and I hope your little corner of the world is sunshiney and blissful today!

   Blessings y'all,

   Lesa