Saturday, August 6, 2011

Old friends and new friends: a journal quilt

     Sometimes one can get busy and out off shape. We were so busy helping the grandchildren move, that I got off schedule in producing my one-a-week journal quilts. I don't know if I can go back to create them all, but this is a start...somewhat anemic, but a start. That is what is so good about a blog. It makes you get back to work!
click to enlarge
We need old friends to help us grow old and new friends to keep us young.   ~LC Pogrebin
      Several things come together in this 12" x 12' journal quilt.  I found some fabrics I like for bags and bookmarks, neither (like friends) of which I can have too many. I like inspiring quotations and have shared them recently in birthday thank you's. But mainly, this journal quilt is about new friends. I introduced Trilla and Alice in the Southwest recently who found that both their fathers were journalists for the AP and that the two couples have much in common. I have had fun making new quilting friends and traveling down some challenging new paths that will get me back to painting I am certain: Donna Jean, Andrea, Susan. and Ann. 
        I joined the fabrics in pillow case fashion, using a black and off-white spider web backing. It seemed witty and wise. I free-motion stitched the names and blanket stitched everything else, but so help me, I cannot figure what else to do.  I guess I could pump it up with black and white bead trim...and that could stand for dear old weekly friends. I have affection for the subject but need help on the quilt. Enjoy.



   

8 comments:

  1. I don't think it needs any pumping up, really! I like the graphic nature of it, and the colors seem to work so well with that look. Love the picture, the quotation. AND...my gosh.....the free motion stitching of names! I have practiced my own name but it doesn't look nearly as good as your stitching does! Where did you get the photo?

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  2. The photo and corner pieces are from a French themed fabric I picked up at The City Quilter.

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  3. I agree with Alice...no pumping up necessary. Well done, simple & to the point. I think we need ( or at least I need ) to periodically reminder ourselves that more is not always better! I think of the simplicity of the Amish quilts, which mesmerize me. I'm also very honored to be "part" of this quilt!

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  4. Boo Hoo. "Mainly I like new friends." I'm an old friend, but one who loves seeing what you create - always NEW. ss

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  5. I changed to "mainly" from "mostly" but neither works. What I meant was this quilt was mostly about "new friends" for those were the names....the occasion for the quilt was all the new friends made.

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  6. I really love the looks of this quilt - old-fashioned look and poetic, even the picture. You always find just the right fabric for these journal quilts, and I like the way you've changed the wording :). It says in a ":just right" way the thought behind the quilt. ss

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  7. You could add solid black trim/yarn/fabric to the edges of the fabrics where they meet. Donna Jean

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