Take this time to just simply slow down.............and ponder

No words.......just memories of many stitches over the many years

A sneak preview of a project........... and a story about an amazing quilt artist

Grace Snyder

My imagination and inspiration to put my embroidery needle aside and to make a quilt block,  came to me when I discovered Grace Snyder,

quietly hiding in a vintage quilt book that I thumbed through to pass time, while sitting outside in the truck,  waiting for my husband as he browsed in a parts store.  

I am not sure about how you feel, but for me, going inside of a parts store holds no intrigue what so ever ......so  I grab any interesting book I  can find at a nearby vintage store, as my save from boredom and impatience,  while my husband happily browses. 

As I casually turned the pages.........this stunning image stopped

me, and I had to read the small article about this quilt........with the creator's name

Grace Snyder,

leaving me to want to find out more about this amazing 

quilt artist.  I researched her and.........oh my.........what an

amazing story she has!  I have included this link to a wonderful

video about her and her quilts.   

"Grace Snyder: A Life in Extraordinary Stitches"      

The pattern for the lovely quilt was also in the book and easy to follow,

however, I wanted to see if I could make a quilt block a little different.

I  chose a design that  I felt could  be

pretty and enjoyable to work with.

Incorporating the method for this block, with the design I chose,  I

started hand tracing and hand cutting the tiniest of triangles

and hand stitched them all one by one, together. 

I started this "block" October 4, 2018,  which is 

the reason I am showing you a "sneak preview" .....because

of the time it is taking...........who knows when I will completely finish!

Getting the seams to line up, is also tedious and I already realize some things 

that I would have done differently.  In fact, I almost decided to quit and put this away........

however, the colors and the desire to see what it will look like , when finished,

made me press on.  I am keeping a journal on it , as I work from 

day to day.  

I have so much to do throughout the day from cooking, cleaning and such,

that I only get to enjoy stitching on it in the late afternoon..........which

is another reason it is taking so much time to finish. 

Now I am glad that I have kept working on it. 

One thing I realized, as I am working through this block.........

that it is probably going to be a "small quilt" 

instead of a block for a large quilt.  I really don't think I want to make 12 or more of these for a quilt. 

When I actually finish, I will let you know what the

actual size of this will be.  

So tell me.........have you heard of Grace Snyder.......or any other 

wonderful "pioneer" quilt artist?

Do you have a favorite quilt block?

I would love to hear! 

No words......

just a pretty photograph, a memory to share of a stitch or two,

a moment to just slow down, to savour, and enjoy!

January

"January is here, with eyes that keenly glow,

A frost-mailed warrior 

striding a shadowy steed of snow." 

              Edgar Fawcett

A new year is here.  I have many plans and projects for 

this year that I hope to learn how to do, ..........and to finish.

I have spent the last few weeks sorting and organizing my stash

of floss, yarns, and fabrics. 

I have decided to try my best......and I do mean......try

to use up and to work on what I already have instead of 

purchasing something else.......

.but oh my, 

how hard it is to resist all of the pretty new patterns and

materials that are offered wherever I turn! 

This week, I am sharing 5 simple things 

that I enjoyed this past week......

1. I am happy to have put the Christmas trees and decorations

away........neatly 

2. Our youngest son flew home to visit, adding  joy to our holiday.

3. A nest full of tiny eggs, from tiny chickens,  comes from the henhouse. 

4. Miniature roses are still blooming on my inside windowsill .

5. We had a peaceful and quiet New Year's eve.

So tell me...........

do you have plenty of projects and materials to finish up.........or do you have plans

for something new to try?  I would love to see and hear!

Here's wishing that something simple and enjoyable comes your 

way this week!