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! 

No words........

just a pretty photograph....a memory to share....

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

I still have a few things to share and post.......so I will not wait until the new year begins......

I am back.  

Today is the last day of fall...........my goodness, it seems like it did

not last long enough!  Tomorrow winter starts.........

I agree with Edith Sitwell's words............

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” 

Although the days here are still warm and pleasant, 

I still enjoy the colder days that will soon come.

It is a time to find my needle and to stitch the day away.

How about you?

How do you spend your cold winter days?

Do you have fun outside in the snow?

Do you sit beside a cozy fire and read?

I would love to hear!

Until I Return Next Year........

May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;

The spirit of Christmas which is peace;

The heart of Christmas which is love.

Ada V. Hendricks

Wishing you a very merry Christmas!

There is just something about a piece of string

that can be pulled, twisted, and tied, with colors so captivating.....

and then, can be turned into something so beautiful.  

I rarely purchase patterns, but when I saw  this 

crocheted granny square cardigan pattern, 

I just had to purchase it!  I love crocheting granny squares, 

using up the bits of leftover yarn from other projects. 

(for those of you who want to know,

it can be found at Maggie's Crochet.com) 

This is not the weight or type of yarn the pattern calls for, 

however, I have so much  left over from making crocheted scarves and throws,

that I wanted to find something else to crochet with it.  

Such beautiful variegated colors with names like "meadow/prairie"

"winery " , "echo" and "parrot". I also love the feel

of the yarn.  

So I am being careful and making sure the granny square measures the 

right size when I finish.  And there are quite a lot  of squares to crochet!

And it may wind up looking pretty primitive and goofy,

so I may not be seen wearing it in town.........

however, my chickens, cat and dog accept my primitive

and goofy look, so I will wear it here on the farm..........

when I finally finish crocheting it. 

December is here, along with it's chilly days........

perfect for staying in, using the imagination, 

and keeping the hands busy creating! 

Don't you think?

I love  Minna Thomas Antrim's thoughts about chilly nights...........

Brew me a cup for a winter’s night.

For the wind howls loud, and the furies fight;

Spice it with love and stir it with care,

And I’ll toast your bright eyes, my sweetheart fair.

Minna Thomas Antrim, "A Night Cap," A Book of Toasts, 1902

So tell me, what are you creating these days?

I would love to hear!