Sweet Annie Quilt

We've been celebrating lots of birthdays these past weeks, and today it's my turn!  I've been getting the *Royal Treatment* all week.  The Mister and the girls have also been taking care of meals, taking me out to dine or cooking up their own specialties.  Not that I dislike being in the kitchen, oh no, on the contrary. What they're giving me is the gift of time.  What a lovely thing that is too. Especially now,  as I reach the other side of (ahem) middle, with time speeding by much faster than it ever used to.  Maybe I'm just moving slower.  Possibly it's both.  In any case, having been given the luxury to concentrate on the frivolous fun stuff of life for more than just a few stolen moments, has indeed been a gift.  A wonderful gift.  Resulting in an updated blog today (hurrah!) and the finished Sweet Annie Quilt here, which I'm wildly happy about.  Apparently so is Miss Lily, as you can see.  Give a cat a quilt, any quilt, and that cat's a happy napper. I love how she's tucked her paws underneath it.  So polite-like. 

The idea and overall concept for the quilt was adapted from a number of books by Kindred Spirits.  They were published during the 90's, but I think you can still find them.  I still have a soft spot for folk art and all things primitive.  A style-sense that always feels so warm and homey to me. I did my own thing here, having gotten much inspiration from my own garden when I began this.  I quilted it sparingly, and with abandon, using two threads of embroidery floss---mostly around the seams where I joined the blocks, to maintain the loft.   

Since it already had a lot of feather stitching and other embroidery, it just seemed right to quilt only where needed to hold it together.  This was fun to work on with lots of little scenes and pictures scattered throughout.  The fabrics, colors, and combinations of those still thrill me.   The colors of nature never seem to lose their appeal.  So it's done!  More pictures here.  Time to put another notch on my belt and pull out another one to finish.  Yes, there are more waiting in that pile.  I've had decades to build up a good supply of them ya know.  But first I need to add this one to the FWYH flickr pool along with the other amazing projects that are starting to show up there.  And I want to say "thank you" again to everyone who continues to stop by here and leave comments, those lovely gestures of friendship that are always so nice to read, that bring a smile to my face and make me wish we all lived closer.  *And now, I really HAVE to (covertly) go and check out that delicious chocolate smell coming from the kitchen.  I think the girls are baking me a birthday cake.  Oh joy!

Comments

[Tina]

Happy Birthday to You!!! The quilt is just lovely. So cozy and sweet; and definitely worth all the time in it. Enjoy that chocolate cake (you're a lucky girl). Best wishes for many, many happy returns of the day. Tina

[Lana]

Happy Birthday Vicki! The quilt is gorgeous. I love all the stitching on it. It's very textural, I want to touch it. Miss Lily is beautiful too. Enjoy the cake and your day!!

[Anina]

A very happy birthday to you! The quilt is stunning! And thanks for inspiring me to try and finish all my UFO's.

[Michelle]

Happy birthday to you... enjoy your family, the food, and the finished objects!

[stuffed]

Wonderful. :0) Happy b-day!

[Amy]

LOVE it! As always a splendid job. Adding my Best Wishes for a Happy Birthday! xox

[Teresa]

A very happy birthday, Vicki - from one Virgo to another! (My birthday was Monday)
What a charming quilt!

[Irene]

Beautiful, I just want to spend the afternoon lazying under your quilt!

[Irene]

Happy Birthday!(I am sure good wishes are still valid, even when belated)

[brit]

I love it. I'm inspired to do something similar....but then you always inspire me. I love the idea of story quilts though...and I find that I often quilt that way..meandering as a story may.

Happy birthday!!

[Sharon M.]

Happy Birthday!! The quilt is absolutely beautiful--and so is your family--what sweet expressions of love to you--those memories are the dearest! :)

[Rosemary]

Happy BDAY! I LOVE the quilt! I'm a big kindred spirit fan, and i love that this quilt is inspired by them :) rosemary

[Mrs.Staggs]

Happy Birthday Dear Vicki.
I wish you all the joy, inspiration and kindness that you give to others. May it come back to you every day, in every way.
The quilt is beautiful. I have that book!
I love the photograph of sweet Miss Lilly and the quilt.

[Karin]

Your quilt is beautiful! I love the colors. Your work is just lovely!

Happy Birthday!

[Angie]

Happy Birthday!

I hope the day brings all you wish for the upcoming year!

Beautiful quilt!!

[Barbara H.]

Happy birthday to you! Hope you have a wonderful day!

Let me take this opportunity to tell you I enjoy your blog so much. I've only commented a few times, but I love seeing your work and thoughts.

[Jeannie]

Happy Birthday! Mine was yesterday and I hope you have as much fun as I did. I love the new quilt. It just cries out to be wrapped around you on a cool Fall evening. Cheers.

[Toni]

There's my second favorite kitty! Otter seems to prefer a plastic grocery bag these days for napping (???)

[Jane]

I'm so glad you finished this and was able to share it before the season ended..ha ha...it's so perfect in every way. Happy Birthday to you--enjoy the cake!

[Katherine]

Happy Birthday!

Your quilt just leaves me breathless with its beauty. I love it!

[Paula]

Happy Birthday! You quilt is GORGEOUS! (you're making me think perhaps I can make one...very dangerous!!!)
thanks for sharing!

[NANCY GARTENMAN]

Happy Birthday Vicki, and I just love the quilt.
NANCY JO

[Lisa {milkshake}]

I love the colors in the quilt. Happy birthday!

[Jo Ann]

Beautiful, Beautiful quilt. Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration.
And a very Happy Birthday.

[Kira]

Guess I should stop lurking around and tell you this quilt is amazing!!! The finishing what you started has inspired me to finish a couple of quilts that have been sitting in the wings for quite a while ... definitely want to try this look out next though! Thanks for sharing it! :)