A finished quilt is a beautiful thing! Lily would agree. There's a nip of fall in the air this morning.
This quilt seemed to take a little longer to finish than most. Summer is when I mainly worked on it--and a lot of summers have come and gone with this project on my lap.
How many summers? Well, some of the patterns (and the general theme) were inspired from the Kindred Spirits books, published by three quilting friends--in the 1990's. I'm so happy it's finally done.
I still like this primitive style and the rich colors of nature never lose their appeal.
Time to put another notch on my quilting belt and pull out another project to finish.
Yes, there are more.
I've had decades to build up a good supply.
But first, I'll be adding this one to the FWYH flickr pool along with the other amazing projects that are trickling in from this amazing craft community, making me wish that we all lived closer.
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
Posted by: Tina | September 20, 2007 at 09:11 AM
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!!
Posted by: Lana | September 20, 2007 at 09:17 AM
A very happy birthday to you! The quilt is stunning! And thanks for inspiring me to try and finish all my UFO's.
Posted by: Anina | September 20, 2007 at 09:30 AM
Happy birthday to you... enjoy your family, the food, and the finished objects!
Posted by: Michelle | September 20, 2007 at 09:38 AM
Wonderful. :0) Happy b-day!
Posted by: stuffed | September 20, 2007 at 09:39 AM
LOVE it! As always a splendid job. Adding my Best Wishes for a Happy Birthday! xox
Posted by: Amy | September 20, 2007 at 09:45 AM
A very happy birthday, Vicki - from one Virgo to another! (My birthday was Monday)
What a charming quilt!
Posted by: Teresa | September 20, 2007 at 09:48 AM
Beautiful, I just want to spend the afternoon lazying under your quilt!
Posted by: Irene | September 20, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Happy Birthday!(I am sure good wishes are still valid, even when belated)
Posted by: Irene | September 20, 2007 at 09:51 AM
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!!
Posted by: brit | September 20, 2007 at 09:53 AM
Happy Birthday!! The quilt is absolutely beautiful--and so is your family--what sweet expressions of love to you--those memories are the dearest! :)
Posted by: Sharon M. | September 20, 2007 at 09:56 AM
Happy BDAY! I LOVE the quilt! I'm a big kindred spirit fan, and i love that this quilt is inspired by them :) rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | September 20, 2007 at 10:08 AM
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.
Posted by: Mrs.Staggs | September 20, 2007 at 10:51 AM
Your quilt is beautiful! I love the colors. Your work is just lovely!
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Karin | September 20, 2007 at 10:54 AM
Happy Birthday!
I hope the day brings all you wish for the upcoming year!
Beautiful quilt!!
Posted by: Angie | September 20, 2007 at 11:16 AM
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.
Posted by: Barbara H. | September 20, 2007 at 11:19 AM
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.
Posted by: Jeannie | September 20, 2007 at 11:26 AM
There's my second favorite kitty! Otter seems to prefer a plastic grocery bag these days for napping (???)
Posted by: Toni | September 20, 2007 at 11:27 AM
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!
Posted by: Jane | September 20, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Happy Birthday!
Your quilt just leaves me breathless with its beauty. I love it!
Posted by: Katherine | September 20, 2007 at 11:47 AM
Happy Birthday! You quilt is GORGEOUS! (you're making me think perhaps I can make one...very dangerous!!!)
thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Paula | September 20, 2007 at 12:08 PM
Happy Birthday Vicki, and I just love the quilt.
NANCY JO
Posted by: NANCY GARTENMAN | September 20, 2007 at 12:31 PM
I love the colors in the quilt. Happy birthday!
Posted by: Lisa {milkshake} | September 20, 2007 at 12:38 PM
Beautiful, Beautiful quilt. Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration.
And a very Happy Birthday.
Posted by: Jo Ann | September 20, 2007 at 02:23 PM
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! :)
Posted by: Kira | September 20, 2007 at 02:24 PM
Happy Birthday Vicki! Now I know we must be kindred spirits - it's my birthday today, too! What fun!
I wanted to let you know that,even though I don't comment very often, I adore your blog and read it every day. Thank you so much for all of the inspiration you give me.
Hope you continue to have the loveliest of birthdays!
Posted by: Heather | September 20, 2007 at 03:17 PM
the quilt is beautiful, i can't decided which bit is my favourite!
happy birthday
Posted by: lucykatecrafts | September 20, 2007 at 03:27 PM
Happy birthday. What a beautiful quilt and a sweet, sweet kitty.
Posted by: michelle | September 20, 2007 at 04:17 PM
Vicky - a very happy birthday to you. I've been patiently waiting to see the the finished quilt. It's beautiful. Love reading what you're up to each day. Thanks for sharing with all of us.
Posted by: Tami | September 20, 2007 at 04:28 PM
From one virgo to another - Happy Birthday!!! I LOVE the quilt. I'm really partial to quilts that are whimsical and primitive. Did you follow a pattern or make it up yourself? Love it, Love it, Love it!!!
Posted by: Janice | September 20, 2007 at 04:37 PM
Lovely, lovely, lovely!
Posted by: abbey | September 20, 2007 at 04:51 PM
Happy birthday !! and what a darling quilt !!! You've inspired me to light a fire under my you - know - what to get my niece's long over due crazy quilt finished -- I like your idea of quilting it with embroidery floss !! very cute!!! I'm going to officially enter your "FWYH" challenge!!! I'll post it on my blog.
Posted by: Mary Anne Drury | September 20, 2007 at 05:09 PM
Wishing you a very happy birthday!!!
Posted by: Christina | September 20, 2007 at 08:35 PM
Happy, happy birthday to you! That quilt is absolutely lovely -- The stitching is just perfect! I'm trying to get some FWYH projects DONE -- but, um, I keep getting such great new ideas!
Posted by: Angela | September 21, 2007 at 01:25 AM
Happy Birthday! Enjoy your special day and the gift of time. (I think I'll ask for that on my next birthday, which is a BIG one!)
Posted by: Susan | September 21, 2007 at 03:54 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Many birhtday wishes to you on your special day!!
Your quilt is gorgeous! I love all the details!!
Posted by: Euphoria | September 21, 2007 at 07:38 AM
A happy birthday!
What a beautiful quilt!
And it's true, cats are always lying on my quilts too, finished or not...
Posted by: sabine | September 21, 2007 at 08:13 AM
A very happy birthday to you! I know today will be filled with love, laughter, and a celebration of your day of birth. Your Sweet Annie Quilt is exquisite.
Posted by: Junie Moon | September 21, 2007 at 08:26 AM
Happy Birthday!!!
That quilt is GORGEOUS!! I adore that style. I'll have to put that idea on my list. :-)
Posted by: Dannielle | September 21, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Happy Birthday!!!!! I confess I ogled the pictures yesterday but didn't read the text closely enough to see it is your day of days! (or was... I'm just a TAD late... as usual).
Hugs and smoochies!
Posted by: jenny b harris | September 21, 2007 at 01:38 PM
I hope you've had a very wonderful birthday! I love all the embroidery on your quilt -- so much work! You've beat me to "the other side of the middle" by a week and a few days -- glad to see there's life on the "other side." LOL.
Posted by: Thimbleanna | September 21, 2007 at 02:40 PM
Oh my goodness! Your quilt is just the most adorable one I have seen! What a great job!!!!
I am a little late on the birthday wishes, however it looks like you had a delightful day and your family just loves you so much!!! Love the cake!!!!!!!
BTW, I can understand the slowing down. Seems since I turned 46, I just don't have the same zip in my doo dah that I did whilst in my early 40's. grrrr...
Have a lovely weekend!
Becky
Posted by: Becky | September 21, 2007 at 06:07 PM
Oh, the herb patches are so sweet! Thyme/Time are both such wonderful gifts to receive!
Once again, happy birthday, my friend! xox
Posted by: tinker | September 21, 2007 at 10:53 PM
Happy Birthday! The 20th is my mom's birthday too.
Posted by: Julie | September 22, 2007 at 04:39 PM
ohhhh, I`m too late - sorry :-(, but happy birthday wishes from germany :-)))). what a nice blog - congratulation.
Posted by: Andrea | September 23, 2007 at 04:25 AM
this is so beautiful. belated happy birthday!
Posted by: Jessica | September 23, 2007 at 11:36 AM
This quilt is amazing. Thanks for all the pics! Enjoy your birthday/week!
Posted by: Vanessa | September 24, 2007 at 08:41 AM
Just beautiful this quilt!
Posted by: Margo | September 25, 2007 at 10:33 AM