In Living Color

So. Let's see now, where was I--oh yeah, I was walking through the woods, and quite happily so, as I recall.  Perhaps you thought I had wandered off and gotten lost.  That would explain the long silent pause here on the blog.  It is somewhat true, but not entirely.  A seige of hacking coughs and colds swept through the household, I was spared, but chicken soup and TLC was the order of the day.  Thankfully, everyone is on the mend now and we are picking up where we left off. 

In living color. . .

Ah, these November days.  They are mostly misty and mysterious at times.  But the colors are still glowing glorious here in the rural countryside.  Easy to get caught up in it all.  As I did when I saw this tree (a "forest pansy", and normally dark purple), in my front yard yesterday.  It's becoming one of the star attractions just now.  And that is surprising.  Because shortly after planting it, about four years ago now, a wind-whipping storm nearly tore it in half.  It was heartbreaking.  We pruned it the best we could, tied up what was left, and hoped for the best.  It looked pretty pathetic after that and at one point we almost pulled it up.  We gave it a talking to.  And another chance.  Over time, it has been slowly recovering and reshaping itself.  Looking at it now, in it's golden splendor, we are so grateful we didn't act in haste.  I want to hug this tree! 

Anyway, in my quiet repose between tree hugging and soup making, I was thumbing through some of my old quilt books, and one in particular seemed perfect for the season and ripe to share.  This is a great big book, full of big projects, beautiful illustrative directions and techniques, and not just quilts, but also tote bags, aprons, pillows, placemats, curtains--just lots of goodness from cover to cover.  Everytime I look through this book I want to make all of the projects.  Immediately.

So far I've only managed one though, this wall quilt--but I am holding out hope that there will be more to come . . . one of these days. 

 
I'd actually already blogged about this wallhanging a few years ago, (see it all here), but decided to provide an update about the book from *whence* the inspiration came because it is such an awesome book; and as I'd mentioned in the 2005 post, the book (from 1996) was out of print.  But as of this writing, Amazon has 50 (used copies) for 2c each.  (Yes, I said, two cents each.)  What!  You still pay S/H--but what a deal.  I am not going to add links, because as often happens, they tend to go defunct/haywire over time.  Just search the book title:: SWEET & SIMPLE COUNTRY QUILTS by Jenni Dobson to find it. 

OK, with that said, I can now go ahead and show you some of what's inside this wonderful book without any angst and boo-hooing at all.   

Here we have, "Chicken Girl".  Love that patch on the knee.  

A wonderful "skitish bird".  There are times when I feel exactly like this.

Called, "Dancing Couple"--or as I say, "getting down at the hoe down".  Look at that amazing color and pattern.  Most of the designs are full size, some need to be enlarged.  Yellow socks--yikes!

This one is called, "Blacksmith's Boy Cot Quilt".   I love the horseshoes.  Pointed up for goodluck.

I wanted to share more pictures, but the text editor usually does weird & wacky things when I load too much on here, so I made a little photo album with more pictures--click HERE to see them and be inspired.  

Have a great weekend everybody!   

Comments

[Teresa Kasner]

I sure did enjoy all those fabric images!! I have a Sunbonnet Sue and Overall Sam quilt that was done by a nice older woman called "Granny Nell". The stitches are tiny! Love that thing.. I had her do it for my first baby.. a girl.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

[Vee]

You tree is living up to its name! Just a gorgeous thing right now. Hope that it hangs in there for many years to come and I hope that those leaves hang in as long as they can. Delightful.

I was cleaning my sewing room today and came across my mother's stack of quilting books. I'm going to be perusing those and thinking of you this evening.

[Denise :)]

This was a fun and colorful post -- enjoyed it much! I'll have to look for the book -- the little wallhanging is darling! Enjoy your weekend and thanks for sharing! :)

[Elizabeth]

I love the chicken girl quilt best! :)

[Account Deleted]

I dropped by earlier, and became so enamoured of the book, that I skipped off to Amazon, but became distracted and am just now making my way back. I purchased a copy of this charming book, and I'm so looking forward to it. A bit of folk art, it reminds me of, and in that way that stands the test of time.

I sure do hope everyone is truly on the mend, and that you will stay healthy as well. I remember when my son was younger and would become ill. Life slowed down in a way that became so much about creating comfort, and homely things. Sometimes I would just sit and listen to him sleep, as I stitched, or I'd put on a pot of soup, and then read to him, or watch silly show on tv. I'd go to bed, but wouldn't sleep, listening, "just in case". Illness in family life creates a certain intimacy.

Nature and life are one, in so many ways. I love the happy, hopeful stories.

Thank you Vicki for the time you spend here.

xo

[Michaelanneneal]

Thank you for the link to this lovely book!! Everything old is NEW again:) I want to tell you how very much I enjoy your blog....It was the very FIRST blog I ever became "attached" too..and after all these years, I LOVE your posts! Always beautiful..and inspirational!