Tuesday, March 13, 2012

A finish and a new beginning

Well, Here it is, all finished with binding and a hanging sleeve (and two strong women to hold it high)! Yesterday the teem of tireless quilters met to put on the finishing touches.

Although I had trouble warming up to the quilt design, there was no issue with the quilters. What a wonderful group of mothers they are and what a joy to work with! I will miss that part of the activity more than the quilt.

Note, the final step in the project ... removing pet hair!
If I can figure out the links, you can see more of this quilt on Cynthia's bloghttp://aquilterbynight.blogspot.com and Tokyo Jinja http://tokyojinja.com/2012/03/13/the-asij-quilt-summer-breezes-furin-in-the-rock-garden/.



And, as for the new beginning, the plum tree has finally begun to bloom. This flower opened a little on the 11th and now a few more flowers are beginning to peep out. This is the first time that I know of in 47 years it has failed to open on February 15, the birthday of the daughter it celebrates.

My husband, looking at that rather un-impressive bloom, exclaimed we should have planted a more showy variety, maybe a light pink with double petals. Well, I told him, this one is not just for show, but produces plums (actually apricots) that are used in plum wine.

I think there is a bit of a lesson here. I have told the kids, "It isn't so much what you say, but what you do that counts". Actions speak louder than words. In this case, just looking good is fine but doing good is even better.

Could it be that the waiting has made that delicate flower even more precious?





18 comments:

  1. I absolutely LOVE the border. There's a comment on Tokyo Jinja's blog that the quilting is insane. I think that means crazy good. I agree.

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  2. It looks great. I liked the posts on the other blogs, too. Good picture of you in there. Love those headlamps. I've 'borrowed' my hubbys before.

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  3. The photo with the ladies really shows off the quilt so much better, I can see the true colors, size and quilting, really beautiful piece.

    Debbie

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  4. ...and what a finish!
    Everyone surely enjoyed this project, their part, and the time together.
    And I love the photo of the pink blossom.

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  5. That quilt is a treasure. I've been reading at the other blogs you listed. It sounds like such a "fun" group and the end result is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. Perhaps those industrious pet hair removers would like to come and help me out? :) The quilt is lovely!

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  7. What a fabulous quilt, the memory you share with this quilt is just as important and i sure it helped you love it even more. the binding fabric is a perfect finish for this simple but effective pattern. Love it.
    I love your outlook on life it is perfect.

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  8. well done to all of you x AWW! the dog hair would add that extra warmth... my 2 are black/tan so doesnt seem to show so much xx

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  9. Beautiful! The quilt is accurately made. Goods colors are fine. Yoku dekimashita!!!

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  10. The finished quilt looks beautiful Julie. Love the colour of your flowers

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  11. The quilt is fabulous - well done you will all the hard work and planning you had to do! And I think the plum flower is pretty in its own way.

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  12. beautiful quilt julie - so glad it turned out so well - well done to you and your merry band :)

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  13. One of my favorite gala quilts to date! You guys really made something special here. Can't wait to see what you do next Mom!

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  14. I love the way the quilt turned out but more than that I love the cooperative efforts that made it possible. It's a treasure for sure. The bloom is lovely and so is the memory. blessings, marlene

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  15. I really love this quilt, it is absolutely delightful - and so unique. Congratulations.

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  16. The quilt is absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations!
    I think the Plum tree's flower is very delicate and beautiful - yet very hardy. Looks can be deceiving.

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  17. It turned out wonderfully! I can see how it would be fun to make your very own windchime and then combine them all together. Hmmm. Do I want to make a windchime? That might be a good postcard project!

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  18. I love the finished quilt and the quilting itself is lovely. That plum blossom is perfection, it doesn't need to be showy or complicated, on that bare branch it is a jewel.

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