My oval hoops have returned to their hanging spot and my big round hoop is embracing the last two rows of the + and X quilt ... that I may complete the quilting before the weather warms up. A few more stitches are needed in the blue table runner, then the binding. Tonight't train ride may get that finished.
So.... a new project is waiting in the wings. There is a baby quilt to make ... and a birthday gift ... but...
The thing that really excites me right now has to do with three things I love, quilting, reading, and friendship!
The last post, I shared a picture of the friendship quilt block made by my friend, Linda. Here is another block from that quilt. The flower basket was made by me. The feature fabric got some fussy-cutting and the color I pulled out was brown and gold.
Along beside the block is friendship in the form of a book. Even though I am the world's slowest reader, I love to read. When Susan came up with the idea of a Quilters' Book Club, I really wanted to take part even though I was not sure I could get the books. While I was still plotting as to how to find the first book here in Japan, friend, June, sends me an e-mail saying she has an extra copy she can send me.
Last night, on my way up to bed, I checked the postbox and found her book waiting for me. I was so excited I could hardly get to sleep. (in fact, I fell asleep with the light on and my head on the book. Now I will be dreaming of the blocks to make for each book. I may make more than one block per book. The only thing I know for sure is that this quilt will not be made for the guestroom bed. It will be made for my semi-single futon on the greenhouse floor! Quilting, Reading, and Friendship! (And the comfort of a finished quilt ... no matter how long it takes or how many interruptions life tosses in).
You and your group did it! Those fish are wonderful. The Quilting, Reading, and Friendship sounds exciting. I love all three of those topics too. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt! Your group did an excellent job.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, it is superb, and yes the binding will finishe it to total perfection, The fish seem to jump out, so lovely, and the book, wonderful idea. Greetings from Jean
ReplyDeleteI love your carp quilt, Julie, and I am so excited to have you as part of the Quilters' Book Club. How wonderful of June to send The Persian Pickle Club to you!
ReplyDeleteit looks wonderful... the colours are soooo vibrant x Enjoy your book x
ReplyDeleteThe Persian Pickle Club is a great book!! Love all of Sandra Dallas' books. I enjoy seeing your quilts. You are so talented. I'm more of a machine quilter but love the look of the hand quilting. Thanks for sharing all your projects.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love the fish quilt! So glad that the book finally arrived. I know that you will love it as much as I do.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great job! I love the patterns on the fabric for the koi. You do really great work. Can't believe you're adding another activity to your busy life! Happy reading.
ReplyDeleteYou and your group did an AWESOME job on the Koi Quilt! The Koi look so life-like - and the background fabric shows them off perfectly - TOTALLY AWESOME!! - ;))
ReplyDeleteLove your quilt with the fish :-)
ReplyDeleteNice blogg you have - a lot of inspiration.
Have become a follower.
Have a nice and kreative week end.
Quilthugs from Norway
I'm so glad you took that photo. It's fantastic! Can't wait to sew the binding on. Your book/quilt/friendship project sounds like YOU!
ReplyDeleteYour basket block is just lovely Julie. And like you the thought of sharing a book with friends is dear to my heart. A friend of mine has started a new tradition in our circle of high school friends from long ago. She read a book that she dearly loved. She wanted to share it so she chose a friend and gifted the book to her with instructions to read it and pass it on to another friend after writing a note in the front. She's hoping that someday it makes the circle and returns to her. It sounds a bit like the letters Amish women used to circle....one writes the letter and sends to a friend, that friends adds to the bottom and sends it on to another friend who adds a bit at the bottom and so on. When it returns to the original sender she takes off the first part she wrote, adds to the bottom and sends it out again. I've always thought that would be such fun! blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteI have that book, but, I haven't read it yet. Maybe I'll pull it out and read it. LOVE the carp quilt! I haven't used the lovely fabrics you sent me because I couldn't think of a good way to use them. I just may have to 'semi' copy that quilt (unless you mind, of course).
ReplyDeleteThe carp quilt is stunning and the binding will make it shine even more. Bravo to all of you!
ReplyDeleteIn the Friendship quilt you made good use of the print; that's one elegant floral basket.
I wish you a good time reading, planning the new blocks and hope you will have a lovely time when you meet up with your friend, Linda.
There is only one thing better than finishing a project: starting a new one! I don't enjoy the books written for the quilt market such as the Elm Creek series but I loved this one. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHello Julie,
ReplyDeleteI told about your BEAUTIFUL carps. I said they are really swimming. This quilt is a dream and so must be the book. Thanks for sharing with us.
Have a lovely week!!
hugs...Sandra
A beautiful quilt! The orange binding will be perfect.
ReplyDeleteJulie, I now follow your blog.
ReplyDelete