Sending Some Bloggy Valentine Love...

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As I sat in my studio yesterday, I turned and saw these two, snuggling on the quilt rack where they sit each day, quietly emanating love. Sometimes I can almost hear Andy whispering sweet nothings in Ann's ear. But most of the time, they just sit and stare into each other's eyes... You can almost see the little hearts flying through the air...  ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥











Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy have long been symbols of love, to me. After all they each have their little stitched hearts that profess "I Love You"... I cannot tell you how many of these I have made over the years. During university and for a number of years after, as my friends got married and started their families, each new baby got an Ann or Andy. I wish I had kept track; I'm quite sure I've made at least 20 or 25. They were fun to do, but the hair, each loop pulled through and then secured by hand, took longer than making the entire doll and the clothing, or so it seemed. These two were for my own children, (made up with a set of each clothing just to be safe) and packed in my suitcase, ready to go to the hospital when I went into labour. Each one sat in the bassinette with the newborn babe. (I think I could have taken orders in the hospital from all the other new Moms and a lot of the nurses...) But these are the last two I made... the end of the line!

So - Ann and Andy and I are sending you some love today. To you, my loyal readers, followers, friends and occasional visitors - thank you for all your visits and kind words. A special thanks to those of you who leave comments. :)  I appreciate each and every one. I'd especially like to give a warm welcome and send some bloggy love to my new followers from the Grow Your Blog Party, which ends tomorrow. Only one more day to get your name in for the giveaway here!
Now I'm off to give myself a little love - I'm off to have a mammogram. Not an experience I enjoy (that machine was designed by a man, for sure!) but I sure enjoy the peace of mind after, knowing all is well. Get those mammies grammed, girls!! This is your reminder!

♥ Love ♥
   Linda

"The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved." - Victor Hugo

Student's Work - Tiny Treasures class

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It's time to show you some student's work from a Miniatures class I taught recently. It's always rewarding for a teacher to see what her students have produced, after a class. Often times, the teacher does not see the results, so I am always thrilled to hear from students and see what they have completed. This photo was taken at the end of the day, and they're all still smiling! A good sign!







Pat P. was the first to send me a photo.  She did nine little Shoofly blocks, aren't they cute? Great job Pat. I'm not positive, but it looks like Pat has hand quilted this too! Woohoo!
I neglected to get the overall size from her, but I can assure you it is small! She's already planning her next Miniature, a Bear's Paw.

Next up is Jane T. with Tiny Logs. It measures 15" square, with each block finishing at 2 1/4". Look at her beautiful quilting in that border too! I love the rich colors she has used... of course you know I'm a pushover for blues of any shade... Can you see the narrow little red border she has added? That's one of the techniques taught in the class, a sewn-in border that finishes at 1/8" wide.
You did an awesome job Jane!








Eyvonne S. came all prepared for class- she had purchased a pattern from George Siciliano, and was working on it during the class. It may look familiar to some of you - it is one I have done. George calls it Interstellar Suite. (Pattern can be ordered here.) Eyvonne has done a great job with it. And look - she has added two narrow borders! At this point it is just the top, it has yet to be quilted but I know it will be awesome when Eyvonne finishes it. Hope she'll send another photo...(are you reading this Eyvonne? hint, hint)









Last but not least is a Feathered Star by Jeanne W. It is 15" square. This was a pattern purchased before class as well- I tell you, these girls had done their homework!! haha (I believe this is a Little Bits pattern by Cindi Edgerton.) Jeanne "made it her own" though, by not placing the star on point as the pattern suggested, and she re-designed the border. Notice she also has added the tiny 1/8" border. Jeanne started this in the class, and brought it to the guild meeting two days later, totally finished!!!
Way. To. Go. Jeanne!! It is gorgeous!! I love it!! Feathered Star is on my "To Do" list... someday!

What a fun class this was - I had every bit as much fun as they did, too! I am so proud of these girls, and so grateful they sent me photos of their miniatures. (I think I may have created a few new addicts, though... I warned them at the beginning of class that making miniatures IS addictive, and I would NOT be held responsible.... haha! Gotta "cover" myself!!)
Thanks everyone!! Big hugs to you all at MCQG! Keep those photos coming!!

Piece!
Linda

"A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning."
 ~ Brad Henry

Longing for some Green...

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Brrr, I'm cold. I've just come in from wading through thigh-deep snowdrifts, almost waist deep in places, to take some photos... hopefully you'll see them in a new header this coming week. We have a LOT of snow. I've lost track of how many storms we've had in a two week period.. six,  I think? Doesn't matter... but please, let me know if you'd like some snow... I'd be happy to send you some. We have lots to spare.

It's only February and I'm already tired of winter; tired of its endless white cover, its icy sidewalks and driveways, its treacherous driving, its bitter cold days and even colder nights. I long for the greens of summer and my gardens of colourful blooms. (I think my inner gardener is screaming to get out! ha!)
I need some Vitamin G!! (If you don't remember my post explaining Vitamin G, read it here.)
So, for all of you who feel the same (Who am I kidding, I'm really doing this for my own pleasure) here is some green, and some colourful blossoms to go with it. My recent visit to Florida was balm for my gardener's soul; I tried to "stock up" on both Vitamins D and G! Sadly, I feel my "reserves" are now waning...








Hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine,
plumbago, bird of paradise, passionflower, and many others I cannot name.. what's not to love when you can enjoy such beauty in mid-winter?















One day we were out for a drive and saw this magnificent tree, all in bloom. I asked Sandi what it was but she didn't know. At the time, I said "the blooms look like orchids." I have since seen photos on someone's blog (can't remember who/where) showing this same tree, and it was referred to as an "orchid tree." So that's what I'm calling it. I don't know if that's a nickname or a proper name. Maybe one of my southern readers can tell me...

Bougainvillea is a common plant in the tropics. If you have ever traveled in South America, the Caribbean or the Mediterranean you have no doubt seen it. It blooms in a variety of colors. Did you know that the colored petals are actually leaves? The bloom is the tiny white flower in the center of the colored bracts. In the collage below, the bougainvillea is on the top right and bottom left. On the top left is Plumbago, I cannot identify the plant on the bottom right- we called it "Q-tip flower." lol

Passionflower is another plant common in the tropics.I first saw it in Venezuela years ago, then had luck growing it in my garden one year (one season only.) It has a very exotic looking blossom. Below is one bud, and one red bloom. The white flower is spiral jasmine.

You can't get a much more exotic looking blossom than Bird of Paradise, can you? Isn't it beautiful? The peach coloured bloom on bottom left is a double hibiscus, and I've no idea what the other one is.

I hope you've enjoyed this dash of green, this "dose of Vitamin G."  For all my friends and followers "down south"- Florida, Arizona, California, "down under" in Oz and NZ and anywhere else where you ARE warm... I'll have some COLD snowy pics for you soon!

I am joining Judith of Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday. Be sure to stop by her blog and see what lovely mosaics others have done this week. Judith is currently down south, and I see she is enjoying some of the same beauty in the gardens that I saw... Sigh.....

Peace,
Linda

"Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful. They are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul." ~   Luther Burbank

World Quilt Show Top Winner

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Are you getting tired of looking at quilts? I hope not.. at least you want to hang in there for today's post and the winner of the prestigious title "Best in the World" - can you imagine having a ribbon that said that?! Wow!!

So - let's have a drumroll.... here it is: Chinese Journey in Three Parts, 66" x 64" by Stephanie Crawford of the UK.

"This quilt was inspired by an extraordinary trip to China to visit my son who was living in an ancient temple precinct in a remote part of Hubei Province studying Doacsin. I have three outstanding memories of our journey together from Beijing to Wudang and the triptych represents them. The quilt is wholecloth. It was painted and appliquéd and then densely free-motion quilted.

Machine Appliquéd, Machine Quilted, Original Design

Thanks to Sandi Mac for the above photo. I had only taken one full shot, and just as I snapped it,
someone stepped in front of me... I did however take lots of closeup shots so you could enjoy the details and the fabulous quilting....

Panel 1

Panel 2

Thanks to Sandi for this photo as well

Panel 3

 Just in case you're getting tired of viewing quilts, we'll switch it up a bit for the next few days...

Piece,
Linda

"Every job is a self-portrait of the person who does it. Autograph your work with excellence."
~ Author unknown

World Quilt Show Winners

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It's been a busy week and I've been absent from here for a few days; I know some of you are patiently waiting to see more quilts so I'll reward you today with some Winners! As I said previously I'm making very few personal comments as there just aren't enough superlatives to describe these works of art - every. one. is. EXCEPTIONAL... I explained the ribbons/awards given in this show here, in case you missed it. If there were more than ten entries from a country, then a "Best of Country" award was given. I have already shown the Best of Country winners from Australia and New Zealand here. Now let's look at the others (in random order)...

Skyline, 69" x 69" by Claudia Scheja of Germany.  Best of Country - Germany.

"Skyline depicts a view of the city of Germany's capital Berlin. Since the bear is the heraldic animal on Berlin's city coat of arms, I constructed the center of my quilt using the Bear Paws block. The gradating shades of green in these blocks as well as the sky mimic the fading day light. The silhouettes of houses and of Berlin sights and landmarks - created using fusible appliqué - stand out in black against the yellow/orange/red border, representing the setting sun.













Machine Appliquéd, Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted, Original Design

Even if you have never visited Berlin, you likely recognize at least one of these landmarks- the Brandenburg Gate, centre top.

Nature's Treasures, 72" x 72" by Diane M. Abram of United Kingdom. Best of Country - United Kingdom

"Three books of William Morris inspired designs were used for this original quilt. The center is from Rosemary Markham's "Floral Abundance." The other designs are taken from Michele Hill's books on William Morris appliqué. I didn't use all traditional Morris fabrics preferring instead to try to see if I could give the design a different feel with a more modern choice. Metallic thread has been used to edge the appliqué and to give it sparkle."













Machine Appliquéd, Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted, Original Design

My Brothers I Seek, 63" x 46" by Shani Leser of Israel. Best of Country - Israel

"Watching these three brothers, listening to their music and their laughter, I was captivated by the energy that flowed between them, uniting them in an invisible bond of love despite their differences. It brought to mind the Biblical story of Joseph searching for this brothers and for brotherhood, "...my brothers I seek." The technique that I used is machine raw edge appliqué with zigzag stitch and machine quilting. I used pastel crayons to enhance the faces and hands."

Machine Appliquéd, Machine Quilted, Original Design.

Let's Do the Dresden Twist, 75" x 75"  by Teri Cherne of Henniker, NH, USA. Best of Country - USA

"So much fun! All the wide open space made for great play time!"












Hand Appliquéd, Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted, Original Design






























And finally, the Viewer's Choice Winner - Perseus Saving Andromeda, 79" x 66", by Marilyn Belford of Chenango Forks, NY, USA












"When Cassiopeia's hubris leads her to boast that her daughter Andromeda is more beautiful then the Nereids, Poseidon chains Andromeda to a rock and sends a sea monster after her, but she is saved by Perseus, her future husband. Original design made with commercial fabric, fusible web and thread sketching. Long arm quilted. No inks or paints applied."








Machine Appliquéd, Machine Quilted, Original Design.

In my next post, I will share the rest of the "big" winners, and the "Best of World" winner....

Piece!
Linda

“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.”
~William A. Foster

More Quilts from the World Quilt Competition - Japan

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After a follower (Hi Sara!) asked about which countries take part in this competition, I tried to find out some info. I don't want to mislead you so will dig a little deeper before making any broad statements. I can tell you that exactly the same 9 countries were represented these last two years that I have attended - Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom and USA. I don't know how these countries "qualify" or if others are welcome...?  It appears that this competition is organized in the USA, by Mancuso Show Management, and it tours to several locations in the USA during the year - Florida, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and California. (I thought Mancuso was just the Show promoter for the USA, and that the quilts would tour in other countries as well...does anyone out there know???) If there are at least 10 entries from a country, then there is a "Best of Country" award given. Other awards given are Best of World, Viewer' Choice and then 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honourable Mentions in Innovative and Traditional categories as well as Best Use of Color, Best Hand Workmanship and Best Machine Workmanship. I will be showing you the "big winners" but first a few more from some of the countries- today let's see what Japan had to offer.

I am showing the quilts with the accompanying writeups without much personal comment, as I have done in previous posts. There aren't enough superlatives in the world for me to add. Each and every quilt is exceptional, the techniques used are varied and so skillfully executed, the designs are mind-blowingly awesome! What more can I say? Each one is more incredible than the last!




Used To, 31" x 60", by Natsumi Ohara of Japan

"This quilt is based on Hanafuda - Japanese traditional playing card that I used to play with my family. A baby wild boar represents my late brother who was a happy boy in his childhood."

Hand Appliquéd, Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted, Original Design

Fireworks, 61" x 51" by Chieko Baba of Japan

"My country has a good time during summer festivals. What a beautiful night sky this is!"

Hand Quilted, Original Design.

My apologies for the less than sharp focus on this shot. This quilt had a very interesting edge finish of braided fabric.













Queen of the Moonlight, 71" x 62", by Mihoko Tanaka of Japan

"The short-lived cereus blooms only overnight, in complete darkness, once a year. I am fascinated with this short lived plant also referred to as the Queen of the Moonlight. This plant was also loved by my late father. Satin stitched appliqué was applied overall with the flower centers free motion embroidered."












Machine Appliquéd, Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted, Original Design.

Just. Simply. Exquisite.












Miyabi, 105" x 88", by Matsuko Shiraishi of Japan

"This quilt is made from a traditional Japanese bridal costume. I want to express a feeling of "Miyabi" through this quilt. Miyabi is a feeling of elegance and sorrow. To represent, I reformed log cabin style to a rose shape and expressed sorrow through color choices. Weddings are ceremonies that has these two emotions. I hope these cloth roses from a wedding dress expressed these emotions well."












Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted, Original Design.



This was really something to see. It required an un-hurried close inspection to truly appreciate it, the fabrics in particular.














Diminishing Creatures, 65" x 72", by Hiroko Soeta of Japan

"I made this quilt to express my gratitude to my father-in-law who was gentle yet strong as a tiger. Machine pieced and appliquéd, hand quilted and embroidered, painted, discharged."

Machine Appliquéd, Machine Pieced, Hand Quilted. Original Design.












A Newborn Star, 62" x 54", by Atsuko Matsubara of Japan

Hand Appliquéd, Hand Pieced, Hand Quilted. Original Design

This quilt won the Best Use of Color in the Innovative category.














Summer Fairy, 83" x 65", by Kazue Tsukayama

"Blue sky in the summer and colorful flowers. The flower fairies enjoy this! The quilt is finished with embroidery and appliqué."

Hand Appliquéd, Machine Pieced, Hand Quilted. Original Design


















This quilt won Best Hand Workmanship in the Innovative category.






Piece!
Linda

"Instead of being afraid of the challenge and failure, be afraid of avoiding the challenge and doing nothing." ~  Soichiro Honda, founder of Honda Motor Co.