Year Two of My Journey - 2005

Continuing on with the mapping 

of my own quilting journey

in response to the current AHIQ challenge:

During my second year of quilt making,

there were lots of what I call "formula" quilts -

each one helping me get more comfortable

with quilt making skills.

There were two very special quilts that stood out that year . . . 

Quilted by Chris Ballard

The first was a quilt started in a LQS class.

The Fickle Pickle pattern is now out of print.

It was my first experience with basic paper piecing,

fusible web, and an all-batik approach.

It was also my first all-out-saturated scrappy quilt.

This quilt was such a milestone for me

and it is still one of my favorites,

including the scrappy pieced all-batik back.

Quilted by Chris Ballard

The second quilt features Sunbonnet Sue figures

rescued from my sister's childhood quilt

that had been hand-made by our grandmother.

My sister asked me if I could fix it

but the backing fabrics were just too thin

so I unstitched the girls and appliquéd them

onto an assortment of reproduction fabrics.

I used the remainder of the repro fabrics

to piece my first-ever string blocks.

My sister was beyond elated

and for quite a few years the quilt hung

on the wall of her master bedroom.

I borrowed it back for our county fair

where it won a Best of Show ribbon

for its category.

That was quite a vote of confidence for me.

Not only did I rescue and re-make something 

that was deeply meaningful

but others who "knew" recognized its value. 

Quiltdivajulie