Making something gorgeous
I haven’t been blogging much for the last week or so – between a (very) difficult teenager, a visit from an aging and sometimes truculent parent and gastric flu and heavy colds striking down family members (not me!), we’ve had a bit of a time of it. It’s been one of those weeks when I’ve really thought that it was all just a bit much and when life is like that blogging doesn’t come easy. Actually I should rephrase that…blogging would have come very easily, but nobody in their right mind would have wanted to read what I would have written and to be honest, the less of that sort of wallowing in the mire that hits the ether the better….
This morning things are a little easier. The parent has gone to the airport, two children (including the naughty one) have taken to their beds and what looks suspiciously like peace reigns…
I’ve been waiting for this moment.
I have also realized that I only have two quilting UFOs left…how amazing is that? Time to start a new project methinks!
On the grounds of the recent suffering endured I decided that I needed to start working on something incredibly beautiful. So I had a rummage around looking for the most gorgeous fabrics I could find and came up with these lovelies that I bought last year in France.
I actually thought they were French fabrics – I mean you have to admit that they certainly look French, don’t they? They would fit right into some dilapidated small chateau on the Loire.
Wrong! When I unrolled the bundles and ironed them a few had selvedges so I could tell what they are: there are some Robyn Pandolph fabrics in there and a few by Jo Morton. The others? Who knows? I guess they could be French!!
I decided that I wanted to make something rather traditional, something so beautiful that I might even hand quilt it when it’s done and it had to be something that wouldn’t be done in a hurry, but that I would cherish forever. After a long time on the floor going through cuttings I found the perfect pattern – it’s called (of all things) Brrrr! and was designed by Susan Kass Johnson and I saved it from Quilter’s Newsletter in December 2007.
I’ve been thinking Bear’s Paw for a while and this is a version of it.
It’s so good I could eat it!
Don’t wait up, it will be a while, as this is a 9″ block and I need to make a heck of a lot of them, but I’m going to relish every minute of it!
Helen
September 19th, 2012 at 3:45 pm
Oh my – love your header! And those fabrics! Wow. Will look forward to seeing the finished product whenever you are done.
September 19th, 2012 at 5:25 pm
Gorgeous fabrics and a lovely block, so pretty and feminine. That is going to be a very beautiful quilt.
September 19th, 2012 at 5:43 pm
You’re right those do look very French! The Bear Paw block is very pretty – perfect for these pretty fabrics.
Do you mean you only have 2 UFOs in progress or you only have 2 UFOs worth of fabric? Actually thinking about it when you were talking about your stash recently I assume if must be the former!
September 19th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
Looks absolutely great! I am looking forward to see more!
September 19th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
It has all the makings of a beautiful calming quilt x
September 19th, 2012 at 7:02 pm
A great combo – lovely fabrics and pattern – enjoy the pleasure it gives you – take it nice and easy.
September 19th, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Sooooo sorry that life has been so troublesome for you this past week! Believe me, we have ALL been there—unfortunately, more than once!
Thank you for taking time out of your hectic life to post such inspiring pictures and to make all of our lives a little brighter!
Here’s hoping this week is wonderful for you!
Tricia
September 19th, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Bless you this week… you DESERVE some fabric therapy, and it really does seem to help. The bear paws are precious, and I will enjoy seeing how they are set together and finished off.
September 19th, 2012 at 10:18 pm
I love those colors together, Helen. I know whatever pattern you choose, the resulting quilt will be breathtaking. Let me know when you want my shipping address. š
September 19th, 2012 at 10:54 pm
Urgh, hope peace and wellness reigns for you! Those do look terribly French chateaux as well, love the bear paw
September 20th, 2012 at 6:08 am
I’m glad things are on the mend…and love the beautiful fabrics you’ve picked for your beautiful quilt! Thank you for the reminder that we all go through difficult weeks or even months, but that there is always something beautiful around the corner.
September 20th, 2012 at 9:06 am
Peace reigns at last, and probably momentarily! Those fabrics wouldn’t normally be my choice but that design looks so sophisticated
Xx
September 20th, 2012 at 8:28 pm
The fabric and design are beautiful – calm, restful and uplifting at the same time – a perfect antidote to your recent stresses. A lovely choice. Just what the doctor ordered! Where would we be without craft? š
September 21st, 2012 at 7:21 am
I love how you have almost fussy cut the rose fabric.