Wednesday, December 30, 2009

My True Calling





I'll give you three guesses as to what my true calling in life is...

Pharmacist? Nope.

Caterer? Nope. Wrong again.

Quilter? YES! How'd you know? Oh, you didn't. It occurred to me around 4:30 am one morning as I was feeding Haley that quilting was what I was born to do. Granted, I don't own a sewing machine. I don't know the difference between a fussy cut and a fat quarter (terms I've heard from my cousin's wife). And, I sure don't have the room in my house to store any fabric.

Nevertheless, I think this is about the most adorable thing I've ever seen:


Now, I do know you have to be somewhat of a perfectionist. Check! It also appears to involve Geometry. Another check! And, there's nothing I like more than a trip to the fabric store. There is something about all of those colors and patterns that puts me in a good mood. Plus, can you imagine the fun of a modern-day quilting bee? It would involve friends, wine, and lots of gossip. Who wouldn't love that??

There's just something about a handmade quilt that is so comforting. Bryon's mom's mom, Helen Barrington, was famous among the quilters in the south. The quilt in the background of this photo won a prize at a state fair. (I should really try to remember more of what people tell me!)

On the back of this quilt is a patch that reads "Heart Shaped Wreath. Appliqued by Helen Barrington. Quilted by Bunny Clark. 1994" Now, I barely knew Helen, and I sure didn't know Bunny. But, they must have been the best of friends for Bunny to let Helen have the quilt. Can you imagine what conversations took place will these good friends quilted?

My cousin-in-law, Wendy Poling, made the adorable quilt in the picture of Haley. She also made me an "I-Spy" quilt that you can read about here. How much fun will that be? Anyway, she has been my inspiration. Maybe in 20 years, I'll start my first quilt!

6 comments:

Meredith said...

No! Don't wait 20 years! Start in 2010! I started exactly two years ago and it's been one of the only hobbies I've stuck with...it's so rewarding! I've participated in a "Virtual Quilting Bee" this year that has been so much fun...
http://www.flickr.com/groups/beeinspired/

Meredith said...

p.s. Here's one of my favorite blogs...you won't be able to resist after seeing her stuff :)

Meredith said...

oops...forgot the link...

http://tallgrassprairiestudio.blogspot.com/

Monica said...

Here's a quilter's blog that I LOVE!
http://www.ohfransson.com/photos/quilt_gallery/

Meredith said...

ooh...nice choice. that's one of my faves.

Anonymous said...

And Meredith, I love the quilts you made Walt and Stan for the ranch. What do you charge for one like theirs?