FINDING MY VOICE

I started quilting a long time ago.  My first little pieces were quilt-as-you-go place mats in a log cabin style that I found in a Woman's Day magazine.  The next ones were some pillow covers in another women's magazine in the early 1980s.  I did not think I could attempt a really big quilt then.  It wasn't until the late 80's that I made a bed size quilt for my daughter and son-in-law from Eleanor Burns pattern called "Love Knot".  This quilt was queen size and I quilted it in straight line quilting on my home sewing machine.

I am a self-taught quilter and it wasn't until sometime in the 1990's that I finally took a class or two to learn what it was I had incorrectly taught myself. (smile)  I have continued quilting since then.  I was a hobby quilter for about 5 years and then decided to expand this into making a little money and I began teaching classes.

Recently, I was invited to do a special exhibit for AQS QuiltWeek Chattanooga and share about 30 of my quilts in "Finding My Voice".  It was a wonderful experience and I was thrilled to meet so many great quilters who came by to see my work.

In the next posts I will show the quilts from my exhibit.

-sandi

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

One of the most wonderful things about holidays is spending time with family!  Over the years I have "gone home" to my mom's house for the holidays; then my mom passed and I started having the family come to "my home"; and, now, my daughter has picked up the ritual and invites us to "her home" for the holidays.  I will do a later post about the actual day at her home with the grandsons and my son-in-law and my dear daughter.

I am taking some food with me this year, but the things I want to show you here are some things that I get out to use at Thanksgiving.

I made this spiral table runner this year and planned to give it to my daughter at Christmas.  I have decided it looks more like Thanksgiving, so I will take it to her now.

This is a Fitz and Floyd pitcher from the 1990s that I have used for a long time.  I think my daughter should have this for her table now.

For years I have used Johnson Bros. "Friendly Village" dishes on my table from November to January because I think it looks like the winters you love.  I started sharing my place settings a few years ago.  My daughter now uses it for her table.

It is such a wonderful feeling to start sharing more of the traditional things that I have had for years.  These wooden figures have been used in our home for a long time and they are going to their "new home" now. 

 

Look at these details.

 

 

One of the quilts that I get out at Thanksgiving time is my "Hidden Wells" that is done in fall colors.  This will grace my mother's drop leaf table during this fall season.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  Make more precious memories and enjoy the traditions that you cherish.


                                      -sandi