The Kingston Quilt...

It was created in Kingston, NY - circa 1930 - by a family of talented women. Ann was just a child when her mother, grandmother, and various aunts sat at a huge quilting frame to quilt this top.

As I sat with Ann yesterday, she recounted the story of this quilt to me. She still can't remember where the kitchen table "went" while the women worked over this quilt, but she can still see the kitchen bustling with the busy hands and chatter of the quilters working at the large frame that held  their handiwork.

It has been in her care all these years, and she has been a loving steward of her family heirloom. As I looked at it yesterday, I marveled at not only the quality of the work, but also of its current pristine condition. It's spotless, undamaged and clean. The whites are nearly as bright as the day it was completed.

This is a Friendship Star quilt (one of my favorites). It repeats throughout the design, and will symbolize the friendship that Ann and I began over these blocks.

We also spoke about our families. The quilt was born in Kingston, NY. (I was born in Kingston-up-Thames, England); her son is a professional photographer (my husband made his living as a professional photographer); her son's chosen subject of photography is "jazz" (Handsome's life is his music - specifically jazz). There were more such coincidences, but you get the idea. I believe we met for a reason.

The Kingston Quilt now lives with me. 

It will be known by this name from this day forward.

I promised to give it the same love and care that has preserved it for the last eighty plus years. I will continue to marvel at the workmanship of the gifted women who created it, and I'll share its story with those who share my appreciation of it.

I'm going to make a label so that in the coming years, and hopefully another eighty years hence, more will know its history and continue to care for it.

Tuesdays With Tag - Bein' Random...

 Hi, Everybody!

I decided to make today's post full of my random thoughts.

I'm always thinkin' about stuff and it's been a busy week.

 

I've been workin' on my selfies again. I think I'm gettin' better.

"Smile!"

 "Who's yer daddy?"

This one just cracks me up.

I'm still workin' on my "Kardashian" selfie.

You know...lookin' at my butt. snort

It's not ready for prime time yet, so I'll save that one for another time.

 

 Mom took a break from sewin' on Saturday to make a sandwich.

"I see you have a sandwich.

I do not have a sandwich.

Would you like to share your sandwich?"

(In case you're wonderin'...My pleadin' look got me a

small corner of bread and some meat. SCORE!)

 In case you hadn't heard - last Sunday was the Super Bowl.

I called it the "Ex-Licks Game".
I thought it was a strange name, considerin' I didn't see any dogs playin.

(Mom's note: Tag misinterpreted "Super Bowl XLIX". sigh)

I think my favorite commercial was the one for Budweiser.

I trotted over to the t-and-v when I heard the puppy bark.

Got there just in time to see those big horses scare off that mean wolf!

 ...and escort the Labrador puppy safely back home. I love happy endings.

 Last, but not least...

Mom got all excited last night when the mail came.

It was a package from Aunt Marion!!! We love those packages.

Inside was a MINI ME!!!

 Aunt Marion took a felting class and made one of these of my brother, Trip, first.

Then, she decided to make one of me for Mom. We think she did a perfect job!

 In case you're wonderin' how big it is, the red donut in front is actually

a new glass bead that Aunt Marion made for Mom for Valentine's Day. It's

gonna go on Mom's Troll™ bracelet. (It's the same as a Pandora™ bracelet.) 

Mom has a package of goodies that she's been plannin' to send to Aunt Marion.

I think this will motivate her to get it in the mail and on its way to Michigan.

Thanks, Aunt Marion!!!

You shoulda heard Mom squeeeeeeal when she opened the box. 

She was really, really happy. Thanks for makin' us smile. (You did

see the picture of me smilin' up above, didn't you?)  Mom said I

should say "Smooches" to you. (Smooches to my brother, Trip, too!) 

Well, I gotta run again for this week.

I'll see you in seven. 'til then...

"Keep Your Nose To The Wind 

and The Sunshine On Your Tail."

Her Dad's Shirt...

These are the elements of my next commission project. My client brought all these precious pieces to me so that I could make a very special tablet case for her.

They are significant to her because they belonged to her father, who has passed. The crocheted ornaments were created by a family member (her mom, I think), and she asked that I incorporate them into my design, as well. I have permission to age them because there are discolored areas in the lace.

The penny was embossed with a shriner insignia and her father carried it. I have a few ideas for adding it to the design, at the same time protecting it from loss or damage. The silver pin will also be added, but I'm still contemplating how I want to attach it so it will be good and secure, too.

 

I'm honored that my client entrusted these items to me - and I'll do my best to honor the meaning that these items hold for her.

I'll start working on the design today and will share the finished case with you during the week. 

 

Happy February, my friends. 

(Already!!)