Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Women who inspire... and what you've been waiting for...

I know, this is the project you all have been dying to see. So here was project #3 I had ready for camp - the blue and tan! Isn't it wonderful! I just love it. The border on the left looks kind of wrinkly, I'll have to take another look at it and maybe rip it out. It could be that the whole quilt is wrinkled and just not pressed. Anyway, this one is for my mom. We bought the book and fabrics together, we both just loved it! The pattern is from the book "Laps from Fats for family and friends" book 3. And believe it or not I actually used the same colorway they used in the book - that doesn't happen too often!

The other thing I wanted to share with you is the wonderful inspiration I get from other women at the retreat. It isn't always just quilt related. I have met the most wonderful women at this camp. Of course you've heard me talk about Laura, Sossy and Linda a lot - and you can see their blogs. But I wanted to share some things from 2 other ladies. (Not to say there are only 2 more that are inspiring - this whole guild is amazing!)
First off is Jackie Conaway of Whimsicals. I"m sure you've seen their books, patterns and/or fabric. Anyway, Jackie is the "mom" of the team, and even though she says she is retired, she is always helping Terri out. I even got a glimpse of one of their projects going in their next book - and is it AWESOME! Anyway, the theme of the camp this year was "Run for the Border". We had mini-sessions on bindings, borders and patterns/blocks representing borders (Mexico, Canada, IL, KY, MI, etc (borders of IN)). So Jackie brought some of the Whimsicals quilts she made to show creative use of borders. Oh they look so good in the books, but you should see them in real life - Oh way more gorgeous! Above is a fun fall themed quilt with Jackie holding it.

And then there is Esther! I met Esther last year at camp, and what a beautiful lady! She is 91 and still going strong! I want to be like her when I grow up! She has had to slow down on the hand quilting she used to do for people, but she still does just a bit for herself. Above is a recent quilt she finished making and hand quilted, I think for her grandson. The quilting was to die for! We all had a wonderful visit from her. She was unable to attend camp this year because she had broken her ankle and it was just a tad too hard for her. But she did stop in to say hi! Oh and she told us she counted up her descendants and was at 60 with 2 more on the way!

Ladies like this are just so inspiring in so many ways! I am so lucky to know them!

17 comments from wonderful readers:

Gypsy Quilter said...

Wow! What a wonderful time you had. Love the blue and tan! Great job. Every guild needs an Esther for inspiration!

QuiltMom said...

Dawn,
Thanks for sharing the inspiring story of Esthers. We all need Esthers in our life to remind us of the joy and beauty of creating something from within ourselves.
Regards from a Canadian Quilter,
Anna

antique quilter said...

Dawn
your new quilt is just beautiful! perfect!!!!!
I love the pumpkin and crow quilt, wonder what book that is in do you know? That is just so fun and would look great for the fall on my kitchen farmhouse table...That is such an inspirational group oh maybe we need to retire there instead of NH!!!!!!
Kathie in NJ

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

Yep, that's my aim for old age as well, gorgeous quilts, Tracey

Karen said...

what a read with my am coffee! You never cease to inspire me yourself, and today was even more inspiring. I would love to be an "Ester" when I grow up! One of my girlfriends at guild is a young 78 and I just love her...and I can see her going strong at 91 as well. We can all learn from our elders, can't we!
Love the blue and tan top...oh to be so productive *smile*

Susie said...

I always say quilt retreats are good for the soul--in so many different ways. I will be going on a small one with my bee in Oct. and our larger guild one in Feb. Your blue and tan is gorgeous, (my colors too)

Mar said...

What a bunch of great quilts, I can see why you are so inspired. The blue and tan is lovely!

Darcie said...

Your Mom is going to love that quilt!

Thanks for introducing us to your new friends. What a terrific retreat!

Darlene said...

Incredibly talented group of women - thank you for sharing.

Your Mom's quilt is beautiful - she's going to love it.

Floss said...

Love the blue and tan quilt.
The other quilts are amazing too. Retreats are a great place to get inspired.

Unknown said...

Your #3 is beautiful. I agree with you, I would like to be like Esther when I grow up.

Libby said...

Love your #3! The colorway is just right - I don't use a lot of blue, but sometimes a quilt will just call for it.
I can see I'm going to HAVE to have the new Whimsicals book - nothing like a crow and some pumpkins to send me over the moon.

atet said...

Wow -- what great inspiration and your blue and tan quilt is lovely! (I'm sure it just needs to be pressed -- then again, it could just be I hate ripping seams). Love your leaders/enders as well!

Anne Ida said...

Your blue and tan quilt is wonderful!!! Congratulations on work very well done!

And thank you for the inspiration! Looks like you had a great time :o)
Take care!

Carol said...

What great inspiration! Your blue and tan is just awesome!

Unknown said...

That Mariner's Compass--oh my, what a treasure! And Esther is a treasure too. So inspiring. I definitely want to be like that when I grow up.

Paula, the quilter said...

I like a blue and tan combination. I've used it in a baby quilt. And that quilt of Ester's is stunning. I hope I can do half as well at that age.