I've been a Busy Bee. Even though I was really tired after the end of the school year, I've since taken two trips and had my old friend Bernadette and her husband Adrian as house guests over Memorial Day weekend.
Bernie and I have been friends since college, when we lived in the same residence hall. After graduation, we shared a house for about a year when she was in law school. She is a very loyal friend, someone who makes the effort to keep in touch across distances and time. It was fun to show her the sights around town. We had a break in the wet weather just for her visit.
It's been interesting for me to realize how the core of people stays the same across the course of their lives. That old familiar essence--and the connection we have with old friends-- is always there unchanged. 
In my sewing room I've been looking at this quilt in the making for months. I embroidered these blocks a couple of years ago. The patterns are vintage outline embroidery patterns from the Flickr site Hoop Love Vintage Transfers. You have to join to access the patterns, but once you do, you can enjoy an amazing array of old patterns. It will leave you wanting to embroider dishcloths.
For some reason these busy bees struck my fancy.
The collection of patterns could be titled Advice for Life, or Mother's Wisdom.
I embroidered them in black cotton floss on white cotton, not really knowing what I'd do with the blocks.
When I saw this stretched churn dash block, I knew I'd found the setting.
Since I alternated the colors in each block, it makes a nice secondary pattern in the corners.
I'm making this quilt in a very controlled (for me) selection of fabrics. I've got the border designed, but I'm still making the pieces. Then this one will be done. It makes me smile every time I see it. It's a lap or large baby quilt size. I haven't quite decided what I'll do with it.
Enjoy your weekend. My plan is to have a blissful, quiet and slow couple of days.
5 comments:
What a fun, cute quilt this will be! You chose a great setting for those blocks!
You HAVE been busy! Where did you take that neat horse picture? Aren't long-standing friendships great? I just went to a college friend's retirement party this week. Never did I dream all those years ago In WI that we'd both end up here in WA long enough to retire! Love that quilt. What a great pattern you chose...great colors, too!
Love those bees! I think I remember them from my childhood or something; they seem familiar somehow. Old friends are just the best, aren't they.
Super fantastic Bee Quilt! Looks just like you too. How about finishing it as a tablecloth? that would Bee Neat!
What a happy quilt! I'm anxious to see what you've designed for the borders. Maybe you should hang onto this one for any future grandchildren you might have - it would be a delightful thing for a child to grow up with!
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