Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Christmas in April?

Christmas Memories of Jill 
In my last post I showed you the start of this project.  
I hope you can see my machine quilting in this shot.  I will show you my method of "relaxed crosshatch" next week.
The backing fabric has two popular Christmas Gifts:  Books and Money.
Jill loved the Christmas season and the center Santa came from her sewing room and was made by Lori of Humble Quilts as part of an online swap.  Crazy, right?

The white circles are Jill's, the red circled center was made by Lori  and the black circles are random blocks and bits I had around.

I am so happy to have another collaborative quilt with Jill.  It's been almost 4 years since she passed away.  You can see my Memorial Post here.

We've started some gardening inside this year in a sunny window.
 Obviously coco has been here.....these are not brownies!
Bird Watching Season has begun!  The Bluebirds are coming around, but I haven't caught them on camera.
 Do you know this bird?  I think it is a Juvenile Gray Jay.
Have a Happy Week
xo

24 comments:

Janet O. said...

I absolutely love your finished Christmas collaboration. Wonderful whimsy to it, and the rounded corners are really a fun touch. Of course, only the Queen of Clever Backs would have thought of that cute combo of fabrics. :)
Your starts look good (Coco notwithstanding). I always say I am going to do my own starts, and I never remember to get them going in time.
Not familiar with that bird, but you got great close-ups.

Frog Quilter said...

Cute parts quilt. A great memory quilt for sure. Hugs.

Lori said...

I made the center block! How fun to have a collaborative quilt! I still miss her a lot and love it when I get to use her fabric.
What a wonderful unique quilt, Barb!

Linda Swanekamp said...

The quilt is unique and meaningful. You did a terrific job getting all together in a coherent and wonderful way. Thank you for sharing.

Quilting Babcia said...

A beautiful memory quilt honoring your friend. Her quilts were amazing.

Cathy said...

What a great quilt. It is full of memories. Hugs

Wendy Caton Reed said...

What a wonderful way to honor a friend. I love everything about this quilt and although I didn't know Jill, I'm sure she would have loved it too. Hugs to you and Happy Spring!

Kyle said...

Your newest collaboration quilt is a fantastic memory quilt for your dear friend. It's truly charming. Hopefully, spring has finally come to everyone back East.

Janet said...

How wonderful to have 2 names associated with the center block. You have a lovely quilt. Thank you for sharing. The golden finches came back to SE Texas, in their full glorious color, they are beautiful.

Kim said...

Oh I recognize those morning glory seedlings I have them coming up all over the yard from last years vine:0) What a sweet little quilt, love the rounded border and all the memories it brings for you. Happy Sewing....the hummingbirds are passing through on their way to you.

julieQ said...

I think that making a quilt from your friend's blocks is so special...lovely finish, Barb!! What a pretty birdie visitor!

Cynthia@wabi-sabi-quilts said...

When I saw the quilt image on Instagram I thought “pure fun” but now reading your post I’m thinking “still pure fun but also oh so poignant” - so special, love it.

CecileD said...

This friendship quilt is fabulous Barb... and full of memories ! The post about your dear friend Jill is very touching ! but with this quilt you pay tribute to Jill and I'm pretty sure she would have appreciated it a lot !
Big hugs to you friend...

Barbara said...

Oh, what a fun quilt--Jill would have loved it. Lori's Santa looks right at home in the center. Love your rounded corners and the fabrics on the back. Great bird photo! I'd guess it's a Gray Jay, too.

Nancy said...

What a wonderful remembrance. And that center block is so very appealing. Nice finish! And oh, that book fabric- never saw that before and I like it.

Janet said...

What a wonderful way to remember a special friend. I love the rounded corners. Planting some seeds inside is such a good idea. It'll be weeks until I can plant any outside and that fresh new green color is so refreshing.

Aunt 'Reen said...

How wonderful and VERY special to make another collaborative quilt with Jill. I think it's awesome that bits and pieces of her as well as cherished memories of time spent with her keep on giving back to you! That in itself is an incredibly precious gift! I chuckled when I saw the back fabrics.. super fitting. LOVE the finish of this Christmas quilt!

Dixie Howard said...

So wonderful that you are finishing these projects as a way to remember your friend! I got my Lady Liberty quilt out designed by Cheri Payne and started working on it again. These projects are such a great connection to those we care about so much and have lost too early.

Karen said...

How well your different parts fit together in the collaborative piece you made. I would not have thought to use the piece of fabric with the vase of flowers. A pleasant surprise and how well it plays with the other parts.

Barb said...

Thanks Janet - I've seen exactly 1 goldfinch so far but the red ones are back :)

Joyce said...

OMG!! I love this quilt, front and back. Great design

Linda in NC said...

What a wonderful memory your cute little quilt is! It's an inspiration for me to get out a Santa block made by a now-deceased friend for something similar. Thanks! Jill's influence lives on, even among those of us who didn't know her.

Your bird visitor looks like Mrs. Brown-headed Cowbird to me.

Diane said...

This little quilt brings 'quilting with friends' to a whole new level. I love that you shared the process and where which pieces came from. I'm sure Jill loves this, and is glad you are still finding joy playing with her projects. Hugs.

cocoya said...

When I saw the quilt image on Instagram I thought “pure fun” but now reading your post I’m thinking “still pure fun but also oh so poignant” - so special, love it.
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