Monday, October 15, 2012

Design Wall Monday #39 - Light on the Journey

On my design wall today is a major accomplishment...
I have finished my "Journey of a Quilter" top (pattern by Leanne Beasley).  I had decided it needed a border, but couldn't find just the right one, and I finally did! 
I'm not sure about the border size, but I have learned that it is easier to hand quilt with a large border on the edges to help fasten the quilt into the hoop. I might trim it down at the end. Can't wait to get quilting my journey! The construction of the top took 5 years...how long will the quilting take?!? I don't care...it's a great journey and it takes as long as it takes! 
To see snips of other quilters' journeys today, hop over to Patchwork Times.
Grieving and sad moments are part of the life journey too. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. If you are interested in "the wave of light", you can light a candle at 7 pm tonight - click here for more information. I will be lighting this candle to commemorate my first baby miscarried January 8, 1990. This is the cross stitch memorial I made in 2000. And I'm sending this photo along to Emily to encourage her in her journey. It doesn't take much to share a little light!

35 comments:

Missy Shay said...

Your quilt looks great!

Denise :) said...

Your top is darling ... you did a great job picking your border!! :)

Béa said...

Wonderful top, LOVE this pattern . XXX

Vicki H. said...

Very pretty and your hand work is lovely. Hand quilting? I can't wait to see it!

Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things said...

Love you journey of a quilter quilt. What a great pattern and what a journey. I always always love the mix of embroidery and pieced blocks. Your border fabric is perfect.

laura west kong said...

All I can say is "Wow!"

Mary said...

That is the perfect border and I see you quilting something pretty on it. I haven't thought to commemorate the loss of my Miscarried Babies. I Had 3. I have true empathy on those who have lost babies.

Maryjo said...

I love your quilt!!!! Mine is still in the pattern form...maybe this will inspire me. Keep up the great work and thanks for all that you share.

Gari in AL said...

That quilt is stunning. My mother miscarried 5 times between me and my sister: I only knew about 2. I remember the feeling of helplessness on my part and the sadness on hers.

Bonnie said...

Life throws us curves balls sometimes. Sorry to hear yours.

Love the quilt. Oh and hand quilting. Amazing! You inspire me to finish a hexie project ... well at least to get all the hexies done so I can make the little quilt from it. Will enjoy viewing the quilting progress. And, winter is creeping up on us -- great time to start a hand quilting project.

Linda said...

Your quilt is beautiful!
I know of so many mothers who still grieve the loss of a child, whether before or after birth. It can be devastating. Anything that you can do to help heal those wounds is a good thing.

Ruth said...

What a lovely, amazing quilt!

Helen in the UK said...

Congrats on getting your top finished. However long it takes to quilt, it's one step closer now :)

Kim said...

Oh my goodness what a beautiful quilt, I haven't seen this pattern before. Congratulations on your 5 years of perseverance!

Happy Sewing

Linda said...

What a beautiful accomplishment your Journey quilt is! And... I just saw your word verification button and have gone to her site to get me one too.
Have a great day Kathy.

Wendy said...

The border looks prefect and the quilt is stunning.

Kristie said...

Such a beautiful quilt. Looks like a lot of time was spent working on that beautiful quilt.

Have a wonderful and Blessed day
Kristie

Dresden Quilter said...

I love this quilt and the border is perfect!

Darlene said...

You already know how much I love this quilt teehee! The border fabric is fabulous.

I keep thinking I need to pull out my flimsy and quilt it. HMMMM - I don't recall whether or not I have backing and binding fabric. Need to investigate. LOL

Janet O. said...

What a wonderful accomplishment, Kathy! This will be a treasure! Had to giggle at your comment about not knowing how long it will take to hand quilt. I have been known to spend a couple of years getting something hand quilted. Each quilt takes longer--I am so easily distracted.

Kathy MacKie said...

Just breath taking, I'm speechless. Yes, it will take as long to quilt it as need be.

Sally Ann said...

Hi Kathy,
Your Journey of a Quilter is just loveley!! I love the border, Cant wait to see it all done.
Your crossstitch is beautiful and don't we cherish our memories of our losses. I will be lighting a candle at 7pm.

Paula, the quilter said...

What a good feeling it is to finish such a spectacular quilt! I really like the combo of patchwork, applique and embroidery.

AnnieO said...

Oh, I love the border! And it is true that you can cut it down later if you wish. My sympathies on the loss of your baby so many years ago--your tribute cross-stitch is beautiful.

Judy Dietrich said...

What a wonderful quilt top--the letters add such a whimsical aspect to the quilt. Your embroidery is so pretty. Some quilts take a longer time than others--this one has had special attention from you & will be gorgeous when done. I can not have any idea what it would be like to lose a child in miscarriage, but my heart goes out to you. I hope you find some solace in lighting a candle and remembering your child tonight. I wish I could give you a hug. All children are precious in God's eyes. Take care, Judy

Ellen said...

Your top is gorgeous - I would have to guess that part of the Quilter's Journey is patience?? Congratulations on finally finding the perfect border and completing the top.

So sorry for the loss of your baby - I just could not imagine the heartache.

Kate said...

Your quilt is absolutely gorgeous! Congrats on getting it to the finished flimsy stage.

So sorry for your loss, I hope that you've found some measure of peace in the intervening years.

Dar said...

What a wonderful quilt pattern. I've never seen one like it before. You will have it quilted sooner than you think, now that you are on a roll. Beautiful.

Cathy Tomm said...

Great quilt. Major milestone to finish the top after 5 years. Your hand quilting will be perfect for it.

Joy V said...

A beautiful quilt Kathy.

julieQ said...

Gorgeous quilt Kathy! I am so sorry about your little one lost.

Fiber Babble said...

Oh, super congrats on finishing our Journey quilt! It is wonderful!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Beautiful quilt! I love that you are enjoying the journey. I find I'm trying to enjoy the journey of my quilts more and more rather than churning them out like a factory :o)

InGa said...

Just beautiful!!
And all that embroydery, I'm impressed.

Unknown said...

Hi Kathy, congrats! I love it!!!
Hugs from Italy, Emanuela