I am not just making quilt blocks I am making friends.
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| Hmm... try again |
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| That's it! |
One fine day I received an email from Gail in which she explained that she was the original designer of the block (Abigail Angel) that eventually became the
International Sister Quilt Block. She appreciated the fact that I did not claim the block as my own but had shared the tutorial freely. Gail further wrote that she was pleasantly surprised with the long life and the evolution of the block.
I was thrilled to hear from Gail - the original designer!!!
I asked if we could meet.
She said yes.
We chose Baltimore not only because it is in the middle but also because it is a beautiful city.
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| Gail & Steve modeling the Abigail Angel blocks |
We met at Isabella's which is a tiny shop in Little Italy serving the best sandwiches, salads and pizza.
We chatted about quilts, quilt shows, our individual paths to quilting and agreed to stay in touch.
My suggestion for gelato was met with smiles and approval so we went to
Vaccaro's.
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| Gail with her signature block |
For those who may not know, a trip to Baltimore is incomplete without a visit to Little Italy and a visit to Little Italy requires paying a visit to Vaccaro's. It is not just a gelato shop. It is an Italian dessert shop with Italian cookies, cannolis, gelato and more.
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| It is not sunshine, it is a halo :-) |
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| A pensive expression |
Little Italy in Baltimore also holds very special memories for me. The year was 2007.
I was across the street from Vaccaro's when Paul asked me to marry him. I said yes and then we promptly crossed the street to get gelato, because a sweet celebration was in order :-)
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| Filler Blocks |
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| The panel |
For days following the
El Paso shootings, I had no desire to sew.
Scraps got sorted and fabric room got organized.
Last Friday, I saw
Sarah's post about Socorro Foundation and immediately I had something to do.
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| Panel Blocks + 9-Patch Block = Layout |
Paul: You made a lot of extra blocks.
Me: They will make the second quilt.
Paul: Same as this one?
Me: Hmmm.
Paul: Don't you need more of the animal baby blocks?
Me: I have another panel - just need to cut it up.
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| A different 9-patch |
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| Disappeared |
This "cat on the yarn ball" fabric came from
Lara. I am thinking of you, Lara!!!
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| Piecing a Disappearing 9-patch |
Paul: Oh this looks nice and bright
Me: I wanted happiness
Paul:What are those blocks for?
Another quilt
Paul:So three?
Me: For now. I am sure they need three hundred.
Paul: Who are they?
Me: The Socorro Foundation, a nonprofit organization is opening a Family Shelter and Education Center that receives families released from federal agencies.
They provide families with a safe place to rest, shower, eat and prepare for the next leg of their journey to their sponsor family.
Paul: I am sure they need lot more.
Me: They are listed on Amazon and I have added them to my charity of choice.
Paul: Love you babe
Me: Love you too
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Completed the blocks for the
August RSC 2019. The International Sisters wore blue. Check other blocks at Angela's linky party
here.
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| Rocket Blue |
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| Fishy Blue |
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| Transitioning to Purple Blue |
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| Sombre Blue |
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| Floral Blue |
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| Orange Flower Blue |
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| A Hint of Blue |
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| Pink and Blue |
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| All of Us |
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| and me...feeling blue |
Blue is also how I have felt lately but
this cheerful bundle arrived yesterday. With
"$20 off of $40" coupon it is a steal.
The Boundless fabrics remind me of Tula Pink and Kaffe Fassett. What is your opinion?
May be I will go and make something colorful. As usual, I'd love to hear from you - your comments always lift me up.
