Goodbye 2021

I have a new finish!!!  Let me show you a few process pictures before the final reveal.

Basting

A Grizzly and a Polar Bear walked into a quilt!!! 

Quilting Slowly

And here is the finished quilt. Hanging from Mari's Balcony. We got together for lunch and quilty chitchat last weekend.

We make these RSC blocks a few every month and then set them aside. On one hand it is not a surprise or a grand finale because we have been seeing these blocks come together throughout the year. But (and this is a big one) the visual impact of seeing all those blocks all at once is just Wowzers!!!

Oops - it is sideways

Much Better :-) 

When Mari laughed at something, I had to forget the quilt and take her picture, instead. 

Thank you Mari :-)

Quilt Models - Mari and Larry. Yes it needs two!!!

Treading on Stars

Oh my!!!

Oh those colors sing!!!

Mari's Favorite

Stark Background - Sharp Colors

Floral Backing

Love the Backing, Island Batik Aqua Binding

My former co-worker Maureen has claimed this quilt and I have named it Maureen's Stars. Maureen's Stars finished at about 78" by 93".  This is my last finish of the year and I am thrilled for two reasons.

1. It is a gorgeous finish and has been already claimed.
2. RSC 2021 was successfully completed in 2021. 

I am exploring ideas for 2022 RSC now. Are you in? I will be sharing with all  my favorite linky parties including Angela's Linky Party. See full list on the sidebar.

I leave for India on Sunday, returning early next year. That is why this blogpost is a twofer - RSC finish and Best of 2021.

A large part of my life is made up of quilting and related activities. A very large part of my quilting life this year was dedicated to Island Batik. I made 20 quilts including one tree skirt and two table runners using Island Batik fabrics. I also made a set of placemats, one backpack and several zippered pouches.

Backpack using Island Batik Fabrics. Pattern byAnnie

Playful Placemats, Island Batik Fabrics

Clearly, my Island Batik efforts this year could keep a large household warm (with quilts), organized (with zippered pouches) and ready to entertain (with table runners and placemats). 

Zippered Pouches, Island Batik Fabrics

I can hardly say the same for my own. It is messy (read creative) but cozy, because there are quilts everywhere. Here are  my top five projects this year.

5. Gul Mohar - I am glad I tore myself away (thanks to some scathing comments from Paul) for this workshop with Gloria Loughman. I am thrilled with the results. I recommend Gloria's class. She is an amazing artist and an excellent teacher. I will try my hand at this technique again - just unsure when :-)

4. Konark - Working with a limited number of fabrics I chose to create the gradation from the lightest in the center to the darkest in the corners. The challenge was to make sure that within each block there was sufficient contrast between the star fabric and the background fabric.  The resulting quilt seems to glow. I am glowing too :-)

3. Spring Broken - Spring Broken happened because my plans to see the Cherry Blossoms were dashed and I vented my disappointment on fabric using improvisational piecing. She was my problem child that blossomed (pun intended) into a fine young woman. I love her. According to Kelly, it is the prettiest pout she has ever seen :-) Rebecca gets the credit for the beautiful quilting.  Read her post here, with absolutely gorgeous pictures.

2. Iberian Lynx - This was the toughest challenge of the year. And therefore the most gratifying. Sponsored by Aurifil Threads, we had to create a piece inspired by an endangered animal. Mine was Iberian Lynx - an absolutely majestic cat. We want to belong and we want to stand out. With this project I felt I managed to do both as a member of the Island Batik Ambassadors Group.

1. Remembering RBG - The legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will live forever and no quilt can do justice to her legacy.  I started making this quilt on September 19, 2020, the day after her passing.  If I did not occupy my hands, my heart would've exploded with grief. Justice RBG was the true champion of gender equality in our country. Much work remains. Inequality (racial or gender) hurts everyone. The freedoms we take for granted are hard won and those freedoms are now at stake. Let's remember that when we go to the polls in 11 months.

But wait there is more!!!

My Our (Bernie's and mine) first QAL (for Mercyful Quilts) was a success. It started here. 

The last time I checked Bernie had received about 22 quilts. This does not include the quilts made in other countries that were donated to local causes. Here is a glimpse.

By Janine

By Mary

By Roseanne

By Sylvia

"Let's do it again, Bernie", I said. "I am in", Bernie said. 

It is official. Positivity 2.0 is coming.  I will provide the free tutorial/pattern with a lazy schedule. Bernie will coordinate sponsors and we hope that you will join in the QAL.

_____________________________________________________________

When I was down in the dumps, burning with rage, you soothed me. You restore my faith in humanity again and again. I asked for a hug and I received so much love, kindness, encouragement, affirmation, support and hugs.

Courage (quilted by Rebecca)

This was the longest and tightest squeeze ever!!!  My Personal Favorite Blogpost of 2021. No contest!!! Also notable for maximum number of comments for a post without a giveaway. I am thinking of you, Kate and Kelly. 

__________________________________________________________________

In 2021, I started an Etsy Store. Thank you for your love, likes and supports.  80 sales is nothing to frown upon, I was told. Also sold two quilts. Animal House has found a new home, waiting to bring joy to a new baby boy.  

Wild and Mild traveled across the ocean to reach its new home.

 

New Patterns are coming!!!

__________________________________________________________________

And one last update - 2021 was also the year when I bought EQ8. I have so much to learn but I am enjoying playing with it. Last week I discovered the "Swap Color" feature and I am beside myself with exhilaration. Rebecca and Kathleen - it is all because of you.

Paul: Good morning babe
Me: uh huh
Paul: You ok?
Me: In a zone. Leave me alone.
Paul: EQ?
Me: YES. I am hooked. Look at this.
Paul (viewing my latest attempt): Impressive. 
Me: Sorry, you are not getting any breakfast today.
Paul: I made myself a sandwich...
Me: Love you, bye.

Paul: What will you do in India?

Me: hmm...

Paul: Without your EQ and your machine and your fabric, you will be miserable.

Me: YIKES!!! Guess, I must play some more before I leave.

I heard Paul's laughter as he left me to my devices.

Linking with End of Year Linky Party at Meadow Mist Designs.

__________________________________________________________________

It has been a difficult year beginning with a deadly attack on the very heart of our democracy.  While many Americans resist vaccines, masks and distancing guidelines, the virus continues to evolve with strains that are deadlier and more contagious, resulting in an increasing number of breakthrough infections. The assault on our democracy, our voting rights and our bodies continues. It seems like a helpless situation and I don't have any answers. But we do have choices.

In every situation we have a choice - to speak the truth and do what is right. I promise to do both.

As I put 2021 in the rear view mirror and the road ahead seems unclear, I pray for goodness to overcome evil, wherever it may be.  I hope you will join me.

Honoring RBG

The date was September 18, 2020. Paul and I were eating dinner while watching TV as we do most evenings. My phone buzzed. 

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Champion Of Gender Equality, Dies At 87

"Oh no", I exclaimed. "Mitch McConnell will fill her seat." 

As the country grappled with grief and shock, the Senate republicans did just that. Swooped in for a power grab in record time, during an election year, while flouting their own precedent as the pandemic ravaged the country. The Supreme Court now tilted firmly conservative with a 6-3 majority.

2020 will forever be the year of the Covid-19 pandemic. Add to it the racial terror of George Floyd's brutal murder and the unrest that followed. An administration that ignored the pandemic, pushed questionable remedies, silenced medical experts and spread lies and hatred while ignoring scientific guidance. The death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the last straw.

My grief and shock was replaced with anger and disgust followed by fear. All the progress that we had made towards women's rights, marriage equality and gender equality was now at risk as were the efforts made against voter suppression. 

The first block

If I did not channel my roiling emotions into quilting, I would be devastated. And yet this was not about me. I turned my thoughts to the memory of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Sisters waiting to be armed

If you are one of those who believe that RBG was against pro-life (you are misinformed) and may want to read about how RBG's decision helped end forced abortions in the military.

I made the International Sister Block and added the lace collar.  And then there were more.

Basting

Quilting

Work in Progress

Completed

When asked how many of the nine judges on the US Supreme Court should be female — and at what point there would be enough women on the bench, Ruth Bader Ginsburg had a simple answer: "When there are nine."

Honoring RBG

All complexions

Many colors

Jelly fish and elephants

Blues and Yellows

We Dissent

Inspired by RBG

All colors are welcome

Striving for Equality

I love you all

And nine wore lace collars to symbolize the nine Supreme Court Justices, as envisioned by RBG.  

The quilt was completed on October 18, 2020, as the nation geared for an election that would decide the fate of not just one nation or a continent, but the fate of the planet. 

In a year that was historic for a hundred horrible reasons, there was hope and positivity in the nomination of Senator Kamala Devi Harris, the first woman, the first woman of color and the first woman of Asian origin for national office by a major political party.

In broad daylight

Reflected in dark waters

From a bridge

While battling the breeze

Labelled

Through twists and turns

Backing that Glows

At Home

I took lots of pictures, added a hanging sleeve and on October 20, 2020, I mailed the completed quilt to Senator Kamala Harris' office in California. It was my homage to RBG. It was also my hope in Kamala Harris' candidacy and it was my dream for a better, more equitable future for all women.

Can you find all the nine Sisters wearing the lace collars?

Hummingbird

In Royal Blue

Turquoise is mine

Ultramarine Glow

Resplendent in Red

Abstract Prints

Geometric Designs

Fancy Florals 

Embracing my Freckles and Age Spots

In November 2020, the Biden-Harris ticket won. The world heaved a huge sigh of relief. 

I was sure that the quilt had reached its destination. I had the tracking. But did she get it or someone else receive it on her behalf. Did she see it? What did she think? Hope she likes it? Will she put it on her bed? Of course not. She will hang it in a prominent place.

I knew I would get a response but did not know what or when.  I imagined getting a lovely letter of praise and gratitude followed by an invitation to meet. I imagined myself in the office of Madam Vice President, discussing women's education, microlending and Bollywood music over steaming cups of chai and hot samosas.

Hoping for the Best

I was sure a letter was on its way. Instead I got a text...from Paul (he was working from home). There is a package for you.

This did not seem right. I hurried home. I saw the package and recognized it immediately. It was the same package that I had sent. No, no, no. This was not happening. 

The quilt was returned to me from the Senator's Washington DC address with a short note saying that the ethics rules prevent them from accepting gifts.

Paul: I am so sorry.
Me: It is fine. I have my RBG quilt to comfort me.
Paul: It is a good thing that ethics rules are followed.

Me: I understand.

Paul: But you seem so deflated.

Me: I feel like a fool.

Paul: You are not a fool. You are passionate and wiser for the experience.

Me: Thank you.

Serenity, Courage and now finally Wisdom. The trilogy is complete.

Closed Doors

Turned Away

The sisters were gently turned away.  Understandably. 

But the journey does not end just because we encounter one closed door.

In December 2020, Birgitta (member of the Swedish National Guild called Rikstäcket) reached out to me inquiring about the block and asking permission to transform the International Sister by giving her a Swedish folk costume.  I did not even have to think before saying YES!!!

Sister Reimagined by Birgitta

Sister in Sverigedräkten, by Birgitta

Many email exchanges later, the Sisters made their way into the Swedish Quilting Magazine - Rikstacket. I am still waiting for the physical copy of the magazine, but Birgitta was kind enough to send me a picture of the article.

 Read Birgitta's words below:

I saw that ”the International Sister” quite easily could be transformed into a woman with a folkloric/traditional costume. I started with the ”Sverigedräkten” and then with a traditional costume. It worked out well. I took contact with Preeti and Gail by e-mail to get the stories behind the block and to ask permission to use it. They answered that they were happy to give their permission. Preeti wrote like this: ”It warms my heart that you have taken the International sister block and changed it to suit you. You have made it even more international which is the whole purpose of making and sharing quilt blocks”. Gail gave her blessing too, she wrote: ” I love the idea of turning the block into a Scandinavian beauty. I hope that you will have a good response from the Rikstäckets members.” The idea was presented for

the board of Rikstäcket, and they liked it.

So the International sister walks on, in her third version, to spread happiness, a sense of

community and to show female diversity in all its forms and colours.

The first sister quilt was made for Eva.

When I was photographing the second sister quilt, I was approached by someone who bought it.  

The third has returned to me. These sisters will stay with me.

You Stay With Me!!!

March is Women's History Month. Here is how women were celebrated in the "evolved" West:

March 3, 2021 - 33 year old Sara Everard was kidnapped and murdered as she walked home in South London.

March 16, 2021 - A mass shooting killed six women in Atlanta.

And if you think the crimes and atrocities against women are horrible let's see how the law in this great country of "law and order" is lately doing for women.

March 2021 - South Dakota governor bans transgender girls from sports teams by executive order.

March 2021 - A Maple Grove man's rape conviction was overturned by the Minnesota Supreme Court because the victim willingly consumed alcohol and therefore cannot claim to be incapacitated. 

February 2021 - In an effort to further restrict abortion in Tennessee, two state  lawmakers have introduced legislation that would allow a father to deny an abortion without the pregnant woman's consent, with no exception for rape and incest.

Imagine being raped and impregnated by the heinous act, the rapist then gets to further control your body even if it is from behind bars. 

The reasons may change but my disgust and anger remain. I am also fearful for those who will be victimized twice - once by the perpetrator and then by the law. Where are the laws that protect us? 

I cling tightly to the progress made by the efforts of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and hope that we do not slide back.

Through the darkness...

We soldier on

I speak out...I quilt on...I vote. 

I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties (see full list on the sidebar). Should you add your voice to the mix, I'd feel ever so hopeful.