When I talk about "Stunt Sewing" for a quilting designer, do you wonder what I am talking about?
The idea for this quilt originated in the brilliant mind of a quilting designer named Carrie Nelson, of Miss Rosie's Quilting Company. Carrie has been designing quilts for quite a while now, and has many many beautiful patterns to her credit. I have been fortunate enough to be able to do a bit of sewing for her from time to time, which is an honor and privilege for me.
Carrie designed the pattern "Short Line", which was to be made in two versions. One, shown above can be made using "Jelly Rolls" or two and half inch wide strips of fabric. A second version, shown below, was made using smaller cuts of fabric "Honey Buns", which are one and half inch wide strips of fabric.
I pieced the two quilts shown above for Carrie, and then they were sent out to be quilted. After the quilting and binding, the two quilts were then photographed for her pattern cover. The quilts then got to travel with Carrie, to Quilt Market and to speaking engagements, and were shown to many many people.
How cool is that? While we were out and about shopping on our recent trip to Illinois, Thelma, Lisa and I walked into a fabulous quilt shop called The Quilt Merchant in Winfield, and ta da, there was the pattern, right there on the wall, picturing these two quilts that I had made in my little sewing room here in California.
Forgive me the cheesy photo--I was pretty proud to have been part of this amazing process. Besides, my two friends were totally egging me on.
Well, are you wondering where I am going with this whole tale? The point is, I want to tell you the final leg of these quilts' journeys. I just got the quilts back from Carrie. She doesn't need to tote them around any more, and they have come back to me. (This is an unprecedented bit of generosity on her part, by the way. Most designers do not give the quilts back to the piecer).
I'll keep the smaller pieced version of Short Line. If and when I am ever blessed with a grand child, this quilt will be the focal point of the child's nursery in my home. The other version, done in those fabulous reds, pinks, taupes, and creams of the incomparable Rouenneries fabric line by French General is going to be a gift, now that it is finished with it's life in Show Business. A very special gift.
My lovely niece Elizabeth was recently married to her love, Joe, on the beach at Pajaro Dunes. This quilt is going to be my wedding gift to the happy couple. I can't think of anything more special that I have done that would be more appropriate than this quilt. I feel honored to have been asked to make this beautiful design for Carrie, and just as honored to present it to my loved ones as a very special gift, honoring their commitment and love to one another. So, seriously, how cool is that? I just wanted you to know this quilt's journey from concept to reality.
Ooops, I guess I let the cat out of the bag here, didn't I? Well, I had better get it wrapped up and sent down to Southern California, hadn't I???? I think I have made Lizz and Joe wait long enough!
