Back from the Abyss

It's been difficult to find time and discipline to return to blogging.
My quiet blog in NO way reflects that life has been quiet.
In fact, this has been the busiest and most exciting few months I've experienced in many years. Rather than catch you up in one long "Run On" of words & photos, I'd like to just begin again with today....

The first block I've made for this quilt is 4A Pine Burr.
I discovered this pattern through my blogging friend Karen - Log Cabin Quilter.
Several other blogging friends are sewing along with her including Cathy, Julie and Carole.

I started with the middle rows of the quilt because my 7 year old grandson is anxious for me to make Bovina the Cow. The Cow is what drew me into this quilt initially. My grandson & I have a special ritual. Once a week we drive down a long country road passing a field of 4 white ponies and then a dairy farm. He is always eager to count the baby calves and comment on how they are all growing. This is our 2nd year monitering the herd that he has grown so fond of.

3B (untitled) is a Grove of Trees.
I chose to back baste needle turn this block. The directions tell you to cut 8 individual tree trunks to form the circle. I opted for an easier approach. I used a traditional applique' fold & cut method to create a smooth 1 piece ring of tree trunks. I started off with a square of freezer paper and folded it into 8 sections. Then 1 drew one trunk between the folds and cut it out.

The center of the block has a tiny embroidered wreath. Mine is about the size of an American Quarter.

And the final block I've completed so far is block 3A Darting Minnows.

At this point, I would like to join in with Karen and the group participating in the Dearest Boy Sew Along. I will begin working on the same blocks they are making. In addition, I will try to catch up over the next few months on the blocks they've already completed.
If you'd like the Dearest Boy pattern by Jean Cerbone you can purchase it on her Etsy page HERE.

every quilt tells a story.....