Last fall was a whirlwind for me. It all started with overcommiting to several projects that were due in Sept and Oct, then my computer died, we found a house way earlier than I thought we would, moved, and then my Dad passed away one week after we moved. In the midst of all that, I had committed to doing a project for Kelly at Superbuzzy.
I really adore Kelly. She and her family used to live in Fort Collins, so we immediately had a connection. And then for her to ask me to make something for her to display in her new brick and mortar store was such an honor.
She sent me some Magnifique' and some Suzuko Koseki fabrics and once I finally got around to starting, the "Superbuzzy picnic quilt" is what I came up with. It has picnic baskets pieced in the center, and a tic-tac-toe board on one end and a checkerboard on the other end. I also made game pieces for the quilt, but in the middle of making them, my computer died and I didn't get photos. The photo of the quilt was actually taken with my iPhone!
Anyway, I had to send it back to her unfinished since I had underestimated how much fabric I would need, and also, with all the turmoil going on in my life, I felt overwhelmed. Kelly was so gracious and said she would just quilt and bind it herself and I am so thankful she offered that!
At first, I didn't really care much for this quilt, but it has steadily grown on me. For me, this quilt represents a very sad and chaotic time of my life. And when Kelly offered to take it back without it being finished, I have to say I boxed it up as quickly as I could just to get it away from me. And that's probably why I've never shared about this quilt. It was too painful at first, but now, when I look at it, the pain is gone. It still represents a hard time of my life, but it's ok now.
Through all that, I think it is so awesome how a quilt that we have made with our hands can help to remind us of events and times in our lives. That's one reason I have fallen so hard for quilting. Every quilt has a story behind it!
On a lighter note, I have some heart thumping exciting news for you! Kerry and I have been scheming and conniving for a few months now and have something really fun up our sleeves. We have embarked on an adventure we're calling "Sew-Ichigo" and I can't wait to tell you more about it! We don't have all the details worked out quite yet, but just know if you love patchwork, you're going to love it! So keep your eyes peeled for more info soon!
Happy Friday!
Penny
p.s. make sure and check back on Monday, I'll be on the SewMamaSew blog doing an interview and tutorial with Ayumi!
..... Sounds exciting stuff....
Posted by: Effie | 16 March 2012 at 01:42 AM
Getting to hear from two of my favorite quilters in a single place? Lucky me! Can't wait.
Posted by: Suzanne | 16 March 2012 at 04:49 AM
Love the icon you two came up with! I can't wait to hear more.
Posted by: Amy | 16 March 2012 at 07:20 AM
Love the baskets! This is so you.
Yes, quilts have a way of marking a time or event in our lives. You just had gobs of them tied up in this one. Glad you have peace with it now.
Work on keeping a balance, but have fun doing it. When it's no longer fun, something's out of kilter.
Posted by: Arlene | 16 March 2012 at 08:34 AM
That does sound like a tough time. Glad things are a bit lighter for you know.
Posted by: Alice R. | 16 March 2012 at 08:39 AM
Beautiful quilt Penny....can't wait to see what you two have dreamed up!
Posted by: Amber | 16 March 2012 at 11:57 AM
Beautiful quilt and I can't wait to see what lovely new sewing venture is going to be! Love the strawberry icon! Thanks for sharing! Have a beautiful weekend! xo Heather
Posted by: Heather | 16 March 2012 at 01:07 PM
I feel emotional reading this post, you have been through a lot lately P x
Posted by: Kerry | 16 March 2012 at 03:24 PM
some people journal...we quilt. That's how we work out things and then put them aside. It helps to send things like that away. I'm like that with my "Where bluebirds fly" mini. Most people don't understand how I could give it away...but I needed to.
Can't wait to see what you and Kerry are up to. I know you all are going to tempt me into more projects!
Posted by: angela | 16 March 2012 at 05:05 PM
Penny, I follow Kerry's blog too and she let slip a little bit more than you! Really excited to find out more!
What a lovely quilt and with so much emotion behind it. I understand about pain and loss, it can be so overwhelming and take over your life in a way that you weren't expecting. The good thing is that it passes, one day you wake up and it doesn't hurt quite so much.
Posted by: elsa | 17 March 2012 at 09:44 AM
First, the quilt for superbuzzy is awesome! and I can't wait to see what your secret project is. I'm following you with Bloglovin', and I'll definitely go check out you and Ayumi on Monday at SewMamaSew!
Posted by: Elnora | 17 March 2012 at 03:09 PM