A Mother's Day bouquet from K was delivered on Wednesday afternoon...a florist shop delivery mixup which ended up being good timing, actually. Since I needed to spend the end of the week locked away in my sewing room, I decided to bring it up there with me. Fresh flowers, a little chocolate and a big quilt project...what better way to spend a few days?
'Log fence', Francine Pons
As you've probably noticed, I was able to identify all of the quilts in the last post. Thanks to several commenters who provided some IDs and Betsy Chutchian, one of the founders of the 19th Century Patchwork Divas, who contacted me with the final, missing names. I took that opportunity to ask her a few more questions about the group.
'Carolina Lily', Janet L. Henderson
The article said that there have been 43 exchanges so far. Have all of the members participated in all of the exchanges? How often do you have exchanges?
Betsy: The Divas average about 2 exchanges a year unless something catches our fancy and we can't wait and have to throw in another exchange. I think the most we have ever done is 4 in one year. Not all Divas participate in every exchange, it is always by choice. Some, of course, have done them all. I have participated in about 85%, I guess. Some of the ones I decided not to do...well, I'm still kicking myself! The reason the Quilts,Inc. article said 43 is because there are also sub-exchanges. I know, we sound nuts, but we love what we do.
Detail, 'Carolina Lily'
I also asked if the quilters were all local or if they were spread over a wide geographic area. She answered that all but one had a Texas connection, living there now or at one time. Most, like Betsy, are from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. If you ever have a chance to see one of their exhibits, it will be well worth the effort!
Jan,wow, more quilts, they are so beautiful. I hope I get to see them someday.Sounds like a great ,fun group!So thank you for sharing that, I may not have ever run across them otherwise.This may have been answered I need to refresh myself,are they hand or machine quilted, or is that up to the quilter? They do great color don't they? Those quilts just pop from the computer screen. Beautiful flowers,glad they arrived,yes you are right, life is pretty good! Enjoy!
Posted by: Wendy | May 17, 2009 at 07:27 PM
The quilts are truly gorgeous. And so are those flowers!
Posted by: Carole | May 18, 2009 at 06:00 AM
I still think what makes their quilts so amazing are the liberal use of those zingy brights in CW repros! They must love those colors as much as I do! Oh this rail fence is going to haunt me!
Posted by: JudyC | May 18, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Boy, if all of their quilts look like that Carolina Lily, I'd definitely love to see one of their exhibits. I love that pattern -- I've never seen it before and it's beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | May 18, 2009 at 11:03 AM
gorgeous. sounds like a fun group. would definitely love to see some of their quilts in person!
Posted by: Lazy Gal Tonya R | May 19, 2009 at 06:03 AM
Doing my blog reading catch-up and what do I see but some "old friends" I just saw in Pittsburgh. Weren't these quilts wonderful?! A truly impressive showing from the Divas! I also ran into that Biz Storms' quilt and it stopped me in my tracks. Amazing!
Posted by: amy lobsiger | May 19, 2009 at 07:14 AM