I've been saying we moved back to Cleveland, but unlike the 26 years we previously lived here in close-in suburbs, we now live a little further out. Although we're in a village, with sidewalks and within walking distance to a charming little town, we're out here in the country a bit which is a new thing for me. My inclination to choose local roads over highways has led to a number of drives home from out-of-town errands where I start out clearly in the right direction but after several miles on winding country roads and T-bone intersections (and on overcast days, with no help from the location of the sun), I have no idea where the heck I'm heading. But it's beautiful out here and the most picturesque season, so it could be worse!
The other day on the way home from a plumbing supply warehouse in Akron, I found myself, somehow, at Hale Farm. It was a warm afternoon, so quiet out there that you could hear the faint bleating of a few sheep in an adjacent field. I had to pull over and take a few shots. My irritation at wasting so much time (again) looping around in search of a familiar landmark faded away as I chided myself to enjoy the moment.
My days haven't yet fallen into any routine as I had hoped they would have by now. We've been having some work done on the house, some things expected, others not. In some cases, one small job leads to consideration of something else and after our previous moves and more deliberate scheduling of things over months (and years), we are more inclined this time to just get things done and enjoy the place. Nothing major, but work that involves estimates, consideration of options, researching and shopping for choices and then scheduling the work. So time-consuming and for someone like me who can't make a decision, mentally exhausting. So far we've had two chimneys rebuilt, a foundation crack repaired, a new water heater installed and three rooms painted. Some bathtub work, a new cooktop/wall oven installation, some routine electrical work and replacement stair railings are penciled in for the next few weeks. I've been feeling like I'm spinning my wheels here, but seeing it written down, I guess we're making progress.
I told you I'd get permission to share more of my Chicago friends' work and I have so now's a good time to show a few beautiful examples. (There are more...patience!) This wonderful mini-basket quilt belongs to Sheila. The story is that several of the quilting friends visited the New England Quilt Museum years ago and fell in love with a similar antique version that was displayed, folded, in a drawer of an antique bureau. Holding an envelope or post card over the quilt as comparison, Sheila estimated the size of the basket block (4", I'm guessing?) and upon their return, a few of them starting churning out little blocks which they exchanged and used in their own individual versions of the quilt.
Although I can't recall whose are whose, they clearly could tell each basket's maker from the depth of the handles...so-and-so made hers shallow, another's were all close to the block edge. I hear that someone we know was part of this group effort. Maybe we can nudge Barb to share some photos of her version?
When Sheila folded up her basket quilt and unfurled this beauty, I was clearly not prepared. Is this gorgeous or what?!! She explained that several of them had seen the antique version in an exhibit at the museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan and had decided to make their own versions. I was hardly noting the details, so taken was I with the applique and the tiny triangle piecing in the pineapples.
I do love a good red, green and cheddar quilt! After I had oohed and ahhed over it for quite a while, examining everything from the layout to the quilting design, Kathy said she had brought several to share. I wasn't expecting this...
Yes, her version of the same Michigan quilt. In contrast to Sheila's, Kathy's is made on a warmer, buttery background. Although the blocks are the same, they each varied their borders from the original.
Kathy incorporated a floral basket along her bottom edge, as well as her appliqued initials and date. If you'd like to compare them to the original, here is the photo from the museum's website. If you look closely, you can probably find more places where they have individualized their designs.
After I wrote the 'My tribe' post, I emailed several of the group to ask about some of the details of their quilts which I had forgotten during the time that elapsed over our move. They answered all of my questions and included stories I hadn't heard. And Mary asked for my new address.
A few days later, a large envelope arrived with the pattern, which she said she knew she would never make. I've since been poring over the interesting construction descriptions. It makes you wonder how many of these great repro patterns are floating around out there, limited-release products of small guilds and regional museums. Though my list is full for a while...lots of UFOs and a wedding quilt to make!...this one is definitely being penciled in. Or at least, my version of it.
Oh, and one last thing. I'll be rendezvousing with Molly in NYC in ten days or so while she's in the U.S. on business. Any suggestions for something we should consider in the city this month, quilty or not? We'd hate to miss something interesting because we hadn't heard about it. Thanks!
*** Added later: For those of you who have inquired, Kathie just let me know that the quilt pattern is still available from the Grand Rapids Museum for $10.00. Their contact information is on their website.
