Let’s begin this overdue missive with the mundane: the stair rails in our house. This sticker belongs to Bryan, who I finally called in to finish the project after mucking around with it since March 6th.
I need a sticker that has the words “finisher” and “quilter” in it, although I haven’t yet figured out in which order the words would go.
This is when I called him. We’d had other recent attempts at this project of refinishing the stair rails, including a feeble attempt by Yours Truly, but in the end I called Bryan of Fine Wood Finishers to get the job done. It was needed as they probably hadn’t been refinished in the life of the house (about 50 years).
Do we exude this kind of confidence and fun? He spent some time trying to get it in his shorter van, and in the end needed a bit of a red flag. I’m your gal! I called as I zipped upstairs, ripped off a strip of red fabric and brought it back down to him. Now we just let him do his magic; I’ll keep you updated. (He does have a bigger van for delivery; no worries.)
Apparently all our businesses are in warehouses now. I took my husband to his physical therapy and was off by one block. We were at Jump and Shout Therapy, instead of Marketplace Therapy. While he was in there, I sewed squircles while I waited in the car…
…but first I took a walk around the complex where I took photos. (I’m always taking photos.)
That skeleton of metal reminded me of this sweet little chapel in the Blois Chateau in Blois, France, where even the ceilings were amazing. And this reminded me that I wanted to show you this:
Now that you know there are 640 of them, and that she made each one different, you’ll want to see some detail shots (click to enlarge any photo):
This is a quilt from the Pour l’Amour du Fils show in Nantes, France. I did include some more photos in the most recent post, but rather than overwhelm you, I’ll drop some more in here and there over the next while, like this one with 640 different little purses and dresses.
My sister Susan also did some traveling, but to London. She’s become an avid sewer, getting me interested again in garment sewing. She’s a fan of Merchant & Mills, so traveled out to Rye to see their enterprise and buy fabric. While there, they photographed her for their well-known inspiration called Social Club, and put her up on Instagram. Wow! (Doesn’t she look fabulous?)
I squircled while in doctor’s offices this month, too, keeping vigil while my husband was there. I’m really getting close to done, as I’m trying to keep up with Gladi, who has finished her squares.
Our church is dedicating a new temple not too far from our house, the Yorba Linda Temple, and we had a chance to go for their Open House to tour the building before it’s closed to the public. As always, I’m drawn to pattern and visual texture, so I loved the stained glass, done by Holdman Studios.
My photo at dusk, on the left. Another photo of this motif, from the Holdman Studios’ Instagram, is on the right (which also has more pictures). That would make a marvelous center to a quilt, right?
I tend to carry home smaller things from my travels, like stickers and an elegant candy box. Sadly, I ate the last one of the little sweet bits inside while writing this post.
But water bottles are also a prime souvenir for me, as they remind me of my experiences. Oh, and tote bags for my grocery shopping (our state has a no plastic bag rule), but I won’t show you my collection at this time.
One last quilt from Nantes: a granny square-inspired quilt, with “granny lanterns.”
Granny Square Updates
Besides the one you saw a couple of weeks ago, here are four more. I need to make eight total for May’s allotment, so have a few to go. Others who are playing along have posted theirs, too, on Instagram:
Since hashtags are dead in Instagram, if you want to join the gang, either leave a comment on this post, or on This Instagram Post, and I’ll add your account to the list I’m keeping on that post. If you have a a photo and don’t use Instagram, I’m happy to post it up here, or link to your blog. I’m also on BlueSky for those who have left Meta behind, although I don’t know if you need to join to see my blocks on there.
I’ve also reworked some earlier handouts and patterns. This is a digital image of four pinwheel blocks, but I really only made one. The original post shows it in red and white; here’s the free download, if you want it:
I also had a request for a really oldie-but-goodie quilt (original post)(original post in green), so I drew up a pay-what-you-want-but-free-is-okay download for that. It’s in my pattern shop.
One last photo of France’s rapeseed fields and I’m off:
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I have no words. No, I have too many words! No, I don’t know which words to use to say how much I love this post!!
I’m having a bit of an ADHD day. Can’t settle down to just one thing. So I love this post because of the variety of topics.
My top three:
1. The quilt at the top your stairs
2. The granny squares. Especially when you took one of yours and used it on your signature
Including the colors.in your name
3..The.photos looking up
OK, 4. The Japanese quilt with the appliqued tall women
Thank you!
The little block in the signature was my favorite too!
Your SAHRR looks great in the stairway! It turned out so unified looking. Amazing magic from those orphan blocks you thought didn’t go together in the beginning. You added just the right things to make them work. (Mine is still in limbo. At least I have an excuse this week as my sewing machine is in the shop.)
You and your sister look so much alike. I’m enjoying following your granny square journey. It’s nice to see others joining in as well. I’m looking forward to see the refinishing finished, as I am sure you are.
Amazing photos and I see you in all the patterning even those looking up at the ceiling, sky and church windows. If I had to pick one it would be the doll quilt. It is one of a kind filled with creativity and charm, old and new using every color in the crayon box. The work that went into this quilt was precise and complimentary.
Second, there always has to be a second and it goes to the top of the staircase. Love it in its home. So gracious, like you. For always sharing such new and artistic worlds to us. You never disappoint. ❤️ I’m always waiting for the next. Blessings and hugs. . Carol
Your sister’s smile is electric! Love her jacket.
Thank you so much for the detail photos of Akiko Yoshimuzu’s quilt. I saw a video on Instagram of the show and was bowled over by her quilt as well as others. The lantern quilt, nice!
My sister was invited by one of her friends to the Yorba Linda Temple, I might tag along, the photos are beautiful.
Speedy recovery wishes for your mate.
Another fun post, Elizabeth! I love that I share not just your sister’s name, but her spectacles too! ;-)) I love Merchant and Mills patterns too. I have another Whittaker pinafore, my fourth; this one for my sister!
Thank you for sharing the Cherry Blossom Girls and the crocheted quilts! Can you imagine the time it took to ‘fashion’ those girls in their wonderful outfits and hairdos?! Even the borders are embroidered!
Finally, thank you for including my Granny blocks in your posts. Hugs, my friend.
I am trying to do one a day to stay caught up for May, but such a busy time of year. It is really pushing me out of my comfort zone, though, because I do not feel I am good at mixing up disparate fabrics. It might seem like they should go together because they are from one designer, but No!!
Who’s gonna notice your stair rails with that gorgeous quilt at the top of the stairs? Seriously, though, I hope your rails are back soon, looking all glorious. Your sister looks amazing, and what a fun day for her. So much quilt inspo in this post, too! Those photos are so good!
Hooray for the stair railing getting it’s moment. I hope it turns out as desired! and oh my goodness, 640 unique ladies – what an absolute delight in the details. Your sister Susan looks fabulous, and your photography is definite quilt inspiration (and lovely way to end the post with another quilt from Nantes that both ties in perfectly to your current Granny Squares project AND coordinates with the background texture on your website). Always a delight to catch up with everything. I hope all the appointments have been creating positive change.
I think my comment went into the void. I’m so inspired by all your Granny Square blocks that I want to make one too. I’m just not sure I’ll find the time since my daughter and family will soon be living with us for a few months while their house is being built. Maybe? Hopefully.
Yes, the chapel ceilings are one of the best parts of Europe!
I enjoyed all your photos – especially the Cherry Blossom girls. I’ve finally started the Granny Square blocks but I think I mentioned it on the wrong post so I will try the link here…
I have been missing a more regular check-in on my blog reading but head home soon and will get back to a routine. I am picking up stickers on my travels too. Now I just need to actual stick them on something 😂