Sunday, June 19, 2011

Some orphan blocks and stacks of flying geese


Today, I decided to play with flying geese.  These are beginnings of the next border for my KT Perennials quilt.  They are 3"x6" finished.  I used fourteen of the patterns in the fat eights bundle I got from Green Fairy Quilts.  If you haven't purchased fabric from them, you have really missed out.  They have great sales and the shipping is very fast.  Their selection seems somewhat limited, but what there is is wonderful.
Back to the geese.  These borders will go around the center that you can see on the design wall here.  The blocks in the center are 12" squares and the borders are 3".  So far, I have used two different fabrics for the backgrounds and borders.  I shopped my stash for both, but I think I am going to have to purchase some yardage to finish the next three borders.  This is a pretty traditional quilt, but I do like it all.
When I was searching for fabric, I  found a small box holding these little beauties.


Many years ago (the 70s, I think), I fell in love with the Hmong reversed applique and embroidery called Pa nDau, or flower cloth.  This is a very old style of needlework that was done by the women in the culture.  The Hmong lived simple agrarian lives in the mountains until the Vietnam war.  They became allies of the United States, which put them at risk at the end of the war.  They took refuge in refugee camps in Thailand and Laos until they could relocate.  Many of them ended up on the U.S.  I purchased these blocks from a group of Hmong women in Seattle who came together to help support their families with their fine work.  I am so glad I found these again.

Here is a close up of the front and back of one of the more elaborately embroidered pieces.  The stitches are minuscule, and the work is incredible.  I don't know what I will do with these treasures, but I will think of something.  They will be interesting in a small quilt.  Hmmmm.
Tomorrow, I have to muck out my studio and the guest room to get ready for my sister in law.  I want to make room for her to work on her quilts while she is here.  This is going to be so much fun!
Joyful quilting, everyone.

3 comments:

Impera Magna said...

What beautiful blocks those are... what treasures!

I wish someone in my family sewed/quilted... I'm trying to hook friends who will sit still long enough! Hope you and your sister-in-law have a wonderful visit!

Rachaeldaisy said...

Those blocks are really special. Wonderful flying geese too, I really like the fabrics you're using!

Rachaeldaisy said...

Those blocks are really special. Wonderful flying geese too, I really like the fabrics you're using!