Sew STAUNCH Blogger's Quilt Festival Entry

Time again for Amy's brilliant quilt show!

The Blogger's Quilt Festival is the brainchild of Amy Ellis, from Amy's Creative Side. This show is a serious must-see for those who, like me, are interested in inspiration, and a serious must-do for those, like me, who simply like to share their quilty accomplishments!

Today I am pleased to share my entry for the Mini Quilts category:

 

Sew Staunch was named for and inspired by Kathreen Ricketson, the late (and great) author and blogger from Down Under. This is a mini-version from her book, 'Brave New Quilts'. (Amazon link)

A cheery and bright finish, yet making this quilt put me in a very reflective mood. I thought much of the women of our past who've helped pave the way toward equality and expression. Kathreen included her family in her own creative ambitions and endeavor's. I thought of her, and the children she and her husband left behind, and so it was a bit sad in the making at times. Online, we have this whole new group of pioneering women and this is how I think of Kathreen. 

I selected favored scraps to work into each circle.

I was listening to Sue Monk Kidd's, 'The Invention of Wings' while quilting. Fuel to the (reflective)fire, that one...

I chose a bright and windy day to photograph!

I hope you have enjoyed reading about Sew Staunch!

SEW STAUNCH, 20" X 20"

 

Such a Staunch Finish - The Story of A Brave New Quilt

Now that this has been received by it's recipient, I am so happy to share this mini!

I have never been quite so compelled to make something for another quilter as I was with this one. When I requested some inspiration from Kelly O., two of the clues she shared were her love of Tula Pink and her love of inspirational mini-quilts for her sewing space. I also love Tula, but hmmph, I don't have ANY (I know, right?). Instead, I knew I wanted to share some of my favorite scraps.

Month's went by before I was quite suddenly hit with the inspiration for Sew Staunch.

Early this month, as we approached the week marking the one-year anniversary of the tragic death of Kathreen Ricketson, the inspirational Author and Blogger from Australia who, amongst many other things, founded Whipup.net. I was inspired to create this smaller version of Kathreen's quilt, 'Sew What', as published in her most recent book, "Brave New Quilts".

It has been some 14 years ago now since I was so fortunate as to spend several weeks Down Under.

While there, I frequently heard the term 'staunch' in casual conversation. Generally, it was used in appreciation of a 'mate', or in reference to something quite revered. This memory came to me as I reflected on Kathreen's work ethic, her devotion to family, sense of adventure, and her bold design style. She was so inspirational in the crafting community worldwide, and I have thought often of she and her husband's surviving children over this past year. My imagination tells me they are Staunch Aussie's, and I do hope they are faring well. These things were on my mind as I created this piece, and it is possible a tear landed here or there. It served as an inspiration to me while making it, and it is gratifying to know that it is likely to do the same for Kelly :-)

Linking up this inspirational finish, with appreciation for the hosts at several of my usual linky places: NTT with Kelly, Can I Get a Whoop Whoop, LAFF, TGIFF, and Lets Bee Social with Lorna...

Looks like Kelly is giving NTT a break this week, but I found the link to IQuilt at her site and I will linkup with Gemma at Pretty Bobbins for the first time :-)

Looks like a fun place to party!

 

And check out this new Linky I found,
A Stitch in Time with Elizabeth over at Such aSew and Sew!