Monday, February 28, 2011

Slumbering Spring


Can you feel it?

That quiet quiver that's happening right now...

under the earth, and in each tree...

that wondrous life affirming energy,

gearing up to soon burst forth...

Yes! Beautiful, blessed Springtime is just around the corner!


I don't know about each of you, but there is no doubt that I am hugely effected by the seasons, and February comes close to doing me in each year!

But hooray, for today is the last of February, and tomorrow ushers in March, which also ushers in springtime... for which I am profoundly grateful! (Tomorrow is also my eldest daughters 22nd Birthday, another reason to celebrate!)


I can almost feel the ground move. Worms waking up, and grass blades preparing to turn a sweet green. Very exciting!!


Now, I had originally intended to sell this "Slumbering Spring" quilt in my shop, but as I was taking the photographs I noticed a very small hole where some threads had broken in the fabric. Ugh.

After staring at it for a bit, I thought maybe I could darn it. Not a brilliant idea, (I realized a bit too late) as now I still have a tiny hole, but it's much more noticeable. Double ugh.


Sigh. If only this was one of my patched quilts, the solution would have been a no-brainer, but I really didn't want this to be a patched quilt. I like it as is.

BUT... I think that maybe the hole is a good thing. While it's keeping me from offering it for sale, it is making me think of other options... such as creating a pattern to sell for this quilt.


This has been something that I've been entertaining the idea of for awhile, (but also avoiding). I think this quilt would be perfect for such a project. What do you think?

44 comments:

Barbara said...

the colors and design are exquisite beyond words - mother nature in her most zen-like pose

I would purchase the pattern in a skinny minute - especially if you offered it as a downloadable pdf

Dawn S. said...

It looks like the perfect place for a simple applique!

Brenda said...

it's really lovely and a sign of hope that spring might come -- in a couple of months up here in Winnipeg. we don't expect to see any green until well into April, but we can dream of it. thanks for the great post.

Marty Mason said...

Yes - a pattern would be nice - lemonade!

Bobbie Casey said...

This is like a Piet Mondrian Painting only in green. Love it!
Yes, a pattern is a very nice idea.

GP Marketing said...

I am so glad February is over today. Your quilt does have that just about to break out quality to it.
After 6 inches of snow yesterday and an inch of rain today, I am not convinced Spring exists in 2011, except I did spy a chipmunk, so I shall use your wonderful greens to keep me hopeful. xox Corrine

Anonymous said...

Oops wrong email above. xox Corrine

Abby and Stephanie said...

Simple, modern design in my two very favorite colors. I love it. I think any pattern you write would be hugely popular! You're unique.

Allie said...

That is really lovely - makes me think of verdant green fields in early spring, rivers flowing beside them. GORGEOUS. By all means make a pattern! C'mon spring, we're ready for you!

Angela said...

To me, this quilt takes me flying over the spring right into the summer, cool breeze on the coast, staring at the sea, waves foam, come and go, clear salty water, turquoise light...
This quilt was not meant to be sold, it is for you to enjoy and remember the beauty that comes after some darkness. Like Alice, through that hole you will get to your particular Wonderland.

Nifty Quilts said...

Yes! Make the pattern for it! I think it would be received very well.

Gina said...

I think you are right, it would make a perfect pattern. Your colour combinations are gorgeous.

Marg M said...

I love the colour combinations and if they were added to the pattern I would love it. In fact my first thought when I saw this was I would love to buy it!

Mary Keasler said...

How 'bout just a small piece of the darkest fabric stitched over little hole? But then you can also create a pattern. Looking at this piece, I think Frank Lloyd Wright. And I am so lovin' it.

Sewhappy said...

Wow, I so love this quilt, it is the colour that does it for me, my heart stopped for this beauty. A pattern would be nice and fun to play with. Spring is such a beautiful season, it makes up for the dreary winter.

Corinnea said...

Yes. You really should make a pattern.

Anonymous said...

This is particularly lovely - it reminds me that there will be growing green farm fields around here soon.

Quiltefia said...

Hi!! I love this quilt!! Make a pattern!! Anne:-)

Hey Harriet said...

Offering quilt patterns sound like a dandy idea! And now you get to keep this wonderful quilt all to yourself. Double bonus! I'm happy that spring has almost sprung for you. Summer has now ended here and our first day of autumn today has been the hottest day of the last few months. Go figure! That's not to say that it hasn't been hot over the last few months as it has. Just odd that it was extra hot today. The weather is so muddled up...

Fer said...

I dislike February too, but for the opposite reason - I've had enough of the heat! I think autumn and spring are my favourite times of year.

The quilt is lovely, and you're right, would make a great pattern. ♥

Dolores said...

When holes appear unexpectedly, sew a butterfly over it. My little group and I have been quilting together for years and it's always been our answer. Find a fabric with a motif that you like and applique it. You may find it surprises you and if one doesn't look that good, add two more...

Deborah said...

So lovely and elegant! A pattern would be a great idea!

Anonymous said...

Oh yes for me! Love the design, the colors - everything!!!

Elsa said...

it's really wonderful! I just realized that it's March 1st today (by looking at the calendar), what a surprise! Spring is on the way!
I love this quilt and would love a pattern too.

pklaw said...

I am such a fan of your work. I like this new piece - it seems like a new direction for you. You know we would love a pattern, You see, if you let the universe do it's thing it will take care of you! Perhaps you have found the inspiration and motivation you have been reaching for!

Anonymous said...

Yes to patterns - you already have a dedicated and loyal base of fans that would buy. Yes to accidents that keep pieces in our homes. Yes to spring! It is so very palpable in the light and small margins of crusty grass emerging at the edges of things... thank goodness. Such beautiful colors for the feeling, these soft greens! And your stippling is unbelievable.

Pippa said...

Well, I think it's so beautiful you could sell it with the hole! But a pattern would be wonderful as well. And I feel that Spring approaching as well-- it's such an uplifting sensation!

Mary said...

Wow! What a perfect jolt of spring freshness. Thank you!

Jennifer said...

The design and colors make for a stunning quilt. The colors are calming, while the design keeps your eyes moving.

Unknown said...

Yes to a pattern, with specific suggestions for fabric (both color and texture, preferable brand names) for those of us who need a safe jumping off point for further exploring. And, would you consider selling the quilt at a discount?

Slowpoke said...

I agree with all the other comments. A pattern definitely is a great idea. But I would buy that quilt, hole and all, in a heartbeat. It positively shouts SPRING!!! And after this winter,boy do we need it. Love your talent and creations. Luba

chris.luba@sympatico.ca

Victoria said...

Thank you everyone! I truly appreciate each of your thoughts, ideas and kind words. xo

To those of you who think I could go ahead and sell the quilt, I actually agree. Looking at it with fresh eyes today, I could barely see the darned hole, as it's only about the size of a pin head! (But when I first saw it, and did my so-so repair, it looked huge... and the super-super close up photograph kinda solidified that in my mind!) I doubt most people would ever notice it, unless they went looking for it very closely. However, I think I will hold onto it, as that just seems to be the right thing.

I have started on a pattern... illustrations are done, yardage needs to be calculated and directions still need to be written. Then, I'll also want to make a quilt following my written directions to make sure I got all the measurements and steps correct.

TERESA said...

this is a beautiful quilt. the colors are gorgeous and it's very easy to just keep staring at it..very calming

Jennifer said...

One idea that might work with the pattern rather than making it yourself is to ask for a volunteer to follow your pattern and to check the instructions. If you like that idea, I am sure one (or more) of your avid readers would be thrilled to try it out for you.

Sarah ACP said...

Oh I would love to see that in a pattern. You do such nice work. Love your blog. -slp.acp@gmail.com

picciolo said...

How frustrating to find that little hole right at the end! I love the quilt though especially the quilting pattern you have done
: )

Hoola Tallulah said...

Goodness, I don't know what shocked me more, your amazing new quilt or the fact you have TWENTY TWO year odl daughter! From the photo in your sidebar I would never have guessed you were old enough to have a daughter of that age, you look like a school girl, lucky thing you!
Your spring quilt is beautiful (as our quilts always are) and I am singing the spring song with you, can't wait for sunshine and flowers!

Surly said...

Beautiful beautiful quilt. I love the colors you used!!

Kristen said...

I love your idea! I did notice, the mathy me, that your Spring quilt did have a lot of golden rectangles in it, but they were slightly shifted adding interest. Maybe that's why I love it so much! Yeah, I am slightly geeky.:) I just wonder sometimes about the process of making pleasing looking modern art and I forward to what you come up with!

Colleen MacDonald said...

Oh, it is the perfect representation of this time of year! The soft blue greens of the crocus coming up through the snow! I love this pattern; do you think a beginner would be able to follow it?

Helen said...

Even with the hole I love it! You work is fresh and inspiring x

Poppyprint said...

I love the divided spaces in this design, they remind me of a garden with dividing hedges. I read your later post about the non-pattern pattern and would definitely be interested in your ideas around design because I find all of your work very inspiring....especially your stitching work! I'm sure there's a book proposal here. A design workshop idea rather than a collection of patterns. I'll stay tuned!

jeri said...

Your quilts are simply beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Yes! Please offer a pattern for sale, I will buy some for my shop.