A new day dawns in America

 I awoke this morning full of happy anticipation of a brighter future for this country. One with truth and empathy, cooperation and dignity. We have a long haul ahead to get the vehicle of democracy up the hill of unrest and pain. Covid rages on, insurgents are being arrested daily, and millions are without jobs and enough food to keep the family going. I believe in America the beautiful, and hope it becomes the shining city on a hill again.

Plaque made in 2008 by a group of artists in Iowa to honor the United States

In the studio, I have been quilting along on customer projects, and feverishly hand sewing the rush job quilt repair. I am working on it day and night, trying to get it done in time for the surprise party for the man who has slept under it for 50 years.I really hope to get the repairs done and the hand quilting added by tonight. Then, I will only have the binding to finish.

This repair was fairly simple. I had to close up a bunch of seams that had come apart over the years, and fix some of the appliqué. After a washing, it was bright and fluffy; ready to use again.

The quilt and backing returned to their former glory. It always amazes me how a good washing makes quilts seem more beautiful than when they were new. The softness and wrinkly puckering around the hand stitching make them more interesting, too.

I know this is sideways, but I wanted to show the block construction. Scrappy and happy.

This parasol ladies quilt interestingly belongs to a man! His granny made it for him when he was a boy, and he has cherished it ever since. His daughter brought him to pick it up, and he teared up a bit when he saw it. I mended many open seams and re-sewed the edge with the machine instead of by hand. The customer will be using this every night, and I wanted it to hang together better. He has obviously taken great care of it over the over 50 years he has had it on his bed.

The backing was turned over to the front and stitched instead of having binding. 

This Christmas tree quilt was made by a customer who had three quilts for me to do. 

Unfortunately, it wasn't finished for the holiday, but I didn't get it until December 16th, and had ten or more quilts ahead of it.

Panto: Let it snow, with variegated blue thread.

Toy soldiers on the back.

Deja vu? Another table cloth by the customer who is making them for all her family members.

Panto: Bush Berries in bright green thread

This one has deep purple backing that makes the green thread glow!

My daughter lepton Monday and spent the afternoon in Asheville, NC touring the Biltmore mansion and grounds. After a year of not seeing anyone from my family, it was wonderful to have her visit.

We all posed for a selfie before they left. Why was I the only one with the sun right in my face?! Even Penny behaved herself for the picture.

After they left, I took her in the studio and gave her a thorough and vigorous brushing!

Fluffy and pretty again!

We have a long way to go to return to normalcy.