So honored to have been selected as a semifinalist for my rendition of Sue Garman’s pattern of Friends of Baltimore which I named Missouri Splendor.
For those of you who followed along with the making of it on my blog it took me three years to complete. It was a wonderful journey and so very rewarding. One of the many reasons I love applique is that it slows the world down to a speed where I can contemplate different issues, I can use the time for self introspection, I can reflect on the days events, but in the beginning of the making of Missouri Splendor I focused on grieving the loss of my brother. I am also able to enjoy time spent with my fur babies as they always follow me around and I have a bed for them in my sewing room. Being recognized for the work I put in this quilt is very validating.
I do have another quilt I would like to make as my next competition quilt. I am collecting fabrics for it at this time.
I recall that while I was contemplating the making of Missouri Splendor I shopped for several years for just the right fabrics. I remember going to AQS Paducah with a long shopping list for Hancocks and the vendors at the show. Primarily I was on the hunt for blacks and grays as I had determined that all the vases in the quilt would be from various blacks and grays. But like any quilter while at Hancocks I managed to come home with 6 whole bolts of fabrics. Go figure, it’s an addition. Probably need some sort of 12 step program but I think after 50 years I’m a goner.
I really need to give a shout out to Merrily We Quilt Along in Springfield, MO where I actually found 80-85% of the fabrics used in my quilt. They were courteous enough to order a whole bolt of fabric for me that was used as the background fabric. Those wonderful ladies who work there were also so encouraging when I would bring a block in that I was working on and ooooh and aaaw over it. So many wonderful memories while making Missouri Splendor.
Currently working on Queen’s Cross by Jen Kingwell. Loving this pattern. Curved piecing always a challenge. I do love to be challenged.
Today is my birthday – doubly celebrating today. Woohoo.
Tomorrow heading to Springfield to fabric shop for that next applique quilt. Love touching fabric. Yes it is an addiction.
Happy stitches everyone.
Katherine Sissy Malone
Appliquenut 