Thursday, March 30, 2017

Friendship and.....Cathedral Quilts

Hello lovelies. I hope you are all well and I hope for those of you who have been bombarded by avalanches of snow over the last little while, that Spring has decided to greet you with it's warm smile; bringing with it all the pretty flowers that herald Spring's appearance.

The weather down here at the bottom of the world has been warm, and yes, the garden is still greeting me with flowers of loveliness each morning. Though in saying this, the days are shortening and it won't be long till Autumn is in its full regalia, dressing all the trees with gorgeous frocks of layer upon layer of rustling, taffeta-like leaves of burnished golds, russet reds and burnt siennas.

But, the purpose of this post is not to chat about the weather, nor the flowers (I would've thought I have talked enough about the flower kingdom over the last little while....though I cannot say for certain that a vase or two of flowers will not appear later on....=) ), but to chat about the stitching I have been doing on my Cathedral Window quilt, oh, and about friendships. At the beginning of the year I decided I wanted to finish all those quilts that I had started over the last couple of years. With my unfinished Cathedral Window sitting in my cabinet beside my bed for a while now, I have decided I am going to do my darndest to finish it. Although these pretties, the Cathedral Window and the hexie (another incomplete pretty) look so pretty sitting in my cabinet, I would much rather see them resting atop my bed.


Every fortnight my good husband and I visit friends of ours, and spend the most enjoyable day at their home. Both my husband and I get on famously with our friends. Indeed, it feels as if we have known them forever but really it has only been a little while. My husband helps Gary in his garden, or lends a helping hand in renovating their home, or indeed, at this time of the year goes foraging for wood in the bush. It won't be too long now until both our fires are gobbling up wood faster than those old chainsaws can churn out an acceptable quota of logs. It takes a huge forest to keep my tippy toes warm in winter. =)

As for me, I enjoy the most wonderful day sitting and chatting with Anne, whilst we both stitch and sip cups of tea in pretty teacups; taking a break at lunchtime and walking to a nearby art gallery cafe for lunch. Yes indeedy, Anne is a gal after my own heart. We both share and love many of the pleasantries of life. We both adore stitching, fashioning pretty after pretty and both slip into apoplectic shock when our eyes gaze upon a pretty fabric. Though I seem to need the oxygen tank more than she. =) Indeed, both our heads seem to exist in them-arty-farty, textile clouds. We both love God and have a deep faith, and have both walked many a road with Jesus over the years; alongside Him, and more often than not in those impossible times, carried by Him. We both are of a similar age, surviving our childrens' trudging through that interminably long, foggy tunnel of pubescent insanity, finally arriving at the other end; and having flown the coop, making their way in life, making their own choices. We have both survived the travails of teenage angst......just!

When my good husband and I left the cacophonous, concrete jungle of Sydney to make our new home in a far rural outpost in Tasmania, we left behind dear friends. Dear friends whom we have known most of our adult lives; one "forever friend" I have known since I was five years old. Dear friends where we enjoyed that special friendship of like minds, beliefs and shared interests. These friends I stitched with, enjoyed many an old movie with, belly laughed until it hurt, discovering bric-a-brac shops together, holidayed together, cafe-ing together and many heart to heart conversations about our faith, our children......and a million and one other things. You know the kind of friends, where on a Saturday or Sunday arvo we would pop by each others' homes to enjoy a cuppa and conversation. Though we have kept in touch and many have packed their gear for their survival kit bag and braved the wilds and natives of Tassie to come and stay with us in our humble abode, I do miss the camaraderie of those spur-of-the-moment visits; those quick decisions of visiting each other. I love my life here in Tassie and though I would never live in Sydney again....(one should never say "never", should one) the day-to-day, easy friendships with kindred spirits are deeply missed. These easy friendships based upon much laughter and shared interests, friendships that have taken a lifetime to foster and nurture, are deeply missed. These friends whom know so, so many of my stories because they have lived them with me as they have been written. Happy stories, sad stories, hilarious stories, triumphant stories, touching stories, miraculous stories.......so, so many stories; these are the friendships that are cherished.

Anyway........on the last couple of visits to Anne's home, I have been working on my Cathedral Window quilt and Anne has been working on a lovely applique flower quilt.


Why oh why did I ever start stitching a cathedral window quilt?? Cathedral windows are not for the faint-hearted, indeed, there have been many times I have been faint of heart whilst stitching this pretty. It just seems to take forever.

When stitching a cathedral window quilt one has to spend an inordinate time ironing, in this case 12" squares of fabric into little 4" envelopes.


Then one cuts out little squares of a jumble of pretty fabric and with a backing of batting fits them into the envelope, turns the edges of the envelope over, making a frame and then machine stitch around the frame. Easy enough, but if you are a persnickety gal like me, the imperfections are a tad annoying.





The stitching of each strip seems to take such a protracted amount of time. Each strip is joined to the larger section of the quilt and then after the little windows are inserted, the stitching around each frame is completed.



Hallelujah.....another three strips joined and then stitched to the larger quilt. I can see that finishing line inching.....inching ever so much closer!



Friendships centred around shared interests and passions are a delightful thing. Friendships when one can chat about deep and personal things and know for a surety that what is  spoken of and revealed will go no further, is indeed a most gratifying thing. Indeed, this kind of friendship, this kind of rapport can be a rare and most wonderful thing.


Anne's and my friendship is one one that uplifts and warms the cockles of my li'l ole heart. I find our stitching days to be filled with laughter, tete-a-tete conversation without the need of scuttlebutt; with a  joy of  shared interests and life experiences. We are kindred spirits. It is rather a splendid thing to meet kindred souls as we walk along the yellow brick road of life, don't you think?? It is a wonderful thing to walk along the bendy path of life, to write new and fun stories with kindred friends that one meets along the way, who share the path for a little of the journey.


Already, I am looking forward to  my next stitching day with my friend; looking forward with delight to enjoy a little more stitching of my cathedral window quilt. Perhaps within the next little while, my Cathedral Window will be sitting atop my bed with a jubilant Hallelujah Chorus filtering down from the heavens. Well.......miracles do happen. 





Until the next time........may you enjoy many moments of kindred friendship over the next li'l while, and enjoy a lovely chat with your friend over a cup of tea in a pretty tea cup.








60 comments:

  1. I have always loved cathedral quilts but have been put off by the work and the amount of fabric involved too. Yours does look so pretty. Maybe one day I will make a cushion. x

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    1. Cathedral Windows are lovely aren't they...but as you say it is easy to be put off by the incredible amount of work that goes into them. I am so happy that most of mine is stitched...just a little way to go. I can say with my hand on my heart, that I will never stitch another again. Though a cushion would be wonderful. You should make one, Kay. Thank you for visiting, hope you are enjoying a lovely week. Kim Xx

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  2. So warm and heartfelt post Kim! I treasure friends greatly and it was lovely reading about your friendship with Anne. Another thing I read and that grabbed my heart is your faith especially this part where you say: "..and have both walked many a road with Jesus over the years; alongside Him, and more often than not in those impossible times, carried by Him" - beautifully said and so true for myself.
    Cathedral window quilts may be difficult to make (I don't quilt but I understand it is hard work), but they look heavenly when done. Yours is stunning and I cannot wait to see it done!

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  3. What a blessing to have such a wonderful friend. It can be a rare thing indeed, to find a special someone who just 'fits' with you so beautifully. Your quilt is SO gorgeous! I would never start a Cathedral Window as I just know it would never make it to completion. Look forward to seeing more of yours though!

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    1. Anne is a blessing; aren't we fortunate that she and me are such a good fit. =) Though Cathedral Window's seem to take forever, the effect overall is beautiful. I hope all is well up there, lovely Jayne. I hope it has begun to cool down for you and the gorgeous autumnal tones are beginning to appear. Have a most wonderful weekend, lovely lady. Kim Xx

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    2. We have break of season now - it has been raining steadily and I lit the fire for the first time yesterday. Bring on the knitting and stitching weather!

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    3. 'Tis getting a little chilly down here, too. I'm thinking our fire belching out warmth won't be too far away. =D Yes indeedy, here's to knitting and stitching in front of a cosy fire. Xx

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  4. How lovely to have a friend to share your special interest, there is nothing better than to sit totally absorbed in your work with others who love to do the same. Your quilt is beautiful you have so much talent and patience, I can't wait to see it all complete. :) xx

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  5. So much work for so much beauty !!! Love your quilt !!!! And your roses !!!
    Have a nice day !
    Hug
    Anna

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  6. The effect is so lovely, cathedral quilts are gorgeous, though I still wouldn't know where to start! How lovely to have a friend so in tune with you xx

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    1. It is wonderful to share a love of stitching quilts and other pretties with another friend. I was a little nonplussed at the start of my cathedral window, Cheryl, but once I started my muddly brain got it sorted. =) It's not particularly difficult, it's just so very time consuming. Hope you have a lovely weekend, lovely lady. Kim Xx

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  7. Wow, Kim! Your quilt is another work of art.
    I love your Anne friendship story, especially the Jesus part. You are a treasure of a friend.

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  8. What an absolutely heartwarming post!! Friendships are truly a gift from God! Your cathedral quilt is gorgeous! I'm about to embark upon one myself, though I will be handstitching! It will be our youngest daughters wedding quilt! King size to boot!!

    Blessings and hugs!

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  9. Oh Kim, what a lovely post on faith and friendship, all interwoven (rather inter stitched) with beautiful quilts. You painted such a pretty picture of the joy of you and Anne sharing laughter, conversation, food, tea, sewing, and love of Jesus and family. Having a wonderful girlfriend is truly a gift, isn't it? Both of your quilts are works of art, and I'm thinking that working on them together makes the stitching on them go a little faster. Thank you for sharing this beautiful post with us, Kim. Love and blessings to you. 💞

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  10. Such sweet patience, Kim...What smiles you bought to me and I know we have never met in person, but I count you as my friend...Tasmania sounds so far away and I am sure western New York sounds so far away for you, smiles.

    Have a lovely day, friend. smiles

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  11. Oh, Kim, such special times!! I had a childhood friend who loved to sew as well. When my children were small, we would get together monthly with some other ladies and sew and quilt. After I retired, the two of us would get together several times a month to, as her husband used to say 'stitch and bitch.' It was fun to be together sharing ideas and memories. I was working on my purple and green quilt when she fell ill. I wanted so badly to finish it up before she recovered and we got together again but she didn't recover and passed away. I treasure that quilt, as it reminds me of her and our special friendship. Enjoy your special visits!!

    Your cathedral quilt is beautiful! My friend made one of those and I remember her questioning why she ever started it. She was so proud when it was done. Good luck, friend!

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  12. Kim, how wonderful to be able to visit one's kindred spirit so often. Visits such as those nourish our whole selves. Your quilt is absolutely stunning and though it feels tedious now, you will enjoy it for many many years to come.

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  13. Delightful post, great way to start my day. Beautiful work.

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  14. Gosh, I'm not a quilter, but I can so appreciate these gorgeous quilts. I do love to go to quilt shows and view all the designs and creativity of the designers. Grins, this post is lovely and it will be quite the accomplishment to finish the Cathedral quilt. Sandi

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  15. Lovely post about your special friendship. Your quilt is stunning and I admire the work you have to do to get it so. I think you have found the way to have an abundant life!

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  16. Every time you share a quilt of yours with us, I'm feeling in awe, darling Kim, I'm amazed more and more, your is truly an art, sweetest friend of mine !

    Wishing you a most lovely remiander of your week
    I'm sending hugs and more hugs to you

    XOXO Dany

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  17. You're a much stronger woman than I could ever hope to be. Much as I love cathedral quilts the sheer amount of work simply puts me off. I'm not much of a sane quilter anywhere (as you know). Yours is going to be amazing and you are going to be so proud to display it. Wonderful post about friendship too!

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  18. Oh Kim, your quilt is looking fabulous, that does take a long time and a lot of work but boy how rewarding it will be when it is on your bed and you are enjoying it!! I am blessed to have a pillow my mom made using these and I just love it!!
    I can imagine how much you miss your long time friends, I too missed mine when my hubby joined the Air Force and we were moving around every 4 years, but I have so enjoyed the friends made along the way, and am thankful for the few ladies I have become very close with now that like you said you can talk about anything with, what a blessing! Glad you have that in your life too!

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  19. I was really touched by this amazing post about friendships, Kim. You wrote so beautifully about the friendships you have had, and then time and circumstance changed it... but how wonderful that the Lord has now allowed a very special kindred spirit to be friends with, and not only you, but your husband has found a friend too! How awesome it is to find mutual friendships, and to enjoy such an inspiring afternoon of sewing! You amaze me with the cathedral window quilt, I can't even imagine attempting such a complicated pattern! I know you are going to finish it, in no time now, since you have a friend to encourage you on! Loved the display of yellow roses you shared too! Hugs to you today friend, appreciate you!

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    1. It is awesome to find mutual friends in this life, with whom one finds so many things in common. I am reminded of the CS Lewis quote....."Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: What!! You too? Thought I was the only one." Such a wonderful quote....but then CS Lewis said so many profound things. Sending an armful of hugs to you, lovely Marilyn. Hoping those tulips of yours are dancing the dance of Spring, in your beautiful part of the world. Kim Xx

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  20. Thank you for such an uplifting post reminding us that it's the intangible elements of our lives that have more value. Real friendship is a gift to be treasured. Your quilt is a labour of love that will bring you joy.

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    1. Thank you so very much, Ann for your sweet comments. I will be filled with great joy when the last stitch has been stitched and it is sitting in all it's glory atop my bed. =) I hope you are enjoying a lovely weekend. Kim Xx

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  21. Always, when I visite your lovely blog, I look to the edges with your amazing cathedral quilt.
    I think you will be very happy when it is finished.
    And I like the quilt your friend worked on, with the flowers.
    Have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. I will be ecstatic when my cathedral window is finished, Loes. I'm nearly there; just a couple of more weeks....I hope. Yes, Anne's flower quilt is lovely; thank you. Hope you are having a fabulous week, lovely lady. Kim Xx

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  22. oh i surely know about dedication...inching toward that finish line. we/you do it for the beauty of the finished product and beautiful it is. this is so very special an heirloom that will be treasured forever!!!

    and a small ps, i love that chair almost as much as i love your that special chest of drawers of yours. you have a great eye and some real talent for the handcrafted!!

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  23. Hi Kim, Such a sweet post. I am blessed to have a childhood friend, Amy, who lives about 2 hours away. As you say, we enjoy many hobbies, a deep faith in the Lord, joys and sorrows. I am happy you have made a new friend with Anne. Your time together sounds truly blessed. I love the Cathedral Window pattern. It truly is a work of HEART! Have a lovely weekend. xoxo

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  24. I love your cathedral quilt and though I have never attempted it, I can hear your words loudly about the time it takes. It will be a very precious finish for you though, a beautiful one.
    I also hear your thoughts about friendships. The ones that last through the ages really are special, and though you might not see those people everyday, or even talk to them...they are etched in your heart forever. A good Sunday to you. xx

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  25. Oh what a special friendship that you and Anne share! Not to mention those special friends you left behind in the big city. What a blessing it is to have those special relationships that stand the test of time and distance...I have a couple like that as well. I love "listening" to you describe your times together. I thank the Lord for my special friends, near and far (and some like you that I have never met and most likely will not until we meet in heaven) who help lift me up during trying times. There is nothing to compare to the gift and blessing of friendship. Your gorgeous cathedral quilts leave me breathless...what talented fingers you certainly were blessed with! And the patience it must take! Wonderful and magnificent works of art, they are! Any one receiving one of your creations should consider themselves blessed! Have a fabulous first week of April, my friend (even though it's almost fall) :)

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  26. It is hard to leave friends! I am not quick to make friends so I sometimes regret moving in some ways.

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  27. I was going to say something clever and profound about women and friendship but I'm reduced to WOW. Your quilt is amazing.
    Amalia
    xo

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  28. I am so glad that you garden is smiling with colors and fragrances my friend!
    you are so right that it does not not happen happens that tow friends share common interests.
    i too have tow friends from my school though they live in cities far but we daily talk through texts mostly .whenever we meet it brings back our childhood back .preciousness of these moments is indefinable .
    How nice that your hubby help her hubby in his garden thaat is so generous .
    you seem ver warm and deeply wise person to me who is living a beautiful life and utilizing her time in a very memorable way because your creations are marvelous and long lasting dear.
    i am so impressed and learning lot .
    best wishes for you heading projects!

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    1. Thank you, lovely Baili. It is most delightful to have you visit my place. Kim Xx

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  29. Hi Kim, what an absolutely beautiful quilt, your friend's quilt is equally pretty. It sounds like you have wonderful friends, a shared faith and a deep connection with them which is very special. Have a wonderful evening.

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  30. Your cathedral window quilt is gorgeous, Kim. It is a work of art. How delightful it is share the joy of spending time and sewing together with such a dear friend. It is very special indeed, very beautiful!

    -Soma

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  31. Hi: I am amazed at all the lovely quilts you create. I use to quilt when my eyes were a bit younger. Have a wonderful day. Blessings, Martha

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    1. Thank you so much, Martha. I am hearing you re "older eyes". Thankfully, my poor old eyes are still functioning okay; there are still a few quilts left in me yet. Thank you for popping by. I hope you are enjoying the most marvellous week. Kim Xx

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  32. A truly magnificent and gorgeously coloured quilt, Kim.
    Friendships are so special, especially when you also get to spend time together doing what you both love.

    I am glad to see that your beautiful roses are still blooming.

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    1. Thank you, Dixie. Alas, the roses now have decided to finish for the year. It's your turn to enjoy the roses now in your part of the world. Kim Xx

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  33. Another gorgeous quilt in the makings, beautiful work.

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  34. This Cathedral Windows really is the most glorious of quilts and it's growing beautifully. I can't tell you how much I love it :)

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  35. My heart is warmed whenever I read one of your posts. This one brings back memories of sweet friends - my favorite friend that I miss is still in California - she could stitch the sweetest things almost without moving her hands, grow the prettiest flower gardens and paint pictures that others can only wish to paint. We spent hours together - enjoying her garden, stitching and chatting. We still keep in touch since we moved to Washington - and many days I wish for the sweetness of the times we spent together. Your photos are so inspiring, as well as your tales of friends and the good times spent together. Happiness in all your days my sweet friend.

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  36. My dearest Kim, I don't much have friends anymore. Mostly my children.. but I have found a recent kindred spirit online and we seem to have built a fondness within a few weeks we write most every day (email).. she is far away from me.. your quilt is amazing and all that work will surely be well worth it.. wish I could quilt. All yours are totally amazing.. just love them.. Stay well with love Janice

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    1. How lovely you have found an on-line kindred spirit, Janice. It must be lovely to 'chat' every day. Thank you for your sweet comments. I hope you are well. Enjoy a wonderful day, lovely lady. Kim Xx

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  37. I'm so happy for you that you have found a friend like Anne. I agree with you that kindred souls are to be treasured. And that cathedral quilt is gorgeous...that's why you started it. LOL!!

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  38. It is nice that you have that good friends. You did a great work, thank you for sharing.
    xoxo

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    1. Friends make the world go round, don't they. Thank you for visiting and for your sweet comments. Kim Xx

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  39. Such a lovely post straight from your heart. ♡
    As you shared your story of the friendships over the years I couldn't help but wander within my or heart and mind thinking of the dearest of friends I have been blessed with over the years. I find as I get older I think back iften to my childhood years and the friends I had back then wondering where they are today.
    Your lady friend and you have much in common, that is rare and quite special in deed. I believe the two of you will spur one another on with your projects. Both quilts you ladies are stitching amaze me! Oh the talent... gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! I can't wait to see your finished project upon your bed.
    Thank you for sharing a glimpse with us of your world and beauty.

    Easter blessings, dear lady~

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  40. It is so beautiful! I am glad you have found such a nice friend in Anne, someone to share crafty things with. We all need that! x

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  41. Kim,
    What a lovely story you tell...yes it is wonderful to have a dear friend to chat with, sip tea (in pretty cups) with and stitch!!! You sound like two peas in a pod....the quilts are both gorgeous...I always wondered how to do a cathedral block....wow, there is a lot of work involved. It will be amazing when it is done though. The colors are so pretty! Cannot wait to see it completed! xo
    Linda

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    1. Yes, I suppose Anne and I are like two peas in a pod. Can you believe, I am still working on my cathedral window. Hopefully, it will be sitting atop my bed very, very soon. :) Thank you for visiting, lovely Linda. Kim Xx

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  42. Oh be still my heart! How lovely is this post.I am just enchanted with your quilt. I don't think I have it in me to work on such a masterpiece. Your colors are always delightful and so cheerful. Thanks for sharing so much about your friendship and your walk with God. Hugs...

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    1. I am beginning to think, Linda, that I don't have it in me to work on such a project. :D With my hand on my heart.....I am never, never going to stitch another cathedral window ever, ever again. Thank you so much for popping by, lovely lady. Kim Xx

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  43. Hello Kim. I so loved reading your story of life.
    Your cathederal quilt is a truly beautiful piece of art as is your friend Anne's flower quilt. May you both enjoy many more sewing days together.
    Have a wonderful Wednesday :)

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