Sunday, March 10, 2019

As She stitched the flowers bloomed!

Another Sunday morning  has awoken, and still she stitches. The last weeks of late Summer have slipped by. She notices Ol' Man Sun is rising later and saying goodbye earlier......and still she stitches. Seasons pass.  Cold days float into warm days. Warm days melt into hotter days. Hot days cool into mild and balmy days. The garden whispers the changes with the transition of each season. As she looks at the calendar she notices the days of  March are marching on in a steady rhythm. The continual march....the procession of the seconds, the minutes, the days, the weeks, the months.....the seasons. How could that be she questions, wondering where the days of January and February have disappeared to. Already the light is different. Subtle changes have begun. The flowers are beginning to fade, but the seeds remain and when Spring once again dances onto the scene, they will magically sprout yet again. In a little while the trees will be dressed in autumnal glory. The crisp, taffeta-like leaves of deep russets, burnt oranges, tarnished reds will soon adorn the wondrous landscape. She knows it is the cycle of nature.

For six months now the flowers on her quilt have slowly bloomed. With each season she has studied the flowers that have blossomed outside her windows, endeavouring to translate the magic of each flower into fabric blossoms. She is amazed as she looks at the intricacies of the veins in the different leaves, or each tiny petal of a flower; the finer details she has never really noticed before.


So slowly have the appliqued flowers bloomed, that sometimes there appears to be little progress. But she is mistaken. As she gazes upon her fabric garden she notices that there is indeed a flower garden blooming. Not in it's plenitude as she has a thought that perhaps Wisteria would look rather lovely  crookedly winding its way across the top of the quilt in a tangled fashion. Birds too, she thinks will perhaps sing their sweet song amongst the flowers and perhaps delicate butterflies flitting here and there, enjoying the nectar of the flowers. For what is a garden if there are no sweet critters finding a haven within all the floral beauty. From time to time she wonders if her quilt will bloom in all its beauty. She wonders if her fabric garden will ever dance in a completed symphony; but, she looks at how far she has come and shoos those  inimical thoughts to the flowerless abyss. So.....still she stitches.

As she has stitched this last little while, Cosmos have bloomed.....pink, magenta and carmine. They dance in the soft Autumn breeze.




Japanese Anemones have sprinkled soft, pink beauty to the garden.



Irises have popped up, growing tall. Their striking beauty adding a dash of splendour to the garden. Liliums add their unique beauty to the garden scene; as do the Gladdies and Daffodils; all scattering out of that magical seed packet.




She smiles as the last stitch is stitched on each flower and marvels at what sits on her lap. The early morning sky has dawned onto her quilt; a watercolour pastiche glowing with pinks, blues, mauves, lemons and aquas. She smiles happily at her sweet flowers dancing against the backdrop of the pastel hued sky.






She is content. She is always thinking. She is always designing. She is always playing. But......she knows there are more botanical delights to be 'growed'. As she stitches she realises there are yet more flowers to bloom. More flowers will sprinkle from that magical packet of seeds. She knows that there will be a few more seasons; many more days to enjoy, before the last stitch is stitched....Autumn, Winter, Spring and perhaps another Summer. So.......still she stitches.

Until the next time.......









71 comments:

  1. WOW. You are the Van Gogh of quilting. I cannot believe how you can sew flowers to look so real. You are truly an artist.

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  2. I love visiting you...Your embroidery is so beautiful and looks like a real garden,I can almost feel the wind moving the flowers and smell their scent...Your photo stitching at that beautiful room with hydrangeas is so peaceful and inviting.Have a blessed Sunday,dear Kim.

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    1. Oh, how lovely.....thank you, dear Maristella, for your beautiful comments. May you have a beautiful week. Kim Xx

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  3. We received one inch of snow last night. We still have feet of snow all packed in around us. But, the weather has been in the 20's and we hope that the snow will start melting. This winter has broken records for being the coldest. It has truly been the coldest winter since we have moved here to ND. Now it is time for Spring to start up here and your summer weather will be behind you. It has been amazing to watch your quilt grow and the flowers multiply. It is beautiful. So, even though you have your Winter on its way...you will have that beautiful quilt top filled with so many pretty flowers to keep you in good spirits with all its lovely bright colors!

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  4. Wow, Kim. I lllllllove your beautiful quilt. It is full of flowers and colours that I love. Congratulations and many many kisses, my dear friend.

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  5. Oh my Kim it is looking just beautiful, you must look at that and just smile, how you have brought those flowers to life, such gorgeous colors in the fabrics, and to add some critters onto it would be wonderful, like you said what is a garden of flowers without some bees, butterflies and birds :) As always your pictures are just wonderful, and I love the reflection of the quilt in the water.

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  6. This is so pretty, especially hanging with all the cosmos in front of it. What a labour of love this is, you'll have a beautiful year round garden with this.

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  7. Everything about this post is beautiful!

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  8. Hi KIm
    Your quilt is truly wonderful, a lot of work but so worth it.
    Best wishes Kay c

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    1. Thank you so much, Kay. Yes, a lot of hours, work and needle pricked fingers has gone into the stitching of this quilt thus far, but I am loving every flower that blooms. Thank you for your beautiful visit. I hope you enjoy a fabulous week. Kim Xx

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  9. I have made one "seasons" quilt but yours is inspiring me to revisit that garden for a wider view.

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  10. Wow! Your quilt is a mind-blowing masterpiece Kim! I just couldn't wait to read through the end to see it in all its glory! It is worth every minute of work I say! And the picture with the natural flowers in your garden is a story of its own! Thank you for this beautiful post - it has made my Sunday even more brighter, happier and inspirational!

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  11. This is such a beautiful quilt. As I look outside my windows, I see dreary brown and gray as it is late winter here. Your flowers are a joy to see. Thank you for sharing and inspiring.

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  12. Your writing and stitching are both beautiful. Your quilt is gorgeous!

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  13. Your quilt is becoming a masterpiece! The detail on each flower, each pedal is incredible. It’s difficult to distinguish the fabric blossoms from the real! I’m so glad you included the picture of you stitching. It’s just as I imagine you sitting and creating by your window. I’ve been envisioning all of the coloful blooms in your world down-under during our dreary, long winter. As you write about autumn approaching in your world, I’m heartened to realize spring is on its way in mine. You will have your lovely, colorful garden quilt to keep you company and busy until your gardens are blooming again. Have a wonderful week, dear Kim!

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  14. Gorgeous post Kim, gorgeous garden of flowers and your perfect stitching. What a masterpiece of a quilt, so many delightful colours and different flowers.

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  15. Oh how beautiful! We are covered in ice and snow here, so to see such pretty flowers both fabric ones and live ones is a real treat! Thanks for linking up!

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  16. Incredible!! You are truly making an heirloom!!

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  17. You have created a beautiful garden! The flowers are lovely and will keep happy summer memories close all year long.

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  18. Gorgeous stitching and lovely post to read

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  19. Hello Sweetie Pie! I love your quilt. I had to look closer at the photo of your stitching by the window. You look like me. I used to wear my hair just like that! I want to cut bangs again, but our Jenny says NO. I don't have to listen to her of course, but I do. Hmmmm.
    How we long for spring here and you are looking toward fall.
    Today I MUST make mermaid tails.
    Love to you, good girl.

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  20. Exquisite, both your flowers, real and stitched, and your words. And I'm also noticing your lovely cathedral windows quilt backdrop on your blog post. Yet another possible project for my very long to-do list.
    Pat

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  21. I love, love, love your cosmos. You really captured their shape and color. I can see them waving as breezes filter through. I am really at home when it comes to hand stitching, that's another thing we have in common. When you 'feel' that it's complete is when you'll stop to add the finishing touches.

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  22. Ooh Kim, your appliqued stitching is such a magical work of art. Your flowers look like they were painted onto the fabric, bu I know that they were so carefully stitched with such love. You must smile as your stitch and I know it makes your heart happy!! Blessings to you, sweet friend! xx

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  23. Loved your post those words just make each photo come alive, beautiful flowers stitched with care and precision makes a winter garden come to life.

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  24. Your lovely words were a delight to read, as you paint such a wonderful picture. Thanks so much for showing the photo of you quietly stitching away, such a serene photo. And your beautiful quilts looks wonderful arranged in front of your pond. Many congratulations indeed!

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  25. Your applique flowers are amazing! Thanks for sharing so many beautiful photos! :-)

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  26. Let me count the ways I love this post... I am in awe of your beautiful applique!

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    1. Thank you so much, beautiful lady, for your beautiful comments. Kim Xx

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  27. Your quilt is coming along so beautifully! I love the pictures of it with the real flowers....you can hardly tell which are stitched and which are real! You have captured your garden perfectly! And of course your beautifully written description keeps me scrolling down....

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  28. How beautiful it is all looking dear Kim. So, so lovely as each flower springs to life under your fingertips. I love the first pic of you sitting stitching away ... my eyes spy all the beautiful things along your mantle. How wonderful.

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  29. That is just beautiful! Thank you for brightening the day with your lovely words and lovely flowers!

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  30. Wow this is gorgeous! Each flower takes a time to bloom and one by one you are giving each petal and each flower, each leaf and stem, it's time to be loved and admired. This will be an incredible piece when it is done, even more than it is already.

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  31. Your quilt is looking so beautiful Kim. I love the way you photograph it with real flowers in front - it is so difficult to see where the real ones end and the stitched ones start. A masterpiece in the making. Have a great week. xx

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  32. Your quilt is fabulous! I love how you photographed it too, reflecting off the pond.

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  33. A wonderful post, Kim! The quilt is fantastic and the picture of you sewing helps realize the real dimension of the work. It's pure beauty and you are the gardener of this Eden. So, with the patience and stamina that are common to gardeners and sewers, I have no doubt that the quilt will see many other flowers bloom over the seasons. Congratulations for this masterpiece!

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  34. Absolutely stunning!!! Such realistic flowers. A quilt to really treasure.

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  35. I love your story, but your quilt is gorgeous. It truly is a masterpiece. And the photos in the garden...breathtaking.

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  36. Gorgeous post ! Your work is amazing ! You are a talented woman Kim !!!!
    Have a shinny week ! In the middle of all your flowers !!!
    Anna

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  37. Replies
    1. Thank you for your beautiful comment, Denise. Kim Xx

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  38. Olá Kim,
    Que naravilha! de trabalho.
    Amei as flores.
    Boa entrada de semana.
    janicce.

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  39. My breath is always taken away when I visit your blog, Kim! Beautiful quilt. Beautiful flowers. Beautiful photos!

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  40. Hi Sarah, your quilt is coming along well. It's so beautiful!

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  41. You sure have away with words and your quilting is beautiful. Thank You for sharing.
    Marilyn

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    1. Your are very kind, Marilyn. Thank you for your beautiful visit. Kim Xx

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  42. Kim, your post's words and photographs have lulled me to a quiet place just soaking in their beautiful cadence. You are truly an artisan and it is a pleasure to visit you! I took your advice about a red something special for my kitchen. I think you'd approve!

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    1. Gina, thank you so much for your beautiful comments. Your visit has delighted me, this sunny morning. I think every kitchen should have a special, little red something in it somewhere. =) Kim Xx

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  43. Your description of the seasons is so beautiful!
    We have tasted 2 weeks of warm weather here, but now it is windy, stormy and rainy and also cold !!! We yearn for SUMMER.
    How beautiful your stitched flowers are, they dance on your incredible lovely blanket.

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    1. Thank you, lovely Loes♥ Despite your windy, stormy and rainy weather I am quite sure Spring will soon be breaking down your door......and then after a little while, it will be hot Summer days for you. =) Kim Xx

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  44. Glorious beauty abounds both in your natural world around you, and in the beautiful quilt that has blossomed under the tender care of your hands! I'm incredibly amazed at the glorious delights of each flower that you stitched so carefully and beautifully with such exquisite attention to detail! Isn't it amazing the detail in each and every thing in our world, and no more so than in the gorgeous blooms you have showcased on your quilt! Why it is hard to tell where you quilt ends, and your garden begins! The backdrop for the flowers showcases their beauty! What a delightful quilt you've created, and one that you can enjoy indoors all year long, no matter the season outside! Now that is pure joy indeed :) Blessings to you sweet friend!

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  45. Absolutely stunningly gorgeous, Kim!
    What a wonderful array of fabrics you have chosen for your delightful fabric flower painting.

    You look fully engrossed in your work. What a comfy spot you have to sit, contemplate and stitch there by your large window in the bright light.


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    1. I do have the fully engrossed look about me, don't I. Appliqueing tiny stitches onto fabric flowers is serious business. =) Thank you for beautiful comments, Dixie and for visiting my li'l place. I hope you are enjoying a pleasant week. Kim Xx

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  46. Hi Kim oh i love your post so happy and colourful,i love this quilt you are doing an amazing job,thankyou for sharing it and your lovely home with us xx

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  47. Kim - oh, the hours and hours of "work" that you have invested into this quilt. I suspect that you would substitute many other words for "work", such as delight and pleasure. It is truly a garden to be proud of, and a marvelous reflection of the beauty outside your door. I must say that my favorite picture in this post is the one of you - your home is gorgeous and I now have an image of you that I can keep in mind when I am writing to you! Enjoy the rest of your week.

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  48. And a lovely day to you, my friend! You have certainly made my day lovely. Oh Kim, I stand in awe of your creativity and talent. You truly amaze me and when I see your creations, I can't help but feel happy for they are ever so beautiful.

    Love and hugs to you!

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  49. Dear Kim, hard to believe that you are heading towards fall. I am counting the days till spring! The flowers you created are amazing!! Talent just rolls off your body. :) Can't wait for my Iris and Anemones to bloom!!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. You are very sweet, my lovely friend....thank you♥ I am so happy for you that soon your Irises and Anemones will bloom and you will be able to spend precious times in your beautiful Spring garden. Kim Xx

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  50. i really enjoyed the first paragraph of this post. the way you described the changing seasons, the subtile changes in each day, it was really beautiful. little things we take for granted...

    the quilt is GORGEOUS, a one of a kind, work of art. the colors, the details...all those tiny, beautiful, perfectly placed stitches, wow!! i enjoyed seeing the picture of you, working on your craft, your space is so pretty!!!

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  51. A gorgeous applique..I can almost smell the sweet aromas. The promise of spring is in the the air here in Oregon.



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  52. You did it again, Kim. Another wonderful post. Your stitches are so beautiful, as are the flowers, and I love that photo of you working by the window, making the most of the natural lights.
    Amalia
    xo

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  53. A magical seed packet indeed! Beautiful flowers being translated into stitch, most definitely a labour of love. Best of all is seeing you at work (or...at play!).

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  54. The cosmos! They look like they are real! You are a true textile artist! Anna x

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  55. Love the pastel background fabric, so painterly. It's hard to differentiate between the flowers from you garden and the applique flowers! Both so pretty! What a beautiful place to sit by the window and work on your lovely stitchery. Absolutely wonderful, Kim!!

    -Soma

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  56. Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful! Just too lovely for words. And that photo of you working on it, with big picture window, lace curtains and your decor, that is something else. I think you need to frame it.

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  57. What a work of art! I love your applique flowers, just wish I loved to applique.

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