Saturday, August 17, 2019

A Tisket A Tasket, A Pretty Heirloom Basket


A beautiful welcome to all you lovely lovelies♥ Goodness me, it's been a while since I prattled on here at my happy place. July has swirled around and around, tangled and trapped in howling gale force winds blasting into August, without nary a word from moi. 'Tis just a little too cold for me. Wish oh wish I was right smack in the middle of those 40 degrees hot, hot, hot summer days you up there seem to be 'enjoying'. Believe you me I am counting down the days till I can kick Old Man Winter down my ice encrusted country road, so that he can find lodging in some other part of the world! Though I have been absent from blogland for yonks I have been filling my  wintry freezing days with happy stitching.

I have been enjoying hand quilting my 'Buds in the Basket' quilt ('tis nearly finished) ......BUT.......would you believe I have fashioned another quilt, from start to finish! Yes I have; just a little one to adorn a wall in my humble abode. I know, I know, I should be stitching flowers on my 'big girl quilt' but I am afraid I have wandered from that flowery path where irises and daffodils and cosmos nod as I walk by. I have been led down a path where funnily enough pretty heirloom baskets are dotted here and there peeping from behind the blossoms.

Why was I led from my flowery path??  What can I say. I will have to blame it on one of my sewing room, tidying up frenzies. Whilst re-organising some books I came across a quilting book, 'Basket Quilt Show'. It is a book showcasing quilts featuring baskets and flowers, all of which won awards in quilt shows back in the day. I bought this book about 25 years ago and I can still remember being rather taken with the 'Heirloom Basket' quilt. At the time, I of course thought that I would love to fashion this pretty one day. Well......that day came about six weeks ago........quite a few years down my quilting path. As I am a gal who adores her baskets flourishing with flowers, both in pretty embroidered stitches, ribbons and fabric; and in real ridgy-didge drink-in-the-perfume-of-real, flowers....I wanted to try my hand at a little cross stitching with tiny squares of fabrics.

This quilt was designed by Ruth Diane Hosfield based on the original double bed quilt pattern by Anne Orr, which was featured in Good Housekeeping magazine in January, 1935. This quilt's style is called cross stitch. Years ago I used to do a lot of cross stitch, though mainly as gifts. I loved to stitch Anne Orr's designs. Do any of you lovelies of  'a certain age' remember her books?? As I researched, I learnt Anne Orr created nearly 100 books of designs for needleworkers. As needlework editor of Good Housekeeping magazine her designs became part of the decor of thousands of American homes.....and I suppose Australian homes, too. Ann Orr's designs are versatile. Her charts may be used for any needlework technique worked over counted threads or in blocks; as in cross stitch needlepoint, filet and mosaic crochet, petit point, knitting....to quilts made from tiny squares of fabric. So when my beady li'l eyes spotted the Heirloom Basket pattern all those years ago, I snapped the book up quicker than quick. Since time immemorial, yes, even when I was a slip of a girl, I have loved flowers in baskets....actually I have always loved flowers. Hard to believe, I know. =)


And......as I have a penchant for baskets of flowers either in quilts, or embroideries, I think a quilt of  1" squares of a pretty basket spilling over with flowers, in a cross stitch design would be just the perfect addition to join my collection of flowers in baskets, pretties.

Anne Orr's designs have always evoked in me a feeling of bygone days. Days of quaint scenes of children and animals; period children in silhouettes. And....I love, love, love her baskets of flowers, peacocks, birds, butterflies......so many designs evoking a feeling of whimsy. I have always considered her designs to be charming.

I didn't need to acquire any fabric as I had all the Kona colours I wanted to use for this quilt and the white background is a fabric that I had left over from another quilt. Sometimes it is a most excellent thing to buy more fabric than one needs, isn't it.


This quilt is fashioned of 2,322 1" squares in shades of grey, pink, blue, purple and yellow. As the main colour is white I chain stitched the white squares in pairs. This made the assembly of each row much speedier as I joined the required coloured squares together until each row was completed.


Love, love, love all that messiness of the back. Love, love, love the concertina-like swirls and swirls of the strips.



I love the back of this quilt as much as the front.  Love the soft muted effect of the sun shining through the quilt backing.


Love all the little crosses of the quilting in each square. Looks like cross stitch, doesn't it??


I love this quilt.  The piecing of the itty bitty squares took some doing and was a painfully slow process, but now that the last stitch has been stitched this happy quilt makes me smile. As this quilt is oozing with tiny squares I desired all the corners to be perfectly aligned.....I am funny like that. Thus the stitching of each row to the one below took an age. I pinned every corner and then stitched slowly along till the end of the row. I am glad I took  the 'slow is better' approach, ensuring each corner is perfect as I think it adds to the cross stitch aesthetic. Don't get that magnifying glass of yours out though......as there could be a few corners that are a little less than perfect.

Upon stitching all these tiny squares together I noticed the chart that I had followed did not match the photo of the finished quilt. The ribbon is a little different to that in the photo. Don't you hate that!! What a pain in the royal derriere. I dithered whether or not to unpick the offending squares but I decided to leave everything as is. I had just finished stitching the 2,322nd squares....did I really want to unpick and create much angst?? Noooooooooo!! The ribbon bow on my quilt looks tolerable enough. =) I am guessing "Little Miss Persnickety" ain't so persnickety after all! Shh......now don't you tell anyone.

I machine quilted this pretty. I thought straight diagonal lines stitched through the centre of each square would be the way to go. The diagonal lines stitched through each square gives the effect of cross stitch. I used Mono Poly extra-fine polyester, invisible monofilament thread to quilt as I wanted the quilting stitches to be 'colourless'. I have used a nylon thread before and had so many problems that I vowed I would never use it again. There were a few times when the thread broke but surprisingly the quilting was rather pain free.

I found after quilting this pretty that the quilt was rather wonky. As it was going to be a wall hanging I blocked the quilt to ensure all the 'wonkiness' disappeared. Alas, there are a couple of places that are still a little less desirable, but I think I will just have to live with these imperfections. Perhaps I will block it again. I have never blocked a quilt before so this was a first for me.









I love the cross stitch look of my Heirloom Basket and the gentle gradation of the colours. I love the pixelated look of this quilt. Why, looking through Anne Orr's Charted Designs book there are many other designs that would make a lovely quilt. Perhaps I will fashion another, one of these days.

I am amazed I have completed a quilt within six weeks! Never in the annals of "The History of Kim Sharman's Quilting Adventures" has this ever been done. No big deal to those of you lovelies who seem to whip up quilts within days......but as for me, I am popping the champagne cork!

But enough of me basking in the warmth of  my small accomplishments. Thank you for visiting my little place and taking the time to read my 'stuff and nonsense' about my little "Heirloom Basket" quilt. For the next little while I perhaps should finish my Buds in the Basket quilt and see that some flowers are 'growed' on my flower garden quilt. I can sense that Spring is not too far away........well at least in my dreams! The pretty flowers in the garden are once again beginning to pop up from the earth to herald the season that fills my days with joy. The wattle trees are blossoming and the daffodils and jonquils are beginning to burst from the confines of the prison of their green spathes resulting in bright and happy flowers. Yes indeedy, hundreds of bulbs have broken free from the damp, dank earth and growing towards the sun.

As for my pretty quilt it has now found it's new home on the wall. I must say I love the gorgeous spring feeling it brings to the family room. It adds to the pretty aesthetic which already oozes in this room. May your day be sprinkled with beauty and smiles♥


Until the next time...............


Linking up this week to Wendy's Peacock Party. and Finished or Not Friday over at Alycia Quilts.

73 comments:

  1. Hi Kim omg i am so excited for you as this quilt is absolutely stunning and gee a lot of work,thats a lot of little squares you had to cut out.
    Well done on your beautiful finish my friend xx

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  2. Your quilt is beautiful, so lovely!!! It definitely sings spring time!!!!!!! When we get inspired, we can really keep on sewing. I understand your longing for spring, I feel the same way at the end of our northern hemisphere winters. I do look forward to seeing the progress on Buds in the Basket in your next post, hopefully before 2 months go by. Happy Stitching!

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  3. Amazing ! Gorgeous ! Stunning !!!!!!!!!
    My eyes open wide when I saw the progress of your quilt !!!!!
    You are indeed a talented (and obsessed with flowers basket ;) ) woman !!!!
    Big hug !
    Have a cozy weekend !
    Anna

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  4. Oh, my goodness, Kim!
    I love your “Cross Stitch” quilt! You made how many squares?!!!! Wow!
    It’s funny how we get diverted by other lovelies, even in the middle of an already lovely enough “Lovely”!
    The effect from the back is beautiful too!
    Nice to see this lovely in place in your beautiful room too!
    Hugs,
    Barbara xx

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  5. What a joy to see your "Heritage Basket" quilt. So glad you didn't unsew the ribbon...I looked back and couldn't even see what you were talking about. The quilt is AMAZING and looks perfectly wonderful on your wall. What an accomplishment...to finish that quilt in 6 weeks...I, too, would break out the champagne!! I've been thinking of you since there were no new posts; glad to know you've been enraptured.

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  6. What a great and beautiful post! Dear Kim, I am glad you are back and what an extraordinary achievement to make such a super nice quilt in six weeks, exceptionally nice with flowers in a basket. You are looking forward to spring and we are gently entering into autumn. It is still warm, but also some rain now and then. Hugs to you!

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    1. Lovely Loes, Spring cannot come quickly enough for me. I long for warmth, sun and pretty flowers once more. Thank you for your beautiful comments re my little quilt. May you enjoy a lovely week. Kim Xx

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  7. Good to see you again! I love your basket quilt. I've only done one of those type, converting a cross stitch pattern to a quilt pattern, and it does take a while. I am dreading our winter to come. Hope you will be posting lots of flower pictures when everything blooms in your world.

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  8. this is a spectacular quilt--so nostalgic looking--reminds me of my Grand-mere's quilts and that era...beautiful job on this hugs, Julierose

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  9. Wow! How gorgeous! Seriously, it is so perfect and such a work of art! I hope your weather warms soon. I've missed you!

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  10. At this point I can only shake my head in wonderment! 2,322 little squares all stitched together in such a perfect way, and quilted in only six weeks! Unbelievable! What a beautiful quilt! You are an amazing artist! Wow!

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    1. When one sees that number in print, it does sound like a lot doesn't it. What was I thinking?? =) Even though it did take some doing trying to have all the corners meet perfectly, this quilt was an enjoyable one to fashion. Mind you, I won't be starting another pixel quilt anytime soon. Thank you for your lovely visit and sweet comments. Kim Xx

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  11. WoW Kim!! So thats where you have been hiding my friend!! Stitching away on such a gorgeous pretty. It is amazing ... & it just looks stunning on your wall there .... how gorgeous to gaze upon that beautiful quilt. Well done my friend xx

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  12. I am so happy to see a post from you! I am over the top amazed at your handiwork in this quilt. I literally said "what?!" when I saw the stitching swirls of the beginning of your quilt. Oh my, is it gorgeous! I just love the pixelated look and the colors are perfect. Hey, I noticed no snow on the ground? Spring must be on the way!

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  13. What a delightful translation from cross stitch to quilt. I've been wondering where you were and glad to hear from you again. I'll be looking forward to seeing your beautiful flower gardens when we are in the throes of another winter landscape.
    Pat

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  14. Wow, Kim! I cannot believe how gorgeous that quilted heirloom basket turned out! I'm with you on how beautiful the swirls of strips look, and when a quilt it just as beautiful on the backside as it is on the front.....well, that's a real gem. I love that old pattern. I have it on several vintage linens, and also on a beaded purse and guilloche dance purse I have in my collection. What a way to shoo out winter and welcome spring to yourself! And it's hard to believe you did that in just six weeks. Kudos!

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    1. Ooh....I love the sound of this pattern being on a beaded purse and guilloche dance purse. I can just imagine how gorgeous they are. Wish I wish I could visit you and take a peek at them.....but....you might have to frisk me on my way out your door. =) Thank you for your sweet visit and beautiful comments, Rita. I hope you enjoy a beautiful week in that amazing loft of yours. Kim Xx

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  15. Great to see you back Kim. What a beautiful quilt! You really worked had to get that done in six weeks. What a lovely idea to quilt it like that too - it looks stunning in its new home. xx

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  16. Really and truly, Kim, I gasped at the finished quilt, and said "Oh my word!" Your basket quilt is a work of art, just as all your pieces are!! I cannot believe that you were able to finish that beauty in 6 weeks!!!!! I am totally astonished at you sewing 2,322 itty bitty squares together. I am so glad that you have it hanging in your home so that you can enjoy it everyday. Thank you for sharing this amazing piece with us. xxoo

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  17. Hi Kim, what a lovely pixelated quilt! It really looks great on the wall. I hope that winter will leave you soon - it looks like summer is exiting Ontario now - it's finally reasonably warm.

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  18. No tengo palabras ¡¡¡ES MAGNIFICO!!
    Precioso trabajo y preciosos bordados. BESICOS.

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  19. So many tiny squares! You're crazy! lol. It looks fantastic. It should certainly herald in the warmer weather!

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  20. Oh wow Kim that is just beautiful, I had not heard of her but that is a neat way to do a quilt and I love the colors you used, like the cross-stitch look that stitching gives to it too. your picture with a basket with real flowers at the bottom is so pretty. It is amazing you have gotten it done so quickly! It looks fabulous on your wall!
    Don't kick old man winter too hard or you will kick him her and I don't think I am ready for him just yet. I can't get over how green it is there, in the winter our grass turns brown.

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  21. So proud of you for making this quilt, it is lovely. I have looked at the pattern and drooled, then said to myself, "I am not the one to make this." Love the quilting that makes it resemble cross stitch as well!

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    1. Why, thank you so much! Oh, I don't know, I think you would fashion this quilt fabulously.....if indeed you were to change your mind. =) It truly is not difficult, just fiddly in getting those corners to meet perfectly. I am thinking I might try another pixelated pretty in the future. Thank you for your beautiful visit. I hope you enjoy the most loveliest of weeks. Kim Xx

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  22. That quilt was definitely worth putting your big girl quilt aside for a bit. It is absolutely stunning. I love everything about it. You will soon be into your real blooms, Kim, as we will be in the midst of our wishing for those summer days.

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  23. Long time no see. Good to read your post. The quilt is lovely and brings a ray of sunshine to your room. Well done on getting it finished in record time!

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  24. Your Heirloom basket is gorgeous. You are very talented. We are waiting for Autumn.It has been very hot in America. Many states are still having 100 degree temperatures. Nice hearing from you.
    Marion

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    1. Ooh....I love the sound of 100 degree temperatures. Autumn will be knocking on your door quite soon, I would expect....and Spring here. Thank you for your sweet comments re my little Heirloom Basket, lovely Marion. I hope you enjoy a lovely week with oodles of sunshine. Thank you for visiting. Kim Xx

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  25. Wow! That quilt is an art in itself,if I may say so! A grandiose piece Kim, regardless of ribbon being tilted or not. I have done cross stitching back in the day, made a couple of tablecloths, but sadly - they are stored in a box and not fashioning my poor tables. After seeing your cross stitched gorgeousness I am tempted to take them out!

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  26. Happy to hear from you Kim. That quilt is gorgeous. I love the colors, so bright and pretty. Welcome back. Glad all is well with you.
    Marilyn

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    1. It's nice to be back, Marilyn. I didn't intend to be away for so long. =) Thank you for your beautiful visit and comment. Kim Xx

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  27. Wow. I am *almost* speechless...so beautiful! What a gorgeous quilt, I am truly amazed and I hope you warm up soon. I'm not a fan of winter either.

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  28. Beautiful. I love how you took a cross stitch chart and made a quilt that looks like cross stitch! That crosshatching in mono thread is the perfect touch. It looks lovely on your family room wall.

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  29. This is beautiful! I love pixellated quilts. And completing it in six weeks is impressive! Well done.

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  30. Absolutely stunning,Kim...Such beauty!I love those embroideries too. Glad for visiting you.Hugs!

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    1. Thank you so much, lovely Maristella, you are very kind♥ Thank you for your sweet visit. Kim Xx

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  31. Kim - well, this certainly explains your absence from the blogosphere! And it was worth it! I am amazed that a design that has its origins "long ago" should look so modern - pixelated was the word I kept thinking and then you said the same thing. As someone who loves cross-stitch, I believe you captured a cross-stitch look to perfection. Well done. A lovely addition to your cozy house! Enjoy your spring days ahead!

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  32. A beautiful quilt; but not surprising to me that "you" made this. All your work is beautiful and amazing! This is the perfect addition to your house and home. Such pretty colors. Well done!

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    1. Thank you, Sandra, for your sweet visit and lovely comments. All those tiny coloured squares do play nicely together, don't they. Hope you are enjoying a fabulous week. Kim Xx

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  33. Every time I say you've outdone yourself, you do it again! Yes, I guess you and your little fingers have been just a bit preoccupied...but what another stunning masterpiece to show for it! And it looks absolutely heavenly hanging above your bed. Stitch on, my friend!!

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  34. What a pretty quilt and quite a unique idea! And it looks lovely hanging on the wall too!

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  35. A beautiful basket of flowers that will never wilt!

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  36. Oh my word, that is stunning. What a beauty! I love the cross stitch effect :-)

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  37. Wow wow wow!! That heirlooms basket is spectacular!!!! What a great quilt and the quilting is perfect for it!!

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  38. the quilt is quite lovely and does indeed look like cross stitching. i'll bet it smelled awesome as it came indoors from the cold fresh air!!

    you found a great spot to hang it....

    spring is not too far off for you but you have made great use of your time indoors!!

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  39. Oh my word - my jaw dropped when I read how many little itty bitty teenty tiny squares there are! I would have been totally going cross-eyed if I were to tackle such a thing, but oh the end result it SOOOO worth it!! You have outdone yourself Kim. Nobody will ever know the ribbon is slightly different than the original - and besides, it's a design element!!

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  40. Amazing!!! I love your vision, and your patience, to get this beautiful work of art done and dusted. Many congratulations indeed.

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  41. Thank you, my day was made lovely by reading this post! Wonderful work and congrats on such a speedy finish. I think it happended because this project fulfilled all of your favorite things: cross stitch (reimagined), baskets and spring flowers (and what a beautiful landscape it was photographed against!). Nothing wrong with a change in project direction that brings you (and us) total joy! But shhhh, please don't send Ole' Man Winter to this side of the equator any earlier than he is due!

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  42. Oh my goodness my heart skipped a beat. You are some kind of amazing, where in this world did you ever . . . I say ever . . . Come up with this much talent. You are a stitching genius. I am in awe.

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  43. Wow, your creation is amazing, so beautiful, and full of tiny squares ;)

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  44. Gorgeous basket quilt! I have considered making a quilt from a cross stitch design and now may just give it a try. Thanks for inspiring.

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  45. Kim, I’ve been busy in my garden and kitchen this week and am behind on my reading and what an incredible post awaited me!! Oh, my! Your latest quilt is amazing!!! I’m truly amazed at the work it took to keep ALL of those tiny squares in correct order. It’s another work of art! We all need a little diversion from other projects but this was over the top! Thank you for sharing it and I know you will enjoy seeing it everyday! Zenda

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  46. Is there anything in your life that is not flowers and sunshine? The whole blog is a sweet feast for the eyes: baskets, flowers, ribbon, books and quilts! I've been reading several blogs (trying to catch up a bit) and your's is dessert! A day can't get much better.
    We're having 100 degree heat here, so you're welcome to a bit of it as soon as we can ship it down there! (Thanks for visiting my blog.)

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  47. I have to say I am thoroughly impressed! And I'm not one that usually likes art quilts or wall hanging quilts but I'd definitely hang it on my wall. It's gorgeous! I love vintage linens too!

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  48. It is funny what tidying the craftroom does to you! No wonder this quilt cut the queue! I love how modern it looks close up but at the same time gives you all that beautiful flowerness! Absolutely gorgeous! Anna x

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    1. Tidying up my sewing room always leads me down new and exciting paths. =) Thank you for your beautiful visit, lovely Anna. Kim Xx

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  49. The flowers basket is gorgeous. Greetings.

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    1. Thank you so much for your beautiful visit, Sandra. Hope you are enjoying a beautiful week. Kim Xx

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  50. Well, I think it's a work of art!! You amaze me at what you can accomplish, and with such finesse!! Welcoming spring is a wonderful thing. It's my favorite season and I look forward to it every year. While you welcome it, we will roll into fall. Another glorious beauty!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. I have put out the welcome mat to entice Spring here, Jann. Soon it will be Spring here, and Fall up there. Both seasons bless us with glorious colour. Thank you for sweet visit and beautiful words, my lovely friend. Kim Xx

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  51. WOW!!!!!! That's incredible. Well done. You're very clever to have turned your idea into a quilt. Thank you for linking up to the Peacock Party.

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  52. How lovely to see you back. Now I see what was keeping you from Blogland! This is a very clever idea and truly stunning quilt : )

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  53. Wow Kim! Your quilt is GORGEOUS! A real MASTERPIECE! Kisses, my friend. I am back from vacation.

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  54. Kim, your basket quilt is filled with delight! Oh so lovely! It looks perfect to me. xo

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    1. You are very sweet, Gina, thank you for your beautiful visit. Kim Xx

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  55. Oh my goodness - that is the most amazing thing I've ever seen - and you've done some other amazing quilts - this one is fabulously wonderfully spectacular! What a project - I just adore it - you are so clever - and patient. Lovely lovely lovely my dear lovely friend

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  56. Podobają mi się twoje pracy, lubie haft kolorowy, pięknie go pokazujesz.

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  57. Hi Kim, it's Kathie (bawden, now still) I see you continued to excel with all your UNBELIEVABLE craftiness! I am astounded at all you're achieving. These creations are beautiful and inspiring. I am looking forward to more from your seemingly limitless imagination. Good on you!

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    1. Now, there is a name from my wicked past. =) Why hello, Kathie, how on earth did you stumble upon my little blog?? How lovely of you to visit and gift me with your beautiful comments. Yes, I am still imagining pretties to stitch and stories to tell. I suppose if I live to be 100 I will not fashion all that is swirling around in my muddly head. How are you?? I am hoping all is well with you and the girls. I am supposing you are a grandmother many times over by now. Anyway, thank you again, for visiting my little place....so happy you did. Kim Xx

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  58. Hi Kim I'm incredibly jealous of your lovely garden and setting! So you! Yes 10 grandchildren!!!! Currently making my Christmas cards, nowhere near your standard I fear but I like doing them.you inspire me to pull out my cross stitch and get going - if my eyes can take it. Hope you have many more years to bring all your imaginings to light,I love looking at them! Kathie.

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    1. Hi Kathie, Yes the garden here is so very me AND so very Pete. He is the one with the magical hands. This garden is his dream. He has magically transformed a very underwhelming plot of land into a garden of great beauty. Yep....it ain't half bad. =) Gosh, 10 grandchildren you say...how lovely for you. Your Christmas cards sound lovely. A hand crafted card is always a beautiful thing. About the eyes....it is sad, isn't it, how they dim as we age. I suppose I will just keep on stitching until these ocular instruments of mine can see no more. Have a beautiful day, lovely Kathie. Thank you once again for popping by. Kim Xx

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