National Redhead Day

"You'd find it easier to be bad than good

if you had red hair. People who haven't red hair 

don't know what trouble it is. "

Anne of Green Gables

My friend Kathy, a fellow redhead, sent me an email telling me that today is National Redhead Day. Who knew??? What an awesome day to celebrate!!! As far as I know, there is no National Blonde or Brunette Day.

"Redheads are sunshine

mixed with a little

hurricane."

When I checked into this day, I discovered that there is another Redhead Day. It is the name of a Dutch summer festival that takes place during the first weekend of September in the city of Breda in the Netherlands. Also,  World Redhead Day is celebrated on May 26.  Wow! Why haven't I ever heard about this before???

Because I know you are fascinated by this topic, let me share a few more dazzling redhead facts.

Less than 2% of the world's population has red hair. The highest concentration of redheads can be found in Scotland (13%) and (10%) in Ireland.

The rarest hair/eye color combination possible is red hair and blue eyes; most redheads have hazel, green, or brown eyes. (I have blue eyes.)

A 2004 study showed that redheads need 20% more general anesthesia than people with dark or blonde hair. I asked about this once before surgery, and the anesthesiologist confirmed that it was true.

Redheads are supposed to be more sensitive to pain, but I'm not sure that is true.

Final fun redhead fact: we don't go grey. Most redheads will find that their red hair fades to a strawberry blonde and eventually white, but we won't go grey. :-)

Now, less you think having redhead is easy, let me tell you otherwise. When I was in elementary school, one of the police officers who crossed us at the lights would yell, "Okay, boys; okay, girls; okay, Red!" I got used to it, but I didn't like it one bit. Also, grown men driving by would think nothing of yelling out the window, "Hey, Red!" That happened all the time. Now, I admit that when I was little, my hair was very bright, bright red, but grown men should have known better!!! (In September, on National School Photo Day, just for fun, I posted my fourth grade school photo. If you want to see just how bright red my hair was, click here. :-)

So, on behalf of my friend Kathy, Prince Harry, Little Orphan Annie, Anne of Green Gables, we wish you all a very happy National Redhead Day!!!  

A Busy, Busy Week

 Cranberry Pond, Weymouth

Maybe it's Halloween, but Blogger is acting really crazy. I thought for sure that I might have lost all of my previous blog posts, but I was able to retrieve them.  It has been incredibly busy, but it has all been good.:-) Because this blog acts as as my journal, let me share what I have been up to.

Last Monday 10/21- After an early flute lesson in Norton, I drove to Norfolk to meet my cousin's mother-in-law. We have become friends, and we went to lunch at a lovely restaurant in Attleboro, The Colonel Blackington Inn. Next we stopped at Briggs Nursery in North Attleboro. Beside being a full garden center, they also have a gift shop and an eating area. I'll definitely have to go back there next spring. Come to think of it, wouldn't be fun to have lunch there during the winter and be surrounded by plants? Our last stop was back in Norfolk for a walk around the Stoney Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tuesday - 10/21 Crosstown Quilters Guild Meeting - After our regular meeting, "Show and Tell," and refreshments, our own Nancy Hunt was our very first "Quilter in the Spotlight." That was something I dreamed up a last spring. We had David Sirota giving an afternoon workshop, but we wanted a short program for those not taking his class. Nancy graciously volunteered to bring and talk about some of her many projects! Here are a few of her pieces.

Look at this quilt Nancy designed to use her Row by Row license plates. Isn't is fabulous!!!

Here's what I found most interesting. Nancy has taken many, many classes throughout her quilting life. Look at one of her very first class pieces . . . a hand applique Baltimore Album quilt. WOW!!

As I mentioned, David Sirota was our workshop presenter in the afternoon, and I will share more about that in a future post.

Wednesday 10/22 -

Driving by the Abigail Adams birthplace in North Weymouth on my way to meet friends for lunch at the Bay Pointe Inn in Quincy, I nearly stopped to take this positively glowing tree in the Old North Cemetery next to the birthplace. I was running a bit late, so I took this photo the next day. [Fun or at least interesting fact: Mr. Watson of "Watson, come here I need or (I want to see you,)" spoken by Alexander Graham Bell after spilling acid while experimenting on this telephone invention, is buried in Old North Cemetery.] Some day I may just go looking for his grave.

Thursday - 10/24 Meeting of the Quilters Connection Guild in Watertown.

Friday - 10/25 Monthly quilting weekend in Stoughton. We usually spend the weekend quilting. The room is locked after the last person leaves, and we come and go as we wish. Friday night, however, I got a call that a ceiling pipe had burst in our sewing room. YIKES!!! I flew over to retrieve my things, and fortunately, my machine was not ruined. My projects and fabric were wet, but the washer and dryer took care of that. The room looked terrible. It was a good thing that it was empty as the ceiling tiles that came down were right over the table where my friend Laurel and another lady had been sitting during the day. What a mess!!! The hotel had just complete renovations on that room. Laurel's machine is in the shop as it got totally soaked. Again, we are thankful that no one was there when the pipe burst.

Saturday - 10/25 Since we couldn't quilt, my friend Edith and I went to the Proper Bostonian Quilt Show in West Roxbury.

Okay . . . so far this week, among other things, there has been a flute lesson, another lunch with friends (The Dancing Queens) on Tuesday, and dinner with other friends last night. What does this all mean??? It explains why I don't get nearly as much accomplished as I might like. It explains why I can't seem to lose the pesky ten pounds that I would like to drop. I counted it up; I have been out to eat six times in the space of nine days!!!! Oh, my goodness!!! It also explains why I consider myself to be a lucky lady to have such a fun, wonderful life. :-)

Afterthought: Lest you think that I have a totally charmed life, I am coming up on the anniversary of my second mastectomy; the first was in 2007. I am telling you this to remind you and implore you to get checked. Do not let age or lack of family history of breast cancer dissuade you. Please get checked. I am living proof that early detection does saves lives. I am doing great. This also explains why I try to fill each day with positivity and fun. :-)

"You've Got Mail" Quilt and the Colors of Autumn

Don't you love how other bloggers take artistic photos of their quilts? Sometimes they are draped over split rail fences, hung on the side of a barn, or displayed in some other clever fashion.  I just draped this "You've Got Mail" quilt over a rocker on my sunporch. Trust me; it really does look much better in person. The black binding which you can't see in this photo ties it all together. Hopefully, some older child or teen will enjoy receiving it. The top was done months ago, but it took me forever to get around to quilting it. If only I could stay focused on one project and finish it before starting two or three or more new ones. I'd be embarrassed to tell you how many quilts and other stitch related projects I am currently working on. :-)

"You've Got Mail" is a free pattern from Missouri Star, and you may watch a step by step instructional video on Youtube under the Missouri Star channel.

I did also complete this little wool applique piece since my last post. The kit was from Bareroots Little Stitches, #164 Beeskeps Candle Mat. I worked on it while watching Tom Brady and the Boys win their last three games. Go Patriots!!!

Last Sunday, I went to a fun birthday party for my now fourteen year old triplet cousins. Isn't that unbelievable? Wasn't it just yesterday that they were born? On the way to the party, I made a quick stop at The Quilted Crow in Bolton, and yes, some pretty wool did come home with me. :-)

The foliage was striking in that area, but it is just beginning around here.  This tree is in a cemetery off High Street in Hingham.

I carry my iPhone when I take Emma for a walk and this image is from Cranberry Pond in Weymouth. I'll have to remember to check it out to see if the colors deepen this week. Wasn't it nice of these geese to go gliding by in just the right spot?

I was happy that my decorations survived the wild wind and heavy rain that we experienced this week.

One last thing . . . I needed another yard of fabric for one of the quilts on which I am working, so yesterday  Laurel, Edith, and I went on our own three shop quilt shop field trip: Emma's Quilt Cupboard in Franklin,MA,  Franklin Mill Store in also in Franklin, and Ryko's in Lincoln, RI.

Okay . . . I've already admitted that I have way, way too many projects lined up, but it would have taken a much stronger woman than I am to resist buying a few yards of this gorgeous batik fabric. The coordinating fat quarters that I picked up are from the grunge line, and I may need a few more for the project that I have in mind.  For now, fingers crossed, I'll tuck it all in a project box and work on finishing some of my other quilts first. :-)

Ponyhenge - Whimsy, Joy, and Pure Delight

In a field along #39 Old Sudbury Road in Lincoln, MA, there is a magical gathering of rocking horses. After attending the two quilt shows last Thursday, my friends and I headed to a spot that I had never seen in person . . . Ponyhenge!!!

There were about forty, colorful horses of all types, materials, and sizes arranged in three circles.

The inner circle consisted of small horses while larger horses galloped around the outer edges.

No one knows who discarded the first horse or who else has left horses; it doesn't matter . . . it is simply wonderful. The horses are right along the road, and there is a spot to pull off the road safely to take photos.

There was a slight breeze, so a few of the horses even appeared to be rocking in the beautiful, autumn sunshine. 
   

In these troubled times, it is good to capture moments of wonder and delight. You can be sure that I will come back to visit this spot again.

My GPS sent me home through downtown Boston. Why? Who knows, but the last time I disregarded my GPS directions while heading toward Boston, I got stuck in a massive traffic jam. So, I followed its directions, and I was able to grab this shot while waiting at a traffic light. Boston is truly a beautiful city.

Exquisite Antique Silk Log Cabin Quilt

On Friday, I went with my friends Edith and Laurel to  the Concord Piecemakers Quilt Guild Show in Acton, Ma, and the Rising Star Quilt Show in Lexington, MA. Both show had stunning quilts on display. When we entered the church where the Concord Piecemakers had their show, I spotted a sign "Vintage Quilts for Sale" pointing upstairs. Up we went. There were quite a few cotton, antique quilts spread on the tables, but at the end of the room I zeroed in on this exquisite silk quilt. I knew that it would be coming home with me, and it did!!!

There was no label on the quilt. Evidently, a woman had donated these quilts to the guild because the family didn't want them. That is a shame.

All of the silk log cabin blocks are handsewn. With a few exceptions, the blocks have retained their bright colors. It probably has been stored away. Though a few of the logs have frayed, split, or come apart, for the most part, the quilt is in very good condition given its age. I have repaired vintage quilts before, so I may or may not attempt to fix these spots. It is definitely not a quilt that you would use, but rather just put on display.

I brought it to a meeting of the Herring Run Quilt Guild yesterday morning to see if a couple of knowledgeable members could help me date it. I had tried to do some research on silk quilts, and I came up with some interesting information. One article, "Rare Quilts from the Smithsonian's Collection to Go on View" indicated that from the 1870s to the 1920s, the silk industry flourished in  America. "Paterson, New Jersey, was known as America's "Silk City," and produced miles of silk fabric. By the 1880s, even girls and women who worked in factories were able to afford silk dresses for "Sunday best." The article is short but makes for interesting reading. Here is another interesting fact; the Smithsonian's collection of quilts and quilt related items are accessible online here.

This information in the article coincided with the opinions of my fellow guild members who placed this quilt from that same 1870s - 1920s time period.

As you can see, the maker had a lovely color sense. The block above is one of my favorites.

In the photo below, you are able to see the pink damask backing and the crocheted lace edge around the entire quilt. 

 I plan to display it on a quilt rack in my dining room out of direct sunlight. Jackie L., from our guild, suggested that I keep a covering over it to protect it from dust and sunlight when I don't have company. She also said to periodically fold it in different ways to prevent permanent creases. I do that when I fold my own quilts, and it is good advice to follow.

I would love to know your thoughts about this quilt. It is my understanding that Blogspot does not always allow readers to leave comments. Why that is I do not know. I have found that I am also sometimes not allowed to comment on others' blogs as well. You may always reach me at my email -

    jesmith28("at" symbol)comcast.net.

I will treasure this quilt always, and I will be sure to place a label on all the quilts and wall hangings that I make.

For Emma fans: Here she is game day ready. Brady and the boys are now 4 - 0. Go Pats!!!

Downton Abbey and a Very Quilty Month

If you are a Downton Abbey fan, drop everything and go see the movie. It's wonderful in every possible way, and it is as if you were visiting dear old friends (albeit those who live and work in a house a bit fancier than mine.) I saw it yesterday with a friend, and we both loved it!!! It was delightful seeing it all unfold on the big screen. I cannot wait to see the next movie which I imagine Julian Fellowes is already in the process of writing.

It has been two weeks since my last blog post, but I have been happily very, very busy. The only finished stitch piece was this wool applique, autumn themed vintage truck scene which was a pattern from Buttermilk Basin.

So, what else have I been doing quilt-wise? On Monday, Sept. 16th, I attended  "Meet the Teachers" at the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell. This program allowed representatives of quilt guilds to hear from teachers who are eager to speak at our guild meetings. I'm mentioning this because there is currently at the museum an exhibit of the work of the late Sue Garman which is not to be missed. Her daughters have allowed the museum to host an amazing collection of her work. Her Baltimore Album quilts were exquisite and the range of her other quilts is definitely worth a visit. I first became aware of Sue Garmen when I made her Old World Santas quilt in 2012. Here is my quilt. I apologize for a not so great photo as it was was taken while it was hanging at our 2012 guild quilt show.

Sue Garman had designed many of the BOM quilts for The Quilt Show.  Her patterns are still available from her daughters on their website, Come Quilt.

At our first meeting of the year at the Herring Run Quilt Guild, I took a class taught by delightful, energetic Beth Helfter of Eva Paige Designs.  Beth has developed a fun technique for creating very scrappy "Accordion Sewn HSTs." She has a number of instructional videos on Youtube and a new book, OOMPAH! which explores her method.

On Friday, Sept. 20th, I took a class with award winning, improvisational quilter Marge Tucker at her Rockland studio. The class was "Eel Grass and Eddies (Long Layered Curves,)  and I have been addicted to making these blocks ever since. :-) [Marge was at the "Meet the Teachers" program at the Quilt Museum, and each of Marge's quilts was met with audible gasps. Her work is fresh and exciting, and she is an excellent instructor.]

Finally, at Tuesday's meeting of the Crosstown Quilters, our speaker was award winning quilter Pat Delaney whose trunk show was perhaps the most impressive trunk show that I have ever seen.  It was beyond words.

All of these lovely ladies have trunk shows and offer classes and workshops.  Click on their names to go to their websites for more information.

And now it is time to finish this up and take ever patient Emma for a long walk . . .

Wool Applique - Schoolhouses and Apples

When I saw this September wool applique kit offered by Shabby Fabrics, I knew that I would have to purchase it. Schoolhouses and apples . . . how could I resist?  :-)

Wool applique is one of my favorite forms of hand stitching because it is so relaxing and easy to do. 

Have you given wool applique a try? If not, you definitely should, but I warn you it may very well become addictive. There are many ways to prep your wool applique, and Youtube offers many how to videos. I use the method shown in these first two videos from Anna at the Woolie Mammoth - Quilt Roadies blog.

Wool Prep - Part 1

Wool Prep - Part 2

Black Mountain Needleworks has a very good article "Working with Wool" which discusses the difference between felted wool and wool felt. They sound like the same thing, but they are different.

Felting Wool for Applique Tutorial

My advice would be to start with a small kit that includes the pattern, wool, and floss or thread. The pattern will no doubt include a stitching guide. The piece above is primarily done with a simple blanket stitch. The piece I am currently working on will allow me to include a larger variety of stitches. 

If you find that you enjoy wool applique and you would like to explore incorporating other stitches, I would suggest Sue Spargo's book, Creative Stitching, which includes step by step instructions and illustrations for seventy stitches. It is a very good reference text. One further suggestion would be to be sure to get the 2017 edition as it is spiral-bound which makes it easier to use. 

National School Picture Day . . . 

Who knew that there was even such a day? On a number of TV programs this morning hosts were showing their school photos, and so, just for fun I decided to show one of mine.

Yes, this curly, red headed moppet was me in fourth grade. That's your smile for the day.