Galloping Horse Quilt

Who makes a movie out of a quilt? I do, I'm afraid. You were warned that I would be experimenting around with iMovie, and using it to show you the new quilt I just made is the perfect occasion.

Back in January, I mentioned that I was thinking of making my first quilt to go along with the new bedroom curtains that I made you look at in Heatherstone Curtains Revisited. I figured that if I promised right here on the blog to try quilt-making, I might have to follow through and actually do it.

Well, I did and am quite pleased with the results. Most of the fabrics came straight out of the scrap bag, and are a combination of the blues and greens I have always loved because I was born and grew up near the sea, together with some almost-blinding yellows and golds that I like to think of as Southwest-y.

Pity the poor English major, always looking for a theme...

I am showing you the quilt today in film-ish form because it is one of those objects better observed from the back of a galloping horse. In other words, it is filled with mistakes and puckers and if I limit your view of each photo, I am hoping that you won't have time to notice!

Suggestion For a New Year's Resolution

You know you have moments here and there when your hands are idle—riding in the car, watching TV, sitting in meetings, or chatting with friends. Why not use that time to produce some warm mittens, socks, hats, simple baby quilts, or sweaters for someone in need? If you’ve been reading this blog for any time, you know that I make hand-knit sweaters for Knit for Kids. I’m on sweater number 32 right now, and all of them have been created with time that would otherwise have been wasted. It warms my heart to think that some little kids might be more comfortable this winter because I put my spare minutes to work.

Here are some links to web sites that will get you started, no matter what your craft or level of expertise. Why not pass on this information to other people who might help out? You might even organize a group at your club or church to work on projects together.

Charity Connection: http://cache.lionbrand.com/charityConnection.html
Search by craft or organization, and by zip code to find a local charity that needs what you make.

Crafting for a Cause: http://www.recipelink.com/crafting.html
Many crafts are represented here, including quilted sleeping bags for the homeless. Patterns are included.

Handmade for Charity: http://home.att.net/~susanBinKC/hcharity.html
Baby blankets, sweaters for adopted kids, blankets to make animals in shelters more comfortable, afghans for Afghans, socks for soldiers—here are all kinds of crafts: Knitting, crocheting, quilting, etc.


Happy New Year!