I've already written my name in mine so no one else can run off with it.
On behalf of my Canadian readers, I put up my hand and asked about the origins of the bear paw logo, and why we, a guild in New Zealand (which I don't think has any life threatening animals) chose a bear paw as our logo. There were at least 4 people in the room who were present when the guild started. They said that a vote was held, and people chose the bear paw because of it's meaning - Hand of Friendship, not anything to do with bears sorry.
I've started hand quilting my scrappy bear paw quilt. I'll use Perle 8 and big stitch hand quilting. Of course I'll colour co-ordinate, and use a matching Perle 8 for each block. I don't even think that I'll have to buy any more colours of thread. I've got so many in my box.
The President of the guild stood down at the AGM on Saturday, and we had been secretly asked to make her a Retail Therapy block in her favourite colours of pink, purple and aqua blue. I couldn't fit them all in one photo, but they looked great on the wall and she was delighted.
Aren't they great. Here's a closeup of my contribution:
I had to use zig zag because I couldn't get the blanket stitch to work on my old machine! The beautiful Bernina in the photo at the top of this page is my brand new machine, which I'm just learning how to use. I have a lesson on Thursday and things will be better after that. I told my family that it's like moving from my 1979 Ford Escort (my first car) to my current Subaru Outback - everything is different! Electric windows, keyless entry and ignition, automatic transmission, dashboard handbrake, etc etc. My previous machine was a Bernina 910 that I purchased in 1987, my first year of working after university. It's done really well, but I want to do more machine quilting in future, amongst other things. The new machine is so smooth and quiet. I love it already.
The new Bernina 550QE is both my 25th Wedding Anniversary present (June 2) and my upcoming 50th birthday present (October). Here we were 25 years ago. Look at all that blow waved hair! Yes, Serena and Carla, my bridesmaids wore purple!!! Somethings never change.
I'm linking up to Blossom Hearts Quilts. It's her blog's 3rd anniversary and there are lots of prizes up for grabs.
16 comments:
How great to know the reason for the bear paw block choice. The bag you received looks really handy, and the blocks you made for your former president are lovely together. Congratulations on your anniversary and awesome gift - taking the classes for my Bernina was a huge help.
hiWendy,
Thanks for answering my query about the bear paw...glad to hear I wasn't the only person wondering. Your quilting is looking lovely on your quilt.
Love your retail therapy blocks for your president, yours is very cute. What a fun block to do for her.
Wow 30 Years for a Quilt guild is something to be treasured and with some original members present as well. That surely means we are quilters for life! I think I can live with that.
Happy belated anniversary, and early birthday wishes. Your hand quilting looks perfect - I never rule lines when I have done it - maybe I should start.
big congrats on both the birthday and wedding anniversary. How good to have a new bernina, I have had my 1230 since early 90`s. Have just added a singer featherweight to my collection. Bear paw looks good and love all the handbags.
Your stitches are so perfect!! Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday!!
Love the Bear Paw history. Also a Big Congradulations on your Birthday and Wedding Anniversary. What a great gift--I am sure you enjoy! Also your president will honored to have such a wonderful purse quilt--from all her friends--Beautiful!
Congrats on your anniversary and gift to yourself! It's amazing to look back at our wedding photos when we were all so young ... Where did the time go?
Is the purse block an original? What a great quilt title, Retail Therapy"!
Wendy what darling little handbag blocks. I noticed that one of them was inverted and wider on the top, which also looks just as good. Happy anniversary and early birthday too. You've been married now half of your life!
As always, I love your post. The 3oth anniversary and still some of the original guild members around is great. You made a lovely bride. I know you will enjoy that Bernina for years to come. Let me know if the changes to my google account helped so you could reply.
Love those handbag blocks and gettingto know a new machine is tricky. I have a new Janome and finding 1/4 on it is headwrecking! Had to be purple really didn't it!!!
Love those handbag blocks and gettingto know a new machine is tricky. I have a new Janome and finding 1/4 on it is headwrecking! Had to be purple really didn't it!!!
Wendy, your hand quilting is beautiful! I can hardly wait to see the bear paw when it is complete.
Good to see you stick to your guns and favour purple after all these years! (That dress in royal blue and the same white shoes is what I had to wear as my sister's bridesmaid 21 years ago.)
Our guild does the same thing - makes blocks for outgoing presidents. I had better get sewing!
I also know what you mean about cars and machines. It took my a while to adjust to my new car even though it is the same make as my old one - they updated and moved all the buttons!!
Beautifully even hand stitching!
Love your hand stitches on the Bear Paw Quilt-they are so straight and evenly spaced. What beautiful work you do. Thanks for posting your progress.
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