TOO OFTEN WE UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A TOUCH, A SMILE, A KIND WORD, A LISTENING EAR, AN HONEST COMPLIMENT, OR THE SMALLEST ACT OF CARING, ALL OF WHICH HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO TURN A LIFE AROUND
LEO F. BUSCAGLIA

Monday, November 9, 2009

Autumn Porch Quilt

I've been working on this quilt as time allowed since early September. It certainly is vibrant! I love that about this quilt.

I machine quilted and then did a scrappy binding. Washed and dried it to get the gently worn softness that usually comes over time. In my opinion a quilt is just not done until it has been washed and dried!

This is an Eleanor Burns design from her book Quilts Through The Seasons. The fabric is her autumn color selection by Benartex. I bought the book (she signed it for me) and fabric at her shop, Quilt in a Day, in San Marcos, CA way back in January of 2008.

Yes, there is a dog in the shop. She works there.

Classroom ~ HUGE space.

I have the fabric pictured below. It's for the Summer Front Porch Quilt. Love the fresh crisp look of this color way.

Meanwhile, everyday life continues. While Tom is still home struggling with his health concerns, life has settled down to a more normal feel. Tom does see improvement as time passes. Has his ups and downs. He hasn't been able to return to work as he thought he might.


Life is quiet, yet busy for me with Tom home. Believe me, I try to keep him busy, too. He tags along for some walks and I enjoy his company. Walking is part of his recovery plan, so we walk a lot. I have kept up with my walking goal, meeting and surpassing the 10,000 steps...on some days. There are days when two miles is a challenge. I walk anyway!


I finished stacking the firewood, the leaf mulching is done, the lawn and gardens are put to bed for the winter. I am ready for the holiday season to come, but before we get to that I'll have another quilt finish to share with you. Soon. Just need to stitch the binding down, wash, dry and quilty goodness is all mine. Yup, I am keeping this one for my very own and I can't wait to show you!


Hope life is treating you well.
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30 comments:

  1. I really like this quilt! Very pretty and cheerfull.

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  2. I have been out of touch for awhile and I am so pleased everything is progressing. Your walks sound like a very good thing, I need to do that too.
    Can't wait to see your quilt, love this one, bright is good this time of year. Now that the time has changed it gets dark much to early. Doing the binding is so nice, it feels good to hold the quilt rather than have it under the machine or in pieces.
    Sounds like you have been busy in the yard and garden too. I am already looking forward to next summer... must be patient and enjoy the seasons though.

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  3. Oh wow, I really like those warm autum colors in your quilt you completed! and those scrappy cut up pieces do a great job bordering the whole quilt before the big border on the outside.... ooough and the spring colors look great too! ;) It would be hard to pick a favorite.

    Lucky you to get to meet Eleanor Burns!!! and visit her shop!!! I use to watch her show all the time back when QNNTV.com was brand new and free. I love her techniques and listening to her talk! ;)

    Love from Texas! ~bonnie

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  4. Kim I love the quality of colour in that quilt, it looks like a stained glass window, awesome! Can't wait to see YOUR quilt! It's strange to read that you are ready for winter, as I sit here we are in the third day of an early heat wave, air con running, mid 30s Celcius, cold chicken and salads for dinner and it's not summer for another three weeks. Right now I'm loving it, by Feb, I'll be over it (hoping for a fire free summer). Glad to hear that Tom is slowly improving one step at a time. Have a great week.
    Lizzie
    XXX

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  5. Your quilt is "just fun".

    Good to know you're getting some sewing/quilting in. Look forward to seeing what you're working on now.

    Sewing hugs and blessings...always.

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  6. Kim, that quilt is absolutely stunning. Really beautiful, I bet you are thrilled with it.

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  7. My comment just got eaten lol...if this shows up twice sorry. So I love that quilt, it's beautiful. I'm glad things are settling down for you guys. I was just at Quilt in a Day last week for a shop hop, great store!

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  8. The quilt is gorgeous. I don´t know how you managed to finish it with all what is going on in your life and another finish soon, wow. Have a nice day and say hello to Tom.

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  9. Your quilt is just wonderful...and I so agree...it's not done until it's been in the washer and dryer...makes it all squishy. Glad to hear that you all are settling into a more normal routine...good for you, keeping up with your walking, glad Tom is going along with you too. Can't wait to see your new quilt...you have been a very busy girl! Take good care!

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  10. Kim,
    Your quilt is lovely, I'm sure it is very special to you as a memory of meeting Eleanor Burns. Beautiful, love the colors.
    Wendy

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  11. Love the quilt! Glad to hear Tom is improving too! Enjoy your day! :0)

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  12. Well with you in my midst sharing all this goodness how can it be anything BUT well! (life that is). This is a delightful post with an absolutely magnificent fun happy and well done quilt to start us off just right. This is a really, really, great quilt Kim. I love it. I'm extra happy to read about you and Tom going on frequent walk-abouts! ...and finally, I have to agree that summer porch quilt is super super cute.

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  13. Just beautiful and finished even better! I remember a time when I dreaded washing a fresh crisp quilt and boy has that changed! I'm with you washed, dried and crinkled is best! I often tease that I'm shy of dragging behind the car for that real worn look as well.
    Each day that comes is a gift...

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  14. Beautiful quilt. Glad to hear things are moving toward a more normal life for you and Tom...even if it is coming slowly. Take care!

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  15. The quilt is gorgeous!!
    Glad to hear Tom is healing even if it is at a slow pace.
    Prayers and best wishes2u!

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  16. Gorgeous quilt...and I totally agree...a quilt isn't finished until it is washed and dried ;o)

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  17. Kim great job on the quilt, I love Elenore Burns patterns, this is one of my favorites. Finding that shop is a job for sure lol hidden in the back of a business park but totally worth it.
    I am glad Tom is on the mend sorry it isn't going as quickly as he would like. The Lords time not ours I always have to remind myself :O)

    I think it is wonderful and totally awesome(teen in the 80's here) that you are making your walking goal. You should be very healthy and one hot mama!
    HUGS Carin

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  18. Your quilt is beautiful, Kim. I can imagine how busy you are, but glad to hear that Tom is doing okay.

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  20. It is so good to hear from you. I recently got an email from this site: http://walkertracker.com/ and wondered if you knew about the site?

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  21. Very nice quilt! I love the pattern, and especially the fabrics. The shop pictures are great -- I would probably get into lots of trouble there!

    Glad to hear that Tom is improving.

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  22. Your 'Porch Quilt' is wonderful, I still have the picture you sent me of it while it was just being quilted. The colors are so beautiful. OH how I love the fall colors, on the trees, and in the quilts. That shop is definitely a place where I could pass a few delightful hours and most likely some $$ too. LOL. Thanks for sharing the photos. All the best to you and Tom, you are both in my thoughts and prayers, as always.

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  23. A fine finish! Autumn colors are a favorite for me so your quilt suits me to a tee. I agree that a quilt is finished when it is washed and dried. I like the crinkly look. I also like quilts with an aged look. The colors seem to mellow and blend more.

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  24. Love your new quilt.. it will be nice to snuggle up under it during cold days...after a walk maybe... glad to hear that you still hang in on the walks... you and Tom!! NIce going..;o)

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  25. Your Autumn Porch quilt looks awesome! I agree about washing and drying a quilt after it has been quilted. I like how it becomes all puffed up and comfy like! Keep on walking! :0)

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  26. Hi Kim,
    Lovely quilt and so nice to see you back on line- This fall has flown by for myself as well. I am glad that Tom is starting to feel better- It sounds like you are busy with many things to accomplish each day.
    It is nice that you are getting out walking and quilting too.
    I look forward to hearing about your continued progress on your quilt. I hope that Tom continues to feel better and enjoys a successful recovery.
    Warmest regards,
    Anna

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  27. Hey, Kim! Glad you and Tom are walking, and that you made your goal... healing is slow business, and frustrating for you both, I'm sure.
    Your porch quilt is beautiful, and you are totally right: Gotta wash/dry the quilts before they are "finished". I can't wait to see the quilt you made for yourself!

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  28. Beautiful quilt. I have this book and really would love to make this pattern.

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  29. Your quilt is gorgeous! I think I need to get that book and make some quilts after the holidays are past. Thanks for the inspiration. ~Adrienne~

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  30. Lovely quilt and for your Mom ..... even more precious! Both colour versions are nice. We don't walk as much everyday anymore, but something is better than nothing.

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Thanks for stopping by.

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