Happy Hearts for various reasons.......

So much to tell!

So much to share!

And all with a happy heart!


It was a super duper busy week with flying, and a lecture/trunk show!

I received an invitation to share with the Happy Hearts Quilt Guild in Salem, Illinois.
This invitation all happened because I met Tere at Bonnie Hunter's workshop and lecture in
St. Louis last fall.  What a warm and inviting group of artists I encountered with this guild.  Shout out to the entire guild!  They are also having their annual quilt show next week.  Please visit their website for further information.

After my trunk show I was presented these 2 Quilts of Valor

made by the guild.  These will be awarded through 

Quilts of Valor, Eastern Missouri.

Thank you all so much on behalf of the Veterans that will receive them!

Happy Hearts for everyone, veterans included!

You KNOW Huffman's Hotties made an appearance here!

Some even pirouetted across the front of the room!

WOW!

Thanks again, and again for letting me share with you all!

Just to show that Bonnie Hunter has influence EVERYWHERE!

Here is Tere's Allietare mystery quilt.

Tere on left.

And, Tumalo Trail, the same pattern my friend Bev made

for my housewarming quilt!

Such a great scrappy quilt!

After the guild meeting, Tere took me around to several Antique

shops in the area, and we had so much fun!

I think I may have reintroduced Tere to new adventures in antique shopping!

My most sincere apologies to her husband! LOLOLOL

Come along and see some of the goodies we found!

VERY interesting!

I think this is an earlier quilt top finished with vintage fabrics.

The navy stars are mostly one fabric, and all of the backgrounds

add highlights and low lights.

The quilt is tied, and I am not sure why the border was chosen,

nor do I understand why the back was chosen, but,.....

it is so wrong, it's right!

Look how the quilt maker had a "make it work" moment

by piecing together some of the background fabrics.

I am currently piecing together some fabric like this 

to make a quilt work too!

Makes my heart happy!

 One of these things is not like the other!

Upper left corner!

And, some of the backgrounds have been pieced from

different fabrics.

My guess is the backing is a sheet and has

been turned to the front

for binding.

So interesting, and raises so many questions!

Everything old is new again!

Another interesting choice of fabrics!

It would be so interesting to remake this with modern fabrics.

However, this quilt could pass for modern as is!

Here is a pretty little quilt for a girl I would guess.

So soft and feminine.

The applique on this quilt is really very nice!

As you can see, it has been used a LOT!

The binding is virtually coming off.

Look at the lower left corner......another make it work moment!

Browsing antique malls for quilting goodies with a newfound friend

gives me a very happy heart!

Thanks again for everything Tere!

Earlier in my week while I was flying I was 

introduced to........

Lelah Mae Ricketts

grandmother of one of my long time pageant pals Frank.

Here is Grandma Lelah and my friend Frank.

I always love being able to visit my friends on long layovers,

and I happened to have that opportunity this past week.

Frank and I go way back, and he is a very talented vocalist.

Before we left for dinner, Frank said he wanted to show 

me something he thought I may enjoy seeing........

hmmmmmm........

HIS FAMILY QUILTS!!!!!!

Made by his loving grandmother!

I just couldn't wait to see them!

This bow tie quilt is made of Frank's childhood clothing.

We often see and hear of quilts made out of 

girls dresses, or men's shirts, but, this is the first 

quilt I have seen made out of boys shirts.

I love all of the blues, turquoise, and greens!!

Frank remembers wearing the shirts.....how cool!

This basket quilt is pretty traditional.

The handles are actually sewn down by machine though.

The quilt is tied, but,........

look at the backing!!!!!

It's another quilt all on it's own!

Crazy pieced to the nines!

You KNOW I love seeing things like this!

It definitely makes my heart happy!

Another cozy wool and polyester quilt made by Grandma Ricketts.

And, yet another example of Lelah's work.

Frank said he has spent many a cold winter's night under

this one.  It is backed with flannel and is super warm.

Can anyone name that block?

Please reply?

And the piece de resistance!

WOW! WOW! WOW!

Look at this crazy pieced quilt!

Look at all of the work that was put into it!

A closer look reveals all of the different 

types of stitches on each piece of fabric!

Such an amazing piece of artwork!

I insisted that Frank must display this in his home now!

It is a stunning example of stitchery goodness!

Visiting with a good friend and seeing his family quilts

obviously made for a happy heart for me!

After I got home from flying, and was able to

check my mail, look what I received?

Wendy of The Constant Quilter

received my name in

Barrister's Block's

Pin Cushion Swap!

There was the sweetest letter, a little round 

chicken pin cushion made out of a vintage

donut cutter that holds bobbins (super ingenious), a darning egg,

and that gorgeous little hen pin cushion in the center!

I LOVE IT!

It made my heart very happy to open this up

after a very long, but, enjoyable week!
Thanks again Wendy!!!!!

And in other news, I am once again joining Lori

at Humble Quilts

in her fall quilt along

Quilters Madder

Go check out the link to learn more.

With a happy heart,

Thanks for all of the encouragement!
Kevin the Quilter