Progress, Graduation and Pilgrim & Roy

Step by step and oh, so slowly work continues on my Trip Around the Block. Here's a closeup of the border.

Background quilting in progress on the border.

Free-motion quilting is a boon for those who hate to mark. It takes so much time and I personally can't see the markings unless they are very dark (and then they are hard to take out.) But I had this "brilliant" idea that marking guidepoints would be quick and easy. Wrong-o. Tracing the entire design might have been easier. Does anyone have advice?

Last week I flew across the country for a graduation. A beautifully sunny day for the ceremony. As always, the candidates and their families are proud, happy, hopeful and relieved. With 60 colleges in Boston alone, clusters of joyful families crowded every street, park and restaurant.

Boston University 2014 graduation

Of course, I had to take in the Pilgrim and Roy exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts. Quilts and Color compares the vibrancy of Amish, Mennonite and others from the 1850s to 1920s with Op Artists of the mid 20th century. Of the many outstanding quilts, this strongly graphic design was our favorite. It was especially enjoyable to discuss the patterns, fabric choices and quilting designs with my daughter. Part of another quilt sparked an idea we plan to pursue soon. Isn't that the joy of sharing!

Touching Sunbursts quilt 1854, Pilgrim and Roy collection

Best serendipitous find? Grey's Fabric and Notions. Owner Sarah Grey also carries loads of indie patterns. We chatted with her for half an hour about her classes and patterns.

Grey's Fabrics and Notions

 

We chose these ocean-themed pieces to make pillows. Love the whales!

Hearty Good Wishes by Janet Clare for Moda

Home in time for Memorial Day. God bless the men and women who've given their all for our freedoms.

Fret not; enjoy the day.
Ann