Monday, March 1, 2010

French.

For many reasons, the primary one being that she was in the hospital, my mother was unable to attend the Quilter's Paradise Quilting in the Pines retreat at Bass Lake. I was very lucky and spoiled as my  father encouraged me to go in my mothers place. The quilting retreat is a very special time as you are in a room surrounded by other women, their sewing machines, their chatter, laughter and love. Woah my goodness. I never truly realised until this year just how much love is in that room. Quilters are somehow joined by binding threads and when one is having a rough time they will hold you together much like the quilting that holds together the layers of blanket. All of these women share stories, tell jokes, reminisce, and throw in a bit of sarcasm and mischief to provide some of the best therapy on earth. I'm telling you people pay BIG bucks for therapy this good. As Shakespeare the great writer says "Listen to many, speak to a few." Sure I did a lot of answering questions about Luke, and the wedding and my mom, but the things I heard left me full of that love, including encouragement, advice, stories of experiences, and support that would not and has not been only at the lake.
Speaking of Shakespeare, he has more to say that applies to this weekend....
“Teach not thy lip such scorn, for it was made For kissing, lady, not for such contempt.” Yep...I'm hearing bells and screeching brakes going off in your brain but keep going! The quilt I was working on this weekend was called French Kiss! Not quite your traditional Mennonite Quilt pattern! haha.

I had seen the Amy Butler's Daisy Chain Wildflowers fabric and pretty much gone gaga over it.

 I resisted buying the fabric for a while and then I just couldn't take it anymore. I was thinking about it ALL the time! Well except when I was day dreaming about Luke. Anyway I bought a yard, then began collecting more fabrics I thought would "really go" with it. What I was going to do with it? I really didn't know.

Some time later I went with Jennifer and her girls to see Mark and Cindy at a Quilts in the Trees show in Livermore. It was there that I saw this phenomenal diamond quilt pattern.

Then I found out that it was called French Kiss. THIS made me think of how Jenny and I called Luke Loooooooke because that's how the guy in that movie says it. Should you not recall this see the Video clip here. The pronunciation is about 5min 58 seconds in. Please note that the movie is NOT G rated. So the fact that Looooke would be brought into this quilt as well pretty much sealed the deal. The fact that the quilt concept included kissing? Icing on the cake.

Long story shorter, I worked on this quilt at Huntington in the Fall, and for most of this retreat and its finally finished!! Wooo! Not to say that this quilt wasn't given it's fair share of innuendos, potentially raunchy jokes, and quite a bit of air tongue action. (Every time some one mentioned it I'd stick my tongue way out and wave it around.) This did, however, lighten the mood quite a bit, and turned out rather well if I do say so myself. It was NOT an easy quilt. Diamonds are a pain to pin, but I'm pleased to say that almost all my corners match and I love it! Love it and love Loooooooke! (For those of you who were there....now all I'm gonna need is some sugar cubes...)

Also on the note of French, I made some ooober cool pillow cases that had French Seams which are self encased and don't unravel as much. (See here for directions.)


10 comments:

Grandma G said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend! I'm glad you got to go. Love your quilt!!

Live a Colorful Life said...

Oh so much fun. You definitely made the weekend so much brighter.

Tanya said...

Wow! This quilt turned out amazing!!!! I'm glad the weekend helped to lift your spirits. It is truly a gift of quilters and knitters worldwide to be able to share community with loving likeminded souls.

girlyhurley said...

What a beautiful quilt! I'm so jealous you were able to get away and just quilt for a weekend. Some day some day!!!

Jenny said...

Looks great! Beautiful quilt.

The Isaacs said...

Great job on the quilt, Jessica- it's beautiful. And the fact that it holds so much meaning and will remind you of the retreat makes it even more valuable!

Neola said...

You look sooo happy on your quilt!
Beautiful!! :)
Glad that you got to go and had a great time.

Little Spouse in the Old House said...

Awesome quilt Jessica! Love, Janice

Needles And Ewe said...

Beautiful! Just beautiful! ...and I love the quilt, too!

Ben and Alli said...

Wow! Quilts are not always my thing, but that French Kiss quilt with the Amy Butler fabric awesome! Well done!
Alli