Louella's Roses

Louella's Roses quilt was made for her 100th birthday, July 14, 2017.  I couldn't be at the party so sent her this quilt.  I chose several doilies for the backing to allow signing by all who were there.  This signing took on a greater purpose since several have sent wishes that her daughter Suzanne could later stitch on.

Louella in Tullahoma, TN admiring her Roses backing.

Callan and Mariel in the backyard fish pond, 1990.

NOW 2018, a year later, Louella is 101 and Luke has joined the family.  Mariel and I enjoyed taking him first to meet N GA Baker family and then to Tullahoma, TN to meet Louella. 

Mariel signed a doily for her and Luke's visit

All these years later, since Grandpa Paul Pyle's 1991 death, his dulcimer studio is frozen in time.  It's such a joy to see where they made 1665 dulcimers together.  Creative Clutter dream.

Lola Peacock and Two Quilts

Lola for Suze at Sixty

Few quilts have been as fun as making this Purple Lola for cousin Susan.  

I took her to  Intown Quilters  to choose a backing fabric.  She chose these large floral circles printed on black.  I stared at it for weeks, dreaming a design for the front, based on the back print.  The good thing about having her pick the backing was knowing what palette and vibe she wanted AND the deadline was "whenever" since she already knew about it. Perfect.

Along the way, I'd started a Family Tree Canopy quilt leading up to Callan and Johnny's Oct 8, 2016 wedding.  I mailed precut blocks to friends and family, asking that they bring them to the wedding. My starting the collection at the wedding was another Loose Deadline.  The wedding was wonderful and magical at Stan Mullins' Art Studio in Athens, GA.   There was so much to see during the festivities, Cal and Johnny never saw my collection basket.  I decided to slow down again and extended the block deadline.

Susan sent this AMAZING appliqué and embroidery peacock named Lola.

Lola by Susan

It took less than a week to see the floral circles as Feathers on a larger Lola.

I traced her bird and then enlarged to roughly 24" x 36".  

When Suze and I were young, Grandma Baker made each of us an appliquéd Cat Quilt in our favorite color.  She chose Purple and I chose Green.

 I made the purple background and then appliquéd Lola in a perfect spot.  Once inspired, I had this ready for her Surprise Birthday party,  November,  2017. 

Susan had the rare honor of designing her own surprise quilt!

Six months later, Callan and Johnny received their wedding quilt on her birthday, May 26, 2018.  There is so much love in these blocks and stitches.  I'm so grateful!

Lola is near Callan's left hand, three blocks over, near Matt's diamond shirt pattern.

Lola with Stevie and Cleo below.