212. Folk Dance

 Awhile back I was given the opportunity to test a pattern by Lynne Goldsworthy (an online friend from way back in the heyday of blogging) and her two friends, Karen Lewis and Jo Avery. Initially I just had to test a block or two. But I enjoyed it so much, and was so excited to be working with my beloved stash of Oakshott cotton and a background of Essex linen, that I just kept going.

Some blocks were easy, like the sawtooth stars and the houses.

Some were more of a challenge, like the circle.

And then there was the applique. 

I am not one for needle-turn applique, so I chose instead to do a blanket stitch. I became very proficient at it and have come to enjoy it.

Besides piecing and applique, there was also English paper piecing.

There was such a good variety of techniques that I thoroughly enjoyed making each and every block.

I ordered a beautiful floral for the backing and some subtle Oakshott stripe for the binding.

I used extra blocks for the label.

We took it for its first photo shoot on a fall day.

This is the technique Mark uses to keep his arms from getting tired--paint roller extension rods.

When the idea for the second calendar popped up, I knew exactly where I wanted this quilt photographed--thanks to my friend Karen Foster @capitolaquilter: Just outside the Venetian Hotel in Capitola, California, with all its candy-colored rooms.

A year ago, we decided to spend a week there to celebrate our anniversary. 

We got up early one morning. I really wanted the sun shining on those colorful buildings in the background--and no people!, but the sand was in the shadow and it was really windy.

Thankfully there are photo editing apps for that. :)

During our time there we were able to spend  a couple hours with Karen--what a treat.

On our way out of town, we took a couple more photographs.

This is one of my favorite quilts.

Quilt: Folk Dance

Size: 60" x 80"

Designed by: Lynne Goldsworthy, Karen Lewis and Jo Avery

Made by Cindy Wiens

Quilted by Darby Mayers