43" square My quilt photographed on black background |
About two years ago, maybe three, I visited the Wagon West Quilt shop in
Wickenburg, AZ, owned by long-time friend Martha Walker.
Her beautiful original designs are inspired by 19th century projects.
I liked one
of the samples on the wall. Big ol’ baskets, simple one piece birds, big
pointy star shapes. Easy, right?
(How did I not notice the 1” berries. . . And those amoeba shaped blobs with finger-like protrusions all
around?
So I bought the book and got started. There are four quilt patterns and three wool projects included.
I selected fabrics from my stash for everything except the stripe for the border triangles (which I think worked really well.)
I made the templates and did needle-turn applique.
I soon discovered that it wasn’t as simple as it first appeared, but I did get pretty good at round berries.
I looked at this close up photo and noticed I missed a quilting line!
Do you see it?
If you’re ever in the Phoenix area, take a drive up to
Wickenburg. It’s a great western town with wonderful restaurants, a nice
historical center, a cowboy museum and….the Wagon West Quilt Shop.
Well worth
the drive.
And don't forget to stop by the Prison Tree. From 1863 to 1890 prisoners were chained to this tree because they didn't have a 'hoosegow'. Escapes were unknown. The wild wild west!
Luckily, I was unshackled but my friend . . .