Over the River and through the....

It has been below zero temps here the past few days and on days such as these I pause to reflect on the people who settled this northern land.  How did they ever survive in such frigid temperatures with so little to protect them?  Many nights when it is cold like this I slip beneath my clean sheets, fleece blankets and cozy quilts and I proclaim aloud, "Thank you, Lord, for my warm, clean bed and home, running water and soap, and plenty of food to eat." Some nights my husband and I will add different things to the list.  I think of the homeless people and cannot imagine how they survive here and other than MN's very generous welfare package I cannot imagine what keeps them in this state.  But, by the grace of God, there go I.

I digress.  When I think of the past, I can't help but think of riding in the sleigh and going to Grandma's house.  Well, let's switch it up a bit and go in the summer!  Here is a quilt I machine quilted not too long ago for Deanne from Northfield, MN.  I don't know the name of the pattern (sorry) but it reminds me of going over the river and through the woods to either one of my Grandfather's houses in Kentucky. For some reason the stars remind me of catching lightning bugs in our hands.  :)

Deanne's accurate piecing helped keep the quilt straight.

I have a non-computerized Gammill Classic that is 22 years old and I do not have a stitch regulator.

I love the scrappiness of her quilt and the block used in the bottom of the quilt.  Lots of fun things to look at while quilting!

Deanne also did fantastic machine applique but you cannot see it in these pictures.  

Thanks Deanne for the opportunity to work on your fun quilt.  :)

Everybody stay warm, enjoy the sunshine and be grateful - no matter where you are!