The seed catalogues have been coming in the mail.  Time to order from Wildseed Farms which is the only catalogue that I order from. This year, I will order wild flower seed for New England, Cosmos, and sunflowers.  I no longer plant vegetables , except herbs and tomatoes.  I can get everything that I need at the Farmer’s Market.  That way, I can buy just enough for one and the Dexer market has the best fresh veggies and herbs.  Also home made bread and other great things.   I can hardly wait for the brocolini.  Yummy.

February is also the time to root the geraniums for the gardens.  I was able to save three from last summer so should have lots to plant when it is time.

Have you thought about using flower garden pictures for quilt colors?  

Who would think to put pink and yellow or orange and purple in a quilt.  Green is a neutral color.  It pulls everything together. A splash of white would be wonderful.   Just remember to use lights, mediums  and very darks of each color for contrast.  Check the seed catalogues for other color schemes.

Kat Tucker designed this quilt.  It was in celebration of Cananda’s 150th anniversary.  We received three blocks for 50 weeks along with the story of a Canadian Women,  The quilt was supposed to be red and white, but I decided to make it in blue and white.  It was so exciting to open the e-mail each Tuesday and receive the patterns.  Thanks Kat.

The quilt is almost finished.  It is hand quilted and I have just two more evenings of quilting to finish the border.  Then on to the binding.  

I hand quilt just a bit different than most hand quilters.  My thumb is actually in the right spot for my quilting. I quilt in my lap without a hoop.   I rock the fabric, not the needle.  My right hand holds the quilt against my leg for proper tension.  I can see if the stitches are small enough or even enough before I push the needle through with a thimble.  My under finger does not get cut with the needle.   I learned this technique from Marj Murphy at the Vermont Quilt festival years ago.

February 2018