Greetings from the Bahamas! We are currently floating gently at anchor near Staniel Cay. We are safe and well, and plan to stay here for a while. If you're interested in the details of why, feel free to read my husband's post on our travel blog. This little 4-ft. nurse shark came by to greet us the first day we were here.
Like a number of others in the quilt blogosphere, I've decided to have my writing remain focued on quilting, and leave the pandemic discussions for other forums. That being said, I'm always happy to hear about your thoughts and feelings in the comments, including your reactions to this strange new world we're living in.
Meanwhile, spending even more relaxed hours on the boat means even more sewing for me. I have a number of finishes to share with you over the next few posts. Let's start with this little quilt that I made as a gift for my Mom.
Designed to just fit the back of her loveseat, it's a simple whole cloth quilt made from a large scale koi print. I love this fabric so much that I bought it in three colorways! The green one ended up on the back of a quilt for my brother and sister-in-law, and I still have a dark blue chunk.
I quilted the fish simply and the background heavily so the koi would pop a bit. In the brown areas I did a watery back and forth motif. In the black areas, I followed the subtle printed design, which was mindless and fun.
My Mom loves horses, so I used this fun Dan Morris print on the back. You can see the heavy quilting more easily over the golden tones. A flanged binding frames the piece and finishes it off.
Here it is in her lovely home. The colors work really well with her decor. The bronze metallic accents pick up the color of the velvet cushions of the chairs and are harmonious with her oriental rug. Most importantly, she is quite happy with it!
Gift Koi was finished before we left the US and I could still mail things out. Here's a sneak peak at one my finishes here in the Bahamas, with that gorgeous blue water in the background. More about this quilt, and more soothing turquoise water pics, soon!
Good for you to keep your focus on quilting. I am trying too but the world of change is so intrusive. I nipped over and read your hubby's post. Quite a juggling act he is doing. My brother is in Naples...selling boats...lol none lately. He said the waters are full of people living on their boats right now. Food and supplies are very scarce there. He has to drive above Ft. Myers to find anything fresh, where he found a farm store.
ReplyDeleteIf you can hang on there and have food and supplies, it is probably just as safe as around here. The infection rate has not peaked and I fear we have a few more weeks before it does. So many people are not staying in and so they put so many of us at risk. Virtual hugs and real prayers for your safety.
Beautiful photo of the quilt on the boat with that amazing water. And your mom's loveseat quilt is perfect!
ReplyDeleteWhy IS the water that color, anyway?
ReplyDeletethat's a lovely place to wait things out for you both... though I imagine some things will be a bit tricky. I love the quilt you have made.. those colours are glorious and suit your mums area just perfectly....
ReplyDeleteHappy stitching... and waiting... maybe the stash cupboard will shrink????
Hugz
Making the best of a tough situation; quilters have been doing that for centuries! Nice work on the orphan blocks and these baby quilts!
ReplyDeleteOh how delightful to see the beautiful blue tropical waters!, and even more so to see the baby shark visiting you there.
ReplyDeleteThe koi fabric is a treasure and certainly fits your Mom's home perfectly, she must be thrilled. I'm way behind on reading blog posts so I'm now going to head down to your earlier one and then have a read at Sean's post.
Safe sailing!
Oh those colors do go well in your mother's living room. Perfect! Glad you can keep sailing and keep busy!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos. Love the blue, blue ocean and your Koi quilt is lovely. Looks great. All the best and stay safe.
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt for your Mom - the colors are just perfect for her house! And your quilting is spectacular. I'm off to read your husband's post. What a beautiful place to be!
ReplyDeleteThe quilt for your Mom is perfect and looks really nice on her loveseat. I think I could sit and look at that quilt against the beautiful turquoise water for a bit, just to pretend I'm there with you. We need some green things and flowers here - we are still waiting in the brown and dreariness. Can't wait to hear the story behind that quilt. I thoroughly enjoy Sean's posts, and I learn things, even though I don't completely understand everything about boat mechanics ;-)
ReplyDeleteAh, a get-away on the ocean in the Bahamas sounds idyllic right now. No people contact is a good thing. Even taking a walk where I live, in Central Florida, can be dicey. I've stepped off the sidewalk curb and into the street, more than once, to keep the six foot distance. I'm SO, so glad I have sewing and quilting as a pastime. I don't know how others are managing without a hobby. Your makes are lovely, especially because they're perfect for the recipients. Good for you to be so thoughtful! Enjoy peacefully bobbing.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear and see only fun quilting talk and photos! Love the pretty ocean shot.
ReplyDeleteYou are in a very different situation than most of us and yet the same restrictions everywhere. Stay safe and healthy and keep on quilting . . .
ReplyDeleteAhhh! Good massage for the spirit this post. The koi quilt is as calming as those waters. Glad you’re bobbing along peacefully. We are doing pretty well here in Canada so far.
ReplyDeleteThank you for focusing on the positive! This couldn't be a more perfect project. You love it, and more importantly the recipient loves it. And thanks for including a picture of its new home. It really does look WONDERFUL in your mom's space. I'm sure a lot of people are wishing they could be in your place right at the moment. :)
ReplyDeleteFits your mom's sofa perfectly!!! I love koi, too. DH and I were just talking today about the time we drove through a koi farm town in Japan. The koi were in ponds right up to the roadside! It was quite a sight.
ReplyDeleteYour mom's quilt is perfect for her beautiful home. I really like the quilt on your boat. It's colors are beautiful with the gorgeous water behind it. Can't wait to hear where that quilt is going. Great snap of the shark who came visiting.
ReplyDeleteI read your hub's travel blog & it sounds like y'all are doing the right thing by hunkering down where you are. We are doing the same in our home. This too will pass!
Wishing & praying for safety for y'all while you are having to deal with this situation.
After reading your husband's post and knowing how things are escalating here in the US, I think you are doing the only thing you can, staying put. It is a very scary time and completely insane that so many people are either oblivious or down right contrary to the threat of the virus. I'm glad you have quilting to occupy your time and only hope you don't run out of supplies. Keep calm and quilt on.
ReplyDeletePat
Glad to hear you are safe and well and able to stay where you are, Louise! That beautiful view of water would be very calming to me. Your mom's quilt looks perfect for her, and I bet she loves it!
ReplyDeleteYour koi quilt is beautiful, and just perfect in your Mom's lovely home. I'll be she is thrilled with it!
ReplyDeleteLove that baby quilt! So cheerful and the blue ocean goes with it perfectly!
I'm glad you and your hubby are staying safe!
Too long since I have visited! I had to get caught up on all your sewing. I am so glad you are getting a lot done. I started out strong (beginning of quarantine) but have slowed down. I love all your quilts, and there are too many to comment on, so I'll just say how great the koi looks at your mom's place.
ReplyDeleteComplicated times for everyone, but especially for those who don't have a traditional home. The Koi quilt looks fabulous on your mother's couch. Hope you get in lot of stitching time. Wishing you calm seas and good weather till things ease and you can craft another path forward.
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