In Native American terminology, 'counting coup' referred to the number of battles or skirmishes in which the warrior won - especially winning without shedding blood. It was also a way of recording the tribal history.
So I consider it a 'coup' if I manage to finish a quilt project without acquiring any injury. In looking around to 'count crow' in my sewing room I found several bundles of blocks waiting to be assembled into quilts, a '4 patch posey' quilt top waiting to have the pieced borders applied (and I know those borders are finished and hiding nearby somewhere!) and a small finished top all sandwiched and ready for quilting! I had the camera and was snapping pics as I went to remind myself about these 'finds' and proceeded to the Grotto level where there are several patient tops waiting in 'Flimsyville' with thread/batting/backs all ready to leap joyously onto the HQ16 frame - which may take a week or so to accomplish as the table is currently suffering the post holiday trauma of last minute gift wrappings.
It is really a challenge this quarter to narrow the list down to what I can realistically expect to finish, but here goes:
1 - Myrtle Beach Houses - the pastel house blocks were won as block of the month drawing while I was a member of the Amador Valley Quilters in Pleasanton CA - I loved being a member of that guild and hated leaving CA back in '97... I decided to add tree blocks between the houses, which took several seasons of hand applique, but managed to finish the top at a delightful retreat in Greensburg PA back in ....ummmm.... well, never mind, it's ready for quilting and that's what matters. I'm hoping to enter this quilt in a show this spring - the deadline is fast approaching!
Here's a little peek:
this is the backing and border fabric - shy little thing, it is!
2 - 2009 Calendar Quilt - a Pat Sloan adventure - that was a tough year - really deep snow, flooded basement, yuk! I was hoping this quilt would be full of pleasant memories! I spent a few years recuperating but I'm ready to finish this top now:
this is sideways... Blogger won't let me change it... sorry!
3 - Streak of Luck 2012 Sampler - started as a 'Streak of Luck' sampler class when 'Creative Stitches Cafe' opened - I loved teaching this class - and the students teach me so much!
hubby is so helpful - he makes an excellent quilt stand!
There are lots more, of course. I'll be working on several quilt tops in tandem with these finishes - some have deadlines coming in a few weeks - but progress is not the same as FINISHED - is it? This has given me an opportunity to photograph the current status of the inventory - a good exercise in restraint for me as so many go back such a long time!
My 'New Year Resolution' is always the same... Finish more than I start! Starting is my strength, but Finishing is always a challenge. I'm hoping this FAL will motivate me to have LOTS of finishes this year!
So I consider it a 'coup' if I manage to finish a quilt project without acquiring any injury. In looking around to 'count crow' in my sewing room I found several bundles of blocks waiting to be assembled into quilts, a '4 patch posey' quilt top waiting to have the pieced borders applied (and I know those borders are finished and hiding nearby somewhere!) and a small finished top all sandwiched and ready for quilting! I had the camera and was snapping pics as I went to remind myself about these 'finds' and proceeded to the Grotto level where there are several patient tops waiting in 'Flimsyville' with thread/batting/backs all ready to leap joyously onto the HQ16 frame - which may take a week or so to accomplish as the table is currently suffering the post holiday trauma of last minute gift wrappings.
It is really a challenge this quarter to narrow the list down to what I can realistically expect to finish, but here goes:
1 - Myrtle Beach Houses - the pastel house blocks were won as block of the month drawing while I was a member of the Amador Valley Quilters in Pleasanton CA - I loved being a member of that guild and hated leaving CA back in '97... I decided to add tree blocks between the houses, which took several seasons of hand applique, but managed to finish the top at a delightful retreat in Greensburg PA back in ....ummmm.... well, never mind, it's ready for quilting and that's what matters. I'm hoping to enter this quilt in a show this spring - the deadline is fast approaching!
Here's a little peek:
2 - 2009 Calendar Quilt - a Pat Sloan adventure - that was a tough year - really deep snow, flooded basement, yuk! I was hoping this quilt would be full of pleasant memories! I spent a few years recuperating but I'm ready to finish this top now:
this is sideways... Blogger won't let me change it... sorry!
3 - Streak of Luck 2012 Sampler - started as a 'Streak of Luck' sampler class when 'Creative Stitches Cafe' opened - I loved teaching this class - and the students teach me so much!
There are lots more, of course. I'll be working on several quilt tops in tandem with these finishes - some have deadlines coming in a few weeks - but progress is not the same as FINISHED - is it? This has given me an opportunity to photograph the current status of the inventory - a good exercise in restraint for me as so many go back such a long time!
My 'New Year Resolution' is always the same... Finish more than I start! Starting is my strength, but Finishing is always a challenge. I'm hoping this FAL will motivate me to have LOTS of finishes this year!
