I am sometimes the worst . . .
when it comes to completing projects. Oh, I start out well but find myself petering out towards the end. Not so with a Christmas tree quilt made I this year. It all started about eighteen months ago when my husband and I traveled up to Hamilton, Missouri and the Missouri Star Quilt Company. We had a great time there where I bought fabric for another I was making for my granddaughter.
I saw the Christmas quilt in one of their many shops and bought the pattern, but it would take another trip, this time to Paducah, Kentucky— a city know for its folk art and quilting— to find the fabric to make it a reality. I know you may be asking yourself, “Why on earth would she travel so far just for fabric.” The truth is I don’t. Just like most, I travel to experience new places, but quite often the souvenirs I buy will be in the form of textiles. When they become a quilt, it brings back fond memories of my time of wandering. A big bonus for sure, plus with Paducah being a mecca for quilters, what better place to find inspiration?
Big Bonus of Joy
This particular quilt has another bonus for me as well. The color combination reminds me of Scandinavia. My husband’s mother is the daughter of a Swedish immigrant, and although I have never been there, the blues give me the feeling that part of the world. The closest I have come to Scandinavia is the town of Solvang on the central coast of California where it seems Christmas happens all year round. It’s a sweet place to visit, poke around in the shops, and eat a pastry or two. Over the years, my husband and I have spent many Sunday afternoons, strolling around the town. And, in case you were wondering, I have purchased fabric there, too. (It’s the curse of a textile artist.)
Now that the quilt is complete and hanging on my wall for the Christmas season, I have a great satisfaction of a project completed along with the joy-filled memories it evokes. It just feels good to look at it. It brings a certain light to the room, one of peace and security. And that is what Christmas is all about, after all. A day of remembering when the Prince of Peace came to dwell among us.
Wishing you a peaceful Christmas that is filled with great joy.
The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky
This just a very small sampling of the modern quilts on display.
I gave our seven-year-old granddaughter, Hero, the camera to capture images of the beautiful quilts. It helped to keep her involved in our visit to the museum. 
Hancock of Paducah
Whoever said less is more never had a dessert and she certainly never bought fabric.
Carrie Nelson
Your quilt is absolutely stunning, Patty! I had no idea you were a fabric champion, so that’s another great fact to know about you and your creative abilities. Merry Christmas to you and yours, too!
Thanks! And Merry Christmas to you!
Dear Paul, Patty and Hero,
Warm greetings and Christmas Blessings to you from all of us at Liebenzell Mission! We are still thanking the Lord for your beautiful hearts to serve with such abandon and love at our retreat center. Presently, we have a missionary family from Zambia spending the holidays at Bethel in the apartment you helped to renovate. Many other missionaries have been blessed by your gift of service this year already. So thank you again and again. Please give Hero a big hello from us. Sadly, Paty, has returned back to Ecuador. We miss her so! Patty, I enjoy reading your blogs and keep saying that I am going to make one of your delicious recipes. We hope you are settled in your new home! Merry Christmas to you from your family at Liebenzell USA Mission. Rejoicing in the glorious birth of our Savior! With thanks and care, Marybeth Please come back and visit!!!!
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Your precious message brings a smile to my heart. I am so glad someone is enjoying the space we had a small part in creating. It feels like we get to be in on welcoming them. We have such fond memories of our time with you at Liebenzell USA. Our plans are to return sometime next summer to lend our hands again if you can use them. Perhaps when I’m the I will cook one of the recipes for you. ❤
And quilting brings me such joy too! I, too, have been to Paducah, one of my favorite places in the world. I’ve seen the pillow quilt up close and personal. It looks 3 D…amazing work!
That one was my favorite. That and the one with the peacock surrounded by a border of different birds. Amazing. They made me feel like a baby when it comes to quilting design and execution. Such talent. Even so, I love the process and the memories each one brings. Thanks for stopping by. ❤