Monday, April 23, 2012

Southern Comfort


It was a charmed and delightful trip to Alabama and Tennessee!  We laughed and laughed, made new "sisters," ate well, walked and sewed until we dropped.  

Victoria, Mary, Bonnie and Kim have posted lots of great photos of the workshop with 
China and Mary Ann Pettway of Gee's Bend, Alabama.  So I'll post other parts of the trip. 


This is the path between our sleeping cabin and the sewing/dining room.

Rocking chairs on porches seem to represent the South.  These were on our back porch.

Bonnie, Tina and I stayed an extra day with Mary in Tennessee.  We went to a couple of antique shops and found some amazing old quilts!  Tina came home with this top.

And this quilt.

I bought this Rocky Road to Kansas top.

And this top.







And this quilt, all made of silky fabrics.  






I worked with some of my old baby clothes that were sewn by my grandmother.  China Pettway helped a lot.  I came home with one rendition, but decided I didn't like it.  So I picked out the blocks and started over.  Here's last night's version.  I'm still not pleased, but will keep going until I like it!  

21 comments:

Karen said...

I know you had a wonderful trip - on lots of different levels. Can't wait to see the final version of the quilt - you'll know when you've got it right. The antiques are beautiful!

smazoochie said...

Wow! It looks like a beautiful, peaceful place. You all got some vintage beauties, I especially love the silky one. I will have to show you a comforter I have made with 40-50s era rayons.
I also love the top you worked on. I think it looks like hugs & kisses (x & o). Maybe you just need to take a break from it for a while.

fiberchick said...

What a fantastic experience you all had and what scores you made in those antique stores! I love where you are going with these precious fabrics...

regan said...

What a beautiful setting for such a fun retreat! And those quilts you all found are fabulous! What a find! Can't wait to see what you finally decide upon with your childhood scraps quilt.....it's looking really fun!

antique quilter said...

your childhood quilt just makes me smile.
I can't wait to see your final decision on it. I think it looks great, such memories.
I would have bought that rocky road to kansas too! just beautiful oh they all are really!
glad the trip was a lot of fun and productive!
Kathie

Sujata Shah said...

LeeAnn,

Great finds! Love them all. That Rocky Road to Kansas is gorgeous but the silk quilt is what stole my heart. I am glad you all had such a great time!
Looking forward to the finish on your childhood diary.

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

oh my! what great tops you guys found! wahoo! Cant' wait to see where your journey takes you on your baby clothes quilt. ;-) Had Sooo much fun with you all...

Tonya Ricucci said...

so fabulous and I bet that extra time with Mary was wonderful.

Kim said...

Oh wow.......look at those quilts left behind in antique shops.....I hope mine don't end up in one too.
The baby clothes quilt is still talking to you.....I just love it and the idea that you had all those clothes from your babyhood.

Happy Sewing and thanks for steering me to this fabulous workshop with all
fantastic ladies. It was magical!

Barb said...

wow - what a gorgeous setting! so green and lush.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos, looks like you were inspired!

Mary Keasler said...

Just look at you go! I am lovin' what you've got going on now with your baby clothes quilt. I know it will be a knockout when you get it finished! Hey, let's do this again soon. ;-O

meli B said...

I can't imagine such a weekend. Hanging out with other people to inspire, some awesome shopping and a take home project. Too good for words!

Karen said...

Some interesting old quilts. Especially the one with the bright green sashing.

Bonnie Hull said...

xxooxxooxxoo

Rachaeldaisy said...

That first photo made me want to be there straight away!! And those rocking chairs look so inviting. Those antique tops are wonderful!! I love your choices. Will you finish them off and handquilt them? Or just have the tops to enjoy and cherish. Your top looks great to me!! I love the X and O theme.

Marit said...

Thank you for sharing your big adventure with us. I do love the mix of fabric in your quilt top, and admire your courage for cutting up those precious little clothes! Enjoy the process of making your own puzzle.
And it's good to know you brought home some pretty quilts and tops, too - giving them a good home.
What a wonderful week, Nifty!!!
; )

Victoria said...

Sounds like an awesome trip!

Quilter Kathy said...

What a fabulous life experience...how wonderful for you all! ENjoyed seeing your photos!

Unknown said...

Wow, wow... you really cleaned house staying a day later! Those are fabulous tops!! Looking forward to seeing your final baby clothes quilt top!

MulticoloredPieces said...

Hi, Nifty. What an amazing experience at Gees Bend! I've already drooled all over Bonnie's tops and quilts. I understand the need to rescue quilts and tops at antique stores, but, still, it's too bad family members let them go. Your group certainly did its share of rescuing. Great stuff! And I like your idea for your baby clothes. Looking forward to seeing the final version.
best, nadia

Cynthia@wabisabiquilts said...

What a wonderful cultural and creative experience. I look forward to seeing your memory quilt evolve. How special that you have your own baby clothes to use in it!