Where was I?
Last time, almost two and a half months back I was here and somehow summer months took over.
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| From Gwen's book and collection "37 Sketches" |
Lynn Harris,
a good friend of Gwen, a prolific quilt artist was kind to come along.
Lynn has participated in Gwen's retreats since 1998 or so! Lucky Lynn! I am forever thankful for her generosity for taking the time out of her already busy life and agreeing to accompany me to the island.
We started our road trip the day after my second workshop at the Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Guild. As we got closer to the lake Michigan, I found out Michigan is another state famous for producing cherries. The orchards were loaded with fruit. On our way to Charlevoix airport we had a great time talking quilts, families, books and being a first time author.
Those of you who don't know, the only access to the island is a ferry or
a flight. We decided the flight would be extra fun and will save time.
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| We were like kids in a candy store! |
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| Our ride to the island |
Gwen came to pick us up at the airport in her red truck! This picture alone tells how happy we all were to see each other.
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| Gwen and Lynn |
Next two days we spent talking, sharing and more talking. Gwen was so generous to show us both her antique quilts, textiles from around the world and her own quilts from her numerous books. We spent time in her studio looking at her collections of antique blocks and many laughs.
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| Gwen's Liberated Log Cabin |
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| She is all smiles! |
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| One of my favorites! |
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| Stack of Sketches |
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| A Sunset to Remember! |
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| Moments I will never forget! |
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| The Cover Girl |
Lynn and I slept in Gwen's guest house covered in quilts made by her. I am still in disbelief when I think of the time I spent on Beaver Island. Gwen is a gem. Not that we all don't already know it.
Those of you who have had chance to attend her workshops are fortunate. As Gwen wraps up her teaching years, I am going to continue studying liberated quilting through her books. I wonder what is next for Gwen. We often talk about - What next.. I sure hope she continues writing and inspired us all.
Speaking of which, Have you got Gwen's latest book
A Common Thread? I highly recommend this book. It is a collection of quilts from many years, takes you on a journey through her entire quilting life. You must visit
here to read more reviews of this book.
There is a little bit of sewing going on my kitchen table inspired by this book. Hopefully there will be enough progress to post it here soon.
Hope you all are enjoying early days of fall. I am stitching away my Square in Square quilt from the book. It is an after thought I love very much!
Happy Stitching,
Sujata
Mary Ellen wrote, " I would say that I am an intermediate level quilter. I have made
traditional quilts but today I am more into the modern movement."
