TST #9 - Signatures

One of the fun things about belonging to an Online Guild like the CIS Quilting Forum was the numerous exchanges and friends that you could meet.  An exchange of signatures was organized by some of the members.  Each month we were provided with a list of 5 names and addresses to whom we were to send one signed signature block unit and one 2½-inch square of fabric.  We were to mail these little packets by the 15^th of each month. 

The block units were taken from the pattern “Forever Friends”published in the September 1990 issue of Quilter’s Newletter Magazine #225.  It was also shown in the November 1993 issue of Traditional Quiltworks #28 as “Friendship Star”. 

In February 1995 a second round was organized.  Those that joined for the first round were now able to collect additional signatures.  I had received signatures from members in Singapore, France, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, just about every state in the US and every province in Canada.

For a long time my units and their 2½-inch companions set in a decorative tin box that periodically would be opened.  The units would be admired and the box closed.  Finally after many months (more like years) I put the units together, and this is the result.

Collecting started in April 1994, finished in June 1995and I finally pieced them into a top and completed the quilting in August 2008.

An Unexpected Tribute

I know this is cliche, but OMG, I've been awarded at Liebster Blog Award!  Thank you Carol of Quilting in India for the presentation.

I must admit that I had never heard of this award before and I was somewhat skeptical.  I thought I'd "google" the award and see what I could find out.

I tried to find the origins of the Liebster Blog Award, but I wasn't successful.  However, I did discover that it most likely originated in Germay because "liebster" means "dearest" or "favourite" in German.  I also found out that the award is usually presented to smaller blogs as a form of recognition and support.  "Smaller blog"  is defined as a blog with fewer than 200 followers.  As a recipient you are to:

• Thank the person that nominated you and link back to them.
• Present the award to five other blogs
• Let them know by commenting on their blog
• Post the award on your blog

So thank you Carol for thinking my blog noteworthy and up and coming.

Now it's up to me to pass the Liebster on to five other bloggers whose work I find inspiring and appreciate.  Here are the ones that I would like to spotlight and show appreciation to:

1. Janet at What Comes Next?
2. Booilley
3. Lindy at Art from the Heart
4. Vicki at Fibre Art
5. Carla at Grace and Favour

These bloggers deserve a visit!  Go check them out!

TST #8 - A Mystery

It’s a Mystery to Me  Completed January 2007

In August, 1993 Kim from Wisconsin decided to organize and coordinate a Mystery Quilt on CIS.  I followed along each month using a combination of fabric I purchased (black and white) and charm squares I had collected from the various members on the CIS Quilting Forum.  It sat for a long time as a completed top until one day I decided it was time to finish some of the various UFOs I had amassed.  Connie a friend from my quilt guild had just recently acquired a long-arm so she machine quilted it for me.  I have kept the instructions, should I ever want to make another quilt similar to this one.