But Seriously Folks . . .

Okay, enough fun: Madam Kim has decreed that the sillyness shall cease! But only for a few minutes.

Last night I went to our Jo's Little Women Club meeting. The shop owner, Lindy, surprised us with several treats, and amazingly I just happened to have my camera in my purse--something that's really pretty rare for me. And frankly, I don't remember why I had it, but I was glad I did so I could share a couple photos with you. YOU, of course, will probably be wishing I was a much better photographer, but these will have to do--you're stuck with me and my inadequacies!

First Lindy went next door to the Chinese restaurant and came back carrying tea and little teacups, and then she brought out a couple plates of scones from the Whole Foods store. Lindy figured tea was appropriate for the Chinese New Year celebrations and I think the scones just went with the tea. Or something like that. In any case, it was a nice treat. Sorry--no photos of those goodies, probably because we ate them too fast!

Now I guess I should mention that Lindy's a certified quilt appraiser, and most years, she's participated in our local museum's version of the Antiques Roadshow, doing quilt appraisals. Over the years--and she's been involved with quilting for quite a few--she's collected some old quilts, and she's worked on quilt history projects, like documenting pioneer quilts here in California. There's more to Lindy's background, but I think that gives you a bit of an idea. Anyway, because Jo's club members make small quilts using Civil War/1800s reproduction fabrics and traditional patterns, Lindy brought three of her old quilts for show and tell.

This first one is her oldest quilt, and I believe she said it was made in the mid-1800s. It's really in nice condition considering its age. And darned if I can remember the name of the pattern, but obviously it's appliqued.

The second one, a churn dash, is interesting. Judging by the fabrics in the churn dash blocks, the blocks themselves were made probably in the late 1800s or so (if I'm remembering correctly). Lindy dated the setting fabric, though, to around the 1930s, I think. I guess our generation of quilters aren't the first to make blocks and then fail to get around to piecing them together! Well, we knew THAT I'm sure, but it's reassuring to be reminded, isn't it?! Hey, it's actually TRADITION!

Finally, Lindy showed us a bear paw quilt using the ever-popular cheddar color (I think it came out a little darker in this photo than it actually was). I don't remember when she said it was made, but some of the fabrics have frayed, and the dyes are fading. Still, it's an interesting quilt. Sorry I didn't get a closer photo for you but you know I'm a photography dork! (And, by the way, that's Lindy on the right, holding the quilt and wearing the pink top.)

Okay, that's it! You can be silly again now! And in the "old(er) but still enjoying life" category--