Enjoy
Featured on Alex Anderson's Simply Quilts - episode #416, this quilt started in the spring with the calla lilies, daffodils and tulips in full bloom. Ferns continued to join the flowers. I decided to do away with the vases and use wonderful ribbons to hold the flowers together. The quilt seemed to take on a much more relaxed structure. The circles surrounding the birds were replaced with a branch. The Ginko from the front yard worked its way in. As a tribute to Elly Siekiewicz's Appliqué Academy in Annapolis, I decided the Baltimore Oriole had to be worked in. I found an old calendar that pictured the Baltimore Oriole, circa 1860, and used this as the guide for the bird. The apple trees in our back garden were brimming with new leaves and robins. I decided to feature the American Robin as the robins in the first quilt are actually English.
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Students began to request birds - the Chickadee was at the top of the list. With the Wisteria in bloom in the back yard, I decided the quilt must also have a Humming bird. The center block again posed a challenge. In the spring, I look forward to the flowering Quince. It is always such a pleasant surprise to find the bright blossoms. As I worked out how I could use the Quince, I tried my hand a building a nest. My daughters loved the idea and wanted it to be filled with the Robin's eggs. The block then came together quite quickly. The finishing touch was to add a crack to the egg for the baby chick.
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Taking pen my in hand, I scripted "Enjoy" to remind us to stop and smell the roses.

I found an antique enameled pin that has a beautiful edge. I bought the pin and wear it often. I kept admiring the border and then set about using it as the border for this quilt. It was very simple and seamed to suit the unstructured nature of the quilt. The quilting continues with the cross hatch design. Since the border was so simple, I decided to echo the border with quilted vines and leaves. I placed quilted bees and butterflies here and there to add additional interest.
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