Sunday, December 8, 2013

The "Good Earth" - Happy Anniversary Dad and Lee!


This is the unfinished center medallion square of "The Good Earth," an original design to celebrate the 40th anniversary of my parents. This central square will measure between 28-30 inches and will anchor the rest of the quilt design.

More than half of these motifs have been hand appliqued to the background square, some are just prepped and glue basted, and 3 motifs are still in the drawing phase. 



There are a lot of embroidery details that need to be added after all the hand applique stitching is finished and the piece is soaked to remove the glue.  The embroidery will really make the designs pop and make them look more detailed and correct.  My dad needs his glasses, birds need feet, fruit and veg need stems, some pieces need to be outlined, dogwood blossoms need centers, wheels need spokes, etc.

There are a lot of details in this square that sum up their love for each other and their love of the land.  They are both physicians, which is why both of them are wearing stethoscopes around their necks. 

They have improved or built almost every house they have lived in for the last 40 years, hence the hammer in my Dad's hand. 

They have set out thousands of pine saplings and have a small catfish lake.



They have worked to protect the trees on their properties, and have planted a lot of young pines to go with the mighty oaks, other hardwoods, and the endogenous dogwoods that thrive in the north Alabama environment.


They have planted thousands of daffodil bulbs that bloom in February through early April every spring...just beautiful.


The fish...they need some embroidery details as well.




They have chickens for egg laying and used to have a beautiful peacock when they lived near the Birmingham Zoo (he was an escapee when I was in high school in he mid-1970's).



The chicken is roosting in a mighty oak.


I experimented with fussy-cutting a favorite Kaffe Fassett fabric for the peacock tail...he needs some embroidery details as well...like his lovely head feathers.  He is sitting in a pink dogwood tree.


I will have a lot of French knots to do at the centers of all the dogwood blossoms.


My grandfather passed down his gardening skills to my Dad.  Lately, they have been growing green beans, squash and collard greens.  






There are lots of deer and other wildlife on the property.


They have fruit and nut trees, a muscadine arbor, and amazing blueberries.  My Dad has all kinds of machines...tractors, off-road vehicles, earth-movers, but loves an old-fashioned push plow.



 The muscadines (a kind of grape)...


The apples and blueberries...


Lee has an amazing green thumb and loves growing flowers and shrubs.  She is constantly trying to outsmart the deer (who really appreciate all of her gardening efforts...).


The squirrels are welcome to all the acorns and hickory nuts they can carry, but stay away from the pecans, walnuts, and bird feeders!


This will be a bluebird of happiness at the top of the square carrying the banner and hearts.


It seems like a special anniversary...for all of us.  They are celebrating 40 years, and we celebrated our 20th anniversary in October.  They have set a beautiful example of a strong, productive and purposed-filled marriage for their seven kids. 

Happy anniversary and I love you very much!

In stitches,
Teresa  :o)

24 comments:

  1. What a lovely tribute to your parents. It really does say it all , doesn't it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello Teresa, I came to your link Via Jane in Scotland, every now and then when I want some time out I go to her blog and visit one of her links and today I ended up here and how lovely it was to read all about your mum and dad, what a lovely couple they sound so contented with life. It was so nice to see them through a quilt to be. I adore the naughty look on the squirrels face LOL. I hope I get to see this wonderful story quilt finished one day. Cheers Glenda Australia www.patchworkdreams.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow, this is stunning! What an amazing quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  4. We enjoyed our 40th this year and I must say you beautiful loving tribute makes me feel like a slacker. Your parents are truly people to look up to in awe. The love of each other, their family and the land make them truly extraordinary. Your tribute iis beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Its a wonderful piece of work and tribute to your parents! I love it and I'm sure they will too.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh YUM! So much to look at. My favorite is the rabbit holding the carrot. SMILE!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a wonderfully evocative piece you are crafting! I love it all...hugs, Julierose

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am in awe of your skills. I love the rabbit and deer. Such a wonderful tribute to your parents.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your story telling appliqué is just wonderful. You have developed a style uniquely your own. Beautiful work.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Teresa your work is just amazing. What a wonderful gift for your parents.
    How about that Auburn win last night.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Absolutely amazing Teresa! A one-of-a-kind treasure!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am always amazed at the detail you achieve in your applique quilts. I struggle with small pieces. You are my inspiration. Someday I hope to be half as good as you are with this art. You truly are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your love of design.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Really lovely, Teresa! Sounds like you had some very special parents--who had a talented daughter, too!

    ReplyDelete
  14. It is a very lovely tribute to them and to your fine skills.

    ReplyDelete
  15. It's wonderful, amazing!!!! I have never seen such a beautiful project! Teresa, you are an artist!!!!
    Did you design it?

    ReplyDelete
  16. I just love how you have added so many personal appliques to this quilt. Just so sweet.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow! This is incredible!! So many amazingly meaningful details! I love the peacock :0) I think the tail is very effective.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh my goodness! All the drawings that are now fabric pieces are wonderful. The fussy-cut Fassett peacock tail is so pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Another AMAZING quilt! Your parents will absolutely LOVE it!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Love this! I can't wait to see it with all the details added

    ReplyDelete
  21. Wow....just wow! That is absolutely incredible! xo

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh my goodness! What a beautiful quilt this is going to be and what a wonderful way to honor your Mom and Dad and their life together! Truly magnificent!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. P.S. Your orange kitty in your header is so pretty! I've always loved cats, but there's just something about orange cats that make them extra special in my mind ;o)

    ReplyDelete
  24. What a beautiful quilt! Love the fussy cut Peacock tail...so much to take in!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by the quilt cave...I love your feedback!

I am sorry, but you need a Google account/Profile to pose a question or leave a comment. That is very easy to get (FOR FREE) at Google.com.

Of course, you can click on my email and contact me there any time!

I am no longer able to accept comments from Anonymous readers...too much weird spam!