block number 11
from tula pink's
City Sampler, 100 Modern Quilt Blocks.
This week's block was inspired by a "Druid cross".
We have loved and nurtured a mountain ash tree out by our front door since we bought this beautiful place. Alas, over the years the tree has aged, and not so gracefully. It had succumbed to insects, woodpeckers and finally, rot. We made the difficult decision to cut it down a few weekends ago. I got teary eyed as I pitched sections of the trunk and many branches into the back of the pickup truck and headed down to the brush pile.
Mountain ash trees are also known as rowan trees, much revered by several cultures. I did some online research and ended up atdruidry.org and found some really fascinating information here (check it out, it's really interesting!) After reading the article I realized that my attachment to that beautiful tree may have been (forgive me, skeptics) just a tad spiritual.
I took a bunch of clippings of smaller branches and have them tucked away for future projects.
But today, in honor of the lovely rowan tree, and all the folklore attached to her, I am offering this "Druid cross" as a giveaway. There don't seem to be too many blog readers left in the world, so we'll see what happens...
Please leave a comment below or send me an email if you would like a chance to find this Druid cross in your mailbox. I'll post the winner's name on Saturday evening.
xo
I think quilt block 11 is my favorite so far.I admire the colors and shape and the story of the mountain ash is most interesting. Always a sad day to loose a tree. I'm a caretaker to the many trees I planted here where I live and I would be saddened for sure if I lost any.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your interesting story, Karen.
ReplyDeleteYour creativity, the Druid cross and your offer to give it away are even more wonderful.
Still following you on your blog with great admiration and interest.
Love and blessings,
Jeanneke.
When I read of your decision to remove this long time companion on your bit of earth, I felt your sorrow. Then delighted in learning of your keeping fragments of her for future items of handmade joy. Your cross was an inspiration. And as I've watched your progress on the Tuesday blocks I've really admired how you've paired your work with inspirations from your garden. Genius, actually. This block though. Wow. It touches me on so many levels. Joy abundant.
ReplyDelete"the tree of Bards", "guarded by dragons"...I like the sound of that.
ReplyDeleteLaura Ashley once had a fabric named "rowan berry" which demanded to be the center square in a log cabin quilt I made for a long ago Mother's Day. thanks for sharing the link. tqoe
Two years ago, our neighbours two doors down, removed an ancient almond tree to make way for a pool. It broke my heart watching it disappear from the view out our kitchen window, so I can well imagine your sorrow at losing your own tree.
ReplyDeleteLoving your patches by the way, and your notes on their inspiration. Looking forward to seeing the quilt come together.
All the Best
Vicki
Dear Friend Karen - Though I don't comment often, your blog is one I check regularly, as I so often find you speak my mind, introduce me to new sources of inspiration, and refresh my spirit. Thank you so much.
ReplyDelete