Hey everyone! I’m back at it in the studio today after a nice weekend hanging out with my family and relaxing at home. I’ve been working on putting the final touches on projects I’m trying to wrap up, along with getting all my ducks in a row to start some new ones. It always feels so good to finish a project that I’ve put my blood, sweat, and tears into. There’s a huge sense of accomplishment and satisfaction (along with a bit of relief) when I’m finally able to send one of my quilts out into the world. As you know, no matter their size stitching projects can certainly be a lot of work… not to mention time-consuming! That’s why one of the biggest rewards of making a quilt is finally reaching that finishing stitch.
Out of everything I’ve been working on I’m especially proud of “Dragonfly Dreams,” an ongoing project from one of my previous subscription wool boxes. I’ve been working on “Dragonfly Dreams“ for quite some time now – just about two years to be exact (that’s 12 wool boxes)! It was designed based on an antique that Jess found at one of the antique quilt shows we attended together a few years ago. She saw the quilt first and immediately came to find me – full well knowing it would be love at first sight the minute I laid eyes on it. In hindsight, as soon as Jess so firmly insisted that I go take a look at the quilt, I should have known it would be coming home with me. Needless to say, I didn’t have to “look” very long before it was being packaged up.
If you know me at all you know that some of the things I am most passionate about in life are my antique quilts – especially when I find one that I know is special. I love to look at them and imagine their possibilities. By possibilities I’m referring to when I look at the design or pattern of something and think, how can I make this again but different…and better? I am well aware of the limited supplies stitchers had to work with back in the old days and I will never stop appreciating it. There were no fancy machines or computers. They used what little they had and still were still able to accomplish some amazing quilts.
I find so much joy and inspiration from these historic antique heirlooms that I’ve managed to accumulate over 800 of them in my personal collection. They not only get my creative juices flowing when I look at them, but I also simply just like to be around them. The antique I based “Dragonfly Dreams“ on is very old. Its has a beautiful and unique design featuring a floral motif that is all embroidered with some garish colors of thread. 
As soon as I saw this old gem my imagination went wild, and the idea “Dragonfly Dreams“ for was born. I knew I wanted to do something a lot like it because I love the outdoors and have a certain affection for flora and wildlife. What a perfect way to pay tribute to both nature, and to quilters of times past than with a remake of such a beautiful classic?
My love of flowers and garden creatures comes alive in the 49 blocks of “Dragonfly Dreams.” The blocks are simple, straightforward, and all fun to stitch in their own way. Much like the original quilt, this version features an array of flowers with the addition of a winged critter here and there.
One of the things I like most about the antique version is the crazy stitching between the blocks. As you can see I kept the style going in “Dragonfly Dreams.” Just how crazy you want to get with your embellishments is up to you. You can add a lot to your blocks, or just a little according to what you like. I know it looks like a lot of stitching and like it would take a lot of time, but I have news for you – it really doesn’t! In fact, if you’re looking for a great way to improve your embellishment skills, this project is a great choice. Trust me, you become super efficient after stitching the same thing over and over again a bazillion times…and the best part is, you’re done before you even know what happened!
Despite the similarities between the two quilts, you can see some obvious differences as well. Considering that we are blessed with so many more thread and wool varieties now than in years past, the doors to color and design choice are pretty much wide open in comparison. As you can see, I took from some of the original artist’s design and style, but I also added a lot of my own to really help the quilt come to life in a new way. In addition, modern technology and the talented machine quilters of today add another layer of awesomeness to this quilt that would never have been able to be accomplished years ago.
Special thanks to Wendy Fuller, the amazing quilter who helped make this beautiful quilt the work of art it is today. I couldn’t have done it without her! After accomplishing something as different and unique as “Dragonfly Dreams“ I am always brimming with satisfaction. Obviously, stitching a few blocks of a quilt at a time can create a beautiful work of art, but for me the real satisfaction is the connection I feel with the person who stitched the original. My quilts are my way of honoring them and their talents.
So what do you think? Is this your next big project on deck? Let me know in the comments if you plan to do this project or if you already have it proudly out on display. Don’t let its beauty fool you! It really is a fun and easy quilt – especially if you love to hand stitch and appreciate minimal piecing. Plus at 60″ x 60″, it’s not an overly huge quilt, yet still large enough to be functional. Annnnd just so you know, right now if you purchase the kit for “Dragonfly Dreams“ the pattern is included in the kit price (you’re welcome)! 🙂 Note: “Dragonfly Dreams“ is still a pre-order but as of today we anticipate that it should ship by March, 2023 which gives you plenty of time to get it done for spring or summer décor. You can get everything you need to get started on your own version of “Dragonfly Dreams“ by clicking the button below!
Like I mentioned above, “Dragonfly Dreams“ was originally and ongoing project from one of my past Wool Box Subscription boxes. If you’re a fan of working with wool but haven’t yet checked these awesome boxes out, I highly recommend that you do before we fill completely up! Wool Boxes are released every other month and focus primarily on wool and stitchery. They contain as close as we can get to $100 worth of wool-based goodies, and are made up of all new projects that have not been previously released. Projects include at least one major project kit and pattern, a pattern for an ongoing project, novelties, and more! Our Wool Boxes consist mostly of Primitive Gatherings products and patterns, but we may also have guest designers and products as well in future boxes. I know you’re interested… Here are the details:
- Projects are 40% OFF retail value!
- PG Wool Boxes will be charged the 15th of the month and will be shipped after the billing cycle.
- The price of each box will be $72 which includes shipping (international orders are required by customs to have protective shipping materials and will be charged at $83 per box including the cost of shipping).
- Boxes will ship every other month starting in January. Subscriptions will continue until you email us and request to cancel.
- PLEASE NOTE: when canceling your subscription, you will still receive the next box in the line up. After that box your subscription will be canceled.
Ready to sign up? It’s easy! All you have to do is click the link below to get started…
These boxes really are a great deal when you consider how much you’re saving in the long run. If you’re still having doubts all you have to do is ask someone who’s taken the plunge before and they’ll tell you! The reviews truly speak for themselves.
Well everyone, I hope your day went well. Have you noticed the days are getting longer all of a sudden? As I’m sitting here wrapping things up for the evening I can’t help but notice how bright and sunny it still is outside. Amazing, since only a couple of short months ago (not even) it was just about fully dark by this time of day. Not to mention it’s been pretty dreary otherwise so it’s a nice change of scenery. Spring is definitely on the way folks! Not sure I’m ready to put away my skis for the season quite yet, but sometimes Mother Nature makes the choice for us… What can you do? Anyway, have a great evening and I will see you later this week. Until then, you have one assignment – stitch every day. No excuses! I know you can do it… See you soon! ~Lisa
