Pieces in the Garden - Noon & Night - Block #9

 

 “Bride’s Quilt”

Once upon a time, there was a little girl, who wore a bow in her hair. When she grew up, she began a friendship with a young bachelor. As the hours and days passed, they began to look at each other with stars in their eyes, and as their love grew, they thought about taking steps to the altar. So, the young girl got out her spools of thread and made clothes to get ready for their wedding ring day.

After they are married, some of their times together will be bright as noon and others will be dark as night.  But they will try to share their happiness, their miseries and their chores – she grabbing a wrench to help with household repairs and he grabbing a towel to help with the dishes.  Sometimes they will have broken dishes, but they will try to remember that “things” can be replaced, whereas harsh words, possibly spoken about the broken dishes, could chip away love.  They will try to follow the Golden Rule as they are learning to communicate openly with each other.

They will also try to keep in mind the symbolism of Jacob’s ladder – “steps of communication” between themselves on earth and God in heaven.

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Won't you get yourself a cup of tea...

Where was your first home together?

We lived in Pueblo in an old theater that had been turned into an apartment house.  We had an apartment on the fourth floor.  We had a fold down bed, a small kitchen and bathroom.

Tressie had a detailed list of all the different places they lived with date, location and addresses... It's like she knew I would need it some day!  However, when the keeper of such info (my Mom) went to locate it, it was not to be found.  From her memory, there were 5 different towns.

Forrest & Tressie moved from their small apartment to a rental house in Pueblo when they started their family, and another (perhaps larger) when their second child (Carol) arrived.  They purchased a house in 1942, but a few years later (1947) returned to Trinidad.  When their children were out of high school they moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico and lived there for 5 years and then went to Durango, Colorado for one year and finally to Tucson, Arizona in 1964. They bought their house in 1965 which is where they lived for the longest length of time and is their only home that I have any memory of.

One of my earliest memories is when we flew to Tucson to visit them.  I must have been only about 4... Dad stayed home because he was working.  So Mom was bravely flying alone with me and my brother.  I recall being on the plane and being fascinated with the tray that folded down.  I also remember coloring during the flight and thinking that the flight attendant was very nice. (She may have given me the coloring page and crayons.)  I don't remember much about our visit there.  

Tressie had a cross-stitched sampler that she made before they were married that hung on the wall of their bedroom.  It got me to thinking about the saying "Home Sweet Home" and many other sayings about "home" and just exactly what it is that turns a house into a home...

Is it the furnishings?  The pictures on the walls?  The love, the laughter (and even the tears) that are shared?  Is it because you "own" the place, rather than rent?  This is one quote I found that stood out to me...

What, in your mind, is it that makes your house a "home"?

Tressie's sister, Roberta, talked of the tradition of a housewarming gift.  One that included:

Wine – May you never go thirsty.  A beautiful bottle of sparkling wine is always appreciated.

Bread – May you never be hungry.  A loaf of crusty sourdough is perfect, but if your friend is a foodie, perhaps some gourmet flour could stand in.

Salt – It represents life’s tears, may they always be happy ones. And may life always have flavor.  (You can also use a pinch at threshold of each door and window for good luck.)

Candle – May you always have light.

Coin – May you have good fortune.  An antique or foreign coin is charming, or perhaps a coin minted in the year the house was built or purchased.

Broom – With it, sweep away the evil.  Straw brooms can often be found at Farmer’s markets.

Honey – Represents the sweetness of life.  Local honey is a lovely choice, and often has prettier packaging than commercial choices. 

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear your thoughts on a housewarming gift basket or tell me your thoughts of a house becoming a home.

The log cabin block with a strong contrast in light & dark represent "their times together bright as noon and others dark as night."  I chose to have a red square in the center of the blocks to signify the heart of a home.  You may choose to have a yellow center to symbolize a welcoming home.  Remember, yellow was Tressie's favorite color... so she would encourage that! LOL

This block is easily chain pieced but can also be foundation paper pieced.  You will find the FPP pattern on the last page of the pattern.  Make certain that you print at 100%.  The pattern should measure 4-1/2” square.

Because I was curious... I timed the assembly process of both methods.  It took approximately 15 minutes to complete ONE FPP block.  It took approximately 20 minutes to chain piece FOUR traditionally pieced blocks.

If you struggle with a precise and consistent ¼” seam, you will find the FPP method is the way to go.  BUT you will want to cut your pieces slightly larger (+1/4”) than the dimensions given.  

If you prefer traditional piecing, you can cut the final logs of the block to be ½” wider and trim to 4-1/2” square when finished. 

 

So now is the time to head over to payhip to get the pattern (free through October 12th).  You will then want to head over to Cornerstone Tea Company to take advantage of the special discount being offered...  HOME for 15% off.

 

Be sure you come back when your blocks are complete and link up for the chance to win a generous prize package of yummy teas from Cornerstone Tea!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Put Your Foot Down at true Blue Quilts

Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie

Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty

Peacock Party at Wendy’s Quilts and More

Friday Foto Fun at Powered by Quilting

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts