Welcome to my day to share this gorgeous line of fabric,
that "Island Batik" provided me.
I was so excited when I opened my surprise package of fabric.
These colors, just speak to my soul.
But when they announced the theme of this blog hop...
it was a "EUREKA" moment.
There's been a pattern in my stash for over 10 years now...
just waiting for the perfect fabric and inspiration.
You see...
there is nothing I love more, than getting away to my favorite spot on the planet.
This spot is a place where there are spectacular views
and "SnowBerry" could be a real thing!
While many are packing their bags for the surf and sand,
there are no palm trees in my favorite spot!
This is...
"Borealis"
Does that give you a hint?
Alaska of course!
In the winter, its a great place to see the "Northern Lights" dance across the sky.
These fabrics are just so "Alaska" to me...
the deer, the snow, the pine needles and trees!
Oh how I love, how they play and dance across the quilt,
just like in my dreams, when I close my eyes.
While I spend most of my time on the Kenai Peninsula when I visit,
I did get to take a trip up to Barrow,
where the "lights" are spectacular in the winter.
We were welcomed with just a few moments of sunshine.
Our adventure included a trip out to Point Barrow,
the northern most point of North America...
...where we stumbled on a sleeping walrus,
keeping our distance...letting sleeping walruses lie!
LOL!!
There were remnants of a "Bowhead" whale.
Whaling is legal for the native Alaskans in Barrow.
They literally use everything from the whale for their survival,
and leave the few remains on the beach for the polar bears.
Yes, I did try "Muktuk"...Whale blubber that the "Inuit" native Alaskans eat.
It was kind of like chewing on your tennis shoes,
but when am I ever going to get that opportunity again?
LOL!!
Unfortunately we didn't get to see the polar bears,
as the ice had just gone out to sea.
But that made it safe for us to hike out to the tip, of the point.
There is something surreal about standing at the edge of a continent...
The "Arctic Ocean" on 3 sides of you.
It was summer time when we were there, so there was no Borealis
(Northern Lights).
One of these days, I hope to be able to return to see them in the winter.
It's that whole 65 degrees below zero thing though, and I'm old!
LOL!!
I can't help but look at these photos and the fabrics from this gorgeous line.
The "steely" cold of the arctic is so well represented.
Kathy Engle had to be in my head when she designed it. ;-)
Sunshine...much like in Barrow, changes the colors in this quilt.
...we all know the difference lighting can make.
It really makes colors come to life...
I knew this entire project was met to be,
when I stumbled on the tour buttons we wore.
Just one more thing was needed, to complete my perfect memory project!
Meet "William the Whale".
Oh my goodness, if you've never seen Pauline's babies, you have to check them out
This quilt has brought back so many incredible memories, as I stitched it.
For me, that's what quilting is all about.
I couldn't dream of a better "tribute", than this!
Thank you "Island Batik" for allowing me to re-visit my favorite "Getaway"
with these fabrics.
For those of you interested in the pattern, it is from Aardvark Quilts.
It's a paper pieced pattern that has since been renamed "Bouja".
This is my old pattern...but it looks very different on their website
HERE, now.
;-)
Oh...and if you remember my post last year, from the "Starstruck" Challenge...
Binding those uneven edges just about did me in!
I wasn't about to let it get the best of me, so I did it again,
only this time using binding!
"U-Tube" to the rescue.
I am delighted to say, I have conquered it, and darn happy I did!
:-)
"Island Batik" is offering a wonderful giveaway, you will want to check out
Someone is going away with a fabulous fat quarter assortment!
"Happy Dance"
Well now, I guess I have to retract my statement about no palm trees at my getaway location...
I completely forgot about these, created by a someone with a great sense of humor.
If you don't have trees...just build your own, from driftwood.
After all, life is all about making due with what you have and enjoying it!
Don't you agree?
;-)
One last thing...
If you love beautiful "Northern Light" photos, I suggest that you visit
Sebastian Saarloos on Facebook
He takes to most incredible photos you have ever seen.
;-)
til next time...
Keep on Stitchin'
