An Amish-UFO-Upcycle-Blog-Hop-Party-Give-Away

Today the "Luck of the Irish" is firmly with Bonnie58 who wrote. "Love the colours. I would love to finish it for you. Thanks for sharing and for the opportunity on the draw." 

I hope she means it as the Amish blocks are coming her way. 

Thanks to all my new followers and everyone that stopped by to participate in this fun Blog Hop Party. 

Until next time................Happy Quilting,   

This Quilting Mama

A few definitions to begin:

Amish-An orthodox Anabaptist sect that separated from the Mennonites in the late 17th century and exists today primarily in Ohio and southeast Pennsylvania. (Link to dictionary)
For more information see this list of Amish Facts from National Geographic.

"Amish" for quilters- a font of inspiration can be found in the Amish quilts both in terms of design and color. Known for solids and non-print creations, the Amish often use black as a background to set their beautiful works. The website My Amish Quilt has lots of information about quilting in the Amish Community.

UFO - an (apparently) flying object whose nature is unknown; especially those considered to have extraterrestrial origins, unidentified flying object

"UFO" for quilters- Un-Finished Object. Any of a myriad of projects begun with enthusiasm and then left behind in the wake of yet another class, project, inspiration, or fabric line which came into the quilters scope and set them on another journey.

Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value. (Link to dictionary)

"Upcycling" for quilters-  Using something which seems to be useless for a new purpose. This includes, but is not limited too, turning outgrown children's clothing or tee-shirts into quilts, using jean pockets in a quilt, making old crayons into art decorated with random buttons, etc.

A story:
Once upon a time before children (at least before the second one), I took a class at my local quilt shop, The Joyful Quilter, with a girlfriend. We both enjoyed it as the format was titled "A Pennsylvania Mystery." Bob Silverman taught us in true mystery style-- one hint at a time. By the end of class we had enjoyed a day full of tricks, reminders, fun conversation, laughter, lots of sewing, Lemon Pudding Cake, fabulously rich fabrics and the hope for a lovely quilt.

Many years later here is my work from that day:

Yes, it's set in an Amish way on black and is just lovely--- but unfinished.

In the spirit of this Blog Hop Give-Away, I hope that one of you will take these blocks, extra fabrics (seen below), pattern and make them your own. Do whatever you are inspired to do with them, finish the top, keep or give it away, but help me to upcycle this work into something of greater loveliness.

Please comment below if you are interested in winning the whole thing. I will draw the lucky person on St. Patrick's Day, Sunday, March 17th. May the Luck of the Irish be with you.

P.S. Check out the fun runner I've been testing for Eileen at The Quilter in the Pines.