Writing a blog is a funny thing. Most of the time I have too many ideas—as in what do I share next? Decisions. Decisions.
And then there are those times, when I want to share a particular story, and then I remember I never finished sharing a previous story. As a friend and reader once pointed out to me—You have a lot Part I’s but you never do the Part II. Whoops. This is very true.
Back in October 2014, I wrote a blog post called Building a Community Quilt Part I . That was almost two years ago! I have had readers email me asking when I will write Part II. Well today is ALMOST that day. But first, I’d like to share my most recent community quilt building party.
Here we go.
One of the ways I justified making quilts in the early days was to make community quilts for new babies. I would collect blocks from other quilters and assemble them into colorful celebrations of new life.
As time went on, I realized that if I used a fusbile technique for making the blocks everyone could participate—not just quilters. I also realized that if I made the event a party, we all had fun, and I could collect all the blocks at once. Not to be total stickler, but it really helps me out if I am not marching all over town to trying track down loose blocks.
Early this summer, McCarthites gathered together to make quilt blocks for Ari a new member of our community.
Cynthia Schidner welcomed all of us into her home for the block making party. If you are ever in McCarthy and need a place to stay, look no further. Cynthia and her husband Andy own Currant Ridge Cabins which is the epitome of wilderness luxury. Here is the view out the Schidner home’s front window.
Ari’s dad is an American.
His mom is from New Zealand
They are proud first time parents.
As always, I bring the supplies.
And everyone gets busy.
Most of the participants have made community quilt blocks before.
There was a big discussion about having your idea BEFORE you get to the party. It just makes the process go more smoothly when you have a plan.
Creatives of all ages participated.
Amazing food is always a feature of these gatherings. YUM.
And conversation.
As the afternoon passed, everyone made their blocks. There were birds.
And bugs.
And things that grow from our earth
And landscapes.
Some were nature in the abstract.
Here is old Hardware Store which is now the Wrangell Mountains Center. This is where Jared first worked when he came to McCarthy.
And some even told a complete visual story.
Here are all of the blocks displayed in my studio for your viewing pleasure.
Now I won’t promise anything, but the idea is that I will show you how to put all of these blocks together! Sooner, rather than later. Maybe if you all give me some verbal encouragement I can do it in a timely fashion.
Maria Shell 
Great images and a terrific idea! Can’t wait to see the second installment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nysha, I can’t wait to see the second installment either, but I am afraid it may not be until January when the huge list of deadlines shrinks a bit. I hope you and your family are having a great summer!
LikeLike
You go girl………you have a wonderful selection to work with and “knowing you” i’m sure you’ll come up with something over the moon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Becky! This quilt block collection is super special. I hope I can do it justice.
LikeLike
Can’t wait to see the next installment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you aren’t to disappointed to hear that it might not be until January. I am horrible about being honest with myself about how time I have.
LikeLike
What talented people you have in McCarthy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
McCarthy residents were making community quilt blocks long before I showed up in town and it shows. These truly are beautiful blocks!
LikeLike
Great photos and description of Ari’s block party! A community quilt is such a grand tradition.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right that is a fabulous tradition. I am glad I get to be part of it moving forward with this next generation of kiddos.
LikeLike
What a grand idea! Can’t wait to see how you put them together. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am looking forward to piecing this community together, but not until January. For a moment last week, I thought I would give it a go right now, but I have come to my senses and counted the hours and deadlines I have before me.
LikeLike
Those are some awesome blocks!
Looking forward to seeing them together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Carrie!
LikeLike
Those are some pretty dang artistic blocks for a community quilt. What a special way to welcome a new baby to the world. I can hardly wait to see how you put them all together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We were talking about the high quality of blocks made for this quilt. This community is very good at quilt block making!
LikeLike
Such beautiful blocks. I see that you wrote this post a few days ago. So are you done yet?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I most likely won’t be done until January. I am hoping to finish in time for Ari’s first birthday. I thought I could squeeze it into my schedule right now, but as always I am delusional about the time I have for stitching.
LikeLike
This is how I got started quilting as well. I sent out blocks and got back strangely similar results twice – buttons, woven ribbon, painted, iron-on patches. I moved on to fusing for group quilts – as most can produce a block with some fabric, scissors and those pesky irons ;). I was amazed by the creativity of my group and I’m amazed by yours as well. A fun project. And yes, I’d like to see the follow on. Cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sheila- Great minds think alike! I love being able to introduce a community to quilt making in a way that they can be successful and that produces amazing quilts! I loved to see photos of your community quilts if you have any.
LikeLike
Oh Yes I encourage you! As a fellow kiwi I enjoy seeing some NZ motifs here and it’ll be great to see how it comes together to be a quilt
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love seeing the Alaska AND NZ references in many of the quilt blocks. It is going to be a great quilt to put together. Thank you for stoping by Camilla.
LikeLike