For my retirement (in 2010) I received a gift certificate from a quilt store in Calgary. After admiring all the lovely items in the shop, but recognizing my limitations, I knew I needed a kit that included all the fabrics. I took another turn around the shop and, when nothing caught my attention, I asked Pat to find a kit he liked.

I’ve never done appliqué, but the salesperson said that if I like handwork (like cross stitch) she was sure I would like appliqué. Not only did I purchase the kit, but I also picked up an appliqué technique book and a few accessories that I was told I would need. Both the sales lady and Pat were convinced that I could do this.

Only a short time later I started having doubts. When Pat and I were talking about it, I realized that he didn’t know that all those little pieces weren’t already cut out. I was going to have to trace them, and cut them, and somehow getting them affixed to the backing and then sew them in place.

Fortunately for me Deloise has perfected an appliqué method and on one of our quilting sessions (in 2011) she gave me a lesson and I got started. I’m still not willing to say that I enjoy appliqué work, but I think each block gets a bit easier.

There are 18 blocks in the kit and I plan to do the quilting by hand. Everyone says you should do at least one quilt by hand (and then it’s done). If I work hard, perhaps I can have it done for our next quilt show.