Minnesota Quilter’s organization has a big show the end of June.  Every year they sell a challenge package — several pieces of coordinated fabric (something I would NEVER buy normally), along with size limitations (no bigger than 160″ around) and a theme.  So last year I bought the packet for about $15.  All year to work on it.  Well, it turned out to be all year to think about it, a week to get it done (just like high school).  I won’t share the picture yet, as the deadline for turning in our finished projects is Friday 6/20.  So after that date I will post a photo.

The theme for this year is Quilted Jewels.  Besides the three pieces of fabric (a 60s-looking daisy print on black background, a black with silver crinkles, and a light turquoise with silver coin dots), we were given a little bag of beads.  We’re required to use recognizable amounts of the fabrics and at least half the beads.  We can also add other fabrics and embellishments, if desired.

I am NOT a beader, NOT a fan of silver coatings on fabrics, and NOT real crazy about the daisy print either.  Wonder of wonders, I love my little quilt!  I will finish it tomorrow, more than a week ahead of the drop-dead due date.  Another wonder!  It always amazes me that, when we’re forced out of our comfort zone, we can dig down deep and surprise ourselves.  Oh, and I didn’t even mention that it’s — I can hardly say it — applique’!!!

–Sue