Talk About Being Surprised!!

I've been a dedicated subscriber to American Patchwork & Quilting magazine for more than 20 years.  It is my favorite quilting magazine because there's usually a quilt I pine over, many I have made, and I find the articles to be very helpful and entertaining. 

Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine. ©2019 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved.

As I browsed the inspiring pages of the June, 2019 issue (on newsstands now), I came upon this gorgeous quilt.  I wasn't surprised to read that it was designed and made by my dear friend, Tara Lynn Baisden of Quilters Ridge.  

Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine. ©2019 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved.

As I turned the page, I was stunned to read the dedication above.  Seriously....you could have blown me over with a feather!  I had no idea that my sweet friend, Tara did this.  Apparently, it was in the works for a long time.  How did everyone keep this secret??  

Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine. ©2019 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved.

She named the quilt Heartspun Friendship and is all made with fabrics I have designed for Marcus Fabrics.  Isn't the quilt stunning?  What a really great scrap quilt!

I was brought to tears to say the least.  I didn't know what to say and still kinda don't.  This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done in my honor.  Totally unexpected.  Tara dedicated it to our friendship and now I'd like to tell you a bit about Tara.

We met many years ago, I think at quilt market one year.  I was totally drawn to her work as she sure has an eye for color and design.  I soon learned that we only lived about 30 minutes from each other.  We arranged to meet for lunches and dinners to chat and then joined our local quilt guild together.  She is so easy to talk to and such fun.  We laughed a lot and found a kindred spirit in each other in that we both love traditional quilts and historic fabrics.  We've shopped and antiqued together and shared life's challenges.  

If you're not familiar with Tara's work, you need to!!  She has authored many books and designed more quilts than I could count.  She has been featured in many magazines, and currently has  no less than 3 quilts in magazines at the moment....with one on the cover!  Her eye for design and color is so, so good, and I am her biggest fan!  She posts so many fun things on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.  How she finds all this good stuff, I don't know, but we all get to enjoy it, for sure.  She hand pieces and hand quilts, too, and comes by it from a long family history of quilters.  About 5 years ago, Tara moved to West Virginia to be closer to family. 

They say that into every life a little rain must fall and Tara has had more than her share of rainy days.  Several years ago, she was in a car accident, hit by a young man who was texting.  Her injuries were catastrophic.   Those of us who love her and still live here weren't able to help her much with day to day living.  I knew her family was taking care of her, but I still wanted to help.  I did what any friend would do....I showed support for my friend going through a rough time. 

I was not surprised in the least that Tara handled her life then as she does now with great perseverance and strength, grace and dignity.  She is back to piecing by hand and machine, designing and hand quilting at a rate that I can't believe!!  I am overjoyed that she is so active in the quilting community as we're all the better for it.  This girl is on fire and doing well!!  Yay!

Thank you, Tara, my sweet friend.  I am so blessed to have you in my life.  

You're sure to enjoy Tara's work, so check her out at Quilters Ridge.  She has a blog, and as I said, nearly daily posts on Instagram and Facebook that are fun and inspiring.  

Tell the dear friends in your life how much they mean to you.  And, thank you, my dear readers, for being there for me.  I truly appreciate you!

Be sure to buy a copy of the June, 2019 issue of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine for yourself!  It's at your LQS and newsstands right now.