 |
| Winona Lake Commemorative, quilt by Ann Fahl 22 x 18 inches |
I'm still working on my red and green tulip quilt, only one block remains to be re-appliqued. As I've been finishing this huge project, I've been thinking about what I should blog about next. One of my favorite images is that of a ginkgo leaf, perhaps one of the most beautiful in nature.
Leaves and trees are very special in my life. My grandmother planted a maple tree at the cottage, about the time I was born, this tree and I have grown up together, I won't tell you how big the tree is today! My husband and I live in the woods and we enjoy all the wonderful benefits of living among the trees. One of my favorite spots in the word is the swan pond at Winona Lake IN.
 |
| A view of the swan pond at Winona Lake |
A young man once pointed out to me, the 2 huge old ginkgo trees on one side of that swan pond. I was amazed at the lovely shape of the leaves as I had never seen them before. I took some leaves home that were lying on the ground; and the rest is history. I've tried to use a ginkgo leaf in as many quilts as possible. Without realizing it, I had chosen the shape as one of my personal symbols of my life.
 |
| Class sample of embroidered leaves |
Right now, I am completing the quilting on a small ginkgo leaf piece. It's too early to show it to you, but stick with me, I'll be talking more about ginkgoes, embroidery, design and quilting. It feels good to be back talking to you.
I feel like I'm writing in a vacuum. Please take the time to comment on my blogs, its the only way I know you've come to visit.
Ann Fahl
12 comments:
I never saw a ginko leaf until I was in my 50's. My Dad knew all the leaves but had never seen one like this. I eventually found out what it was and it is one of my favorites also. Can't wait to see your posts.
i have a ginko, still only about 8-10 feet tall after 20years, and i love it. It is suffering in our heat at the moment and will lose its leaves early. I like the idea of using the leaves for some appliqué shapes. My favourite thing about it is when the new leaves appear they look like someone has put little clumps of tissue paper all along the stems.
Ann, you were the first person to introduce me to the Ginko leaves. You have done amazing things with them in your quilts over the years.
Just love what you create- have learned quite a bit from yoU!
I love ginko leaves, too. Can't wait to see more of yours!
I can't wait to see more of what you are doing...I love your posts...
Thanks for sharing your lovely pictures, and your thoughts on ginko leaves! Trees have long been important symbols to me, too. I always enjoy reading your posts. Actually, your book "Dancing with Thread" was so very helpful when I first started machine quilting. Thank you!
Thank you all for your comments. I just had another really great idea for another ginkgo piece while I was driving home from a gardening seminar. Ann
I'm following you, Ann. Yes, the ginkgo is such a unique shape. It truly is one of your signatures and I think of you when I see a ginkgo.
Thanks for sharing your story about trees, don't we often have an emotional attachment to certain "things" we surround ourselves with? I think often objects we like have become linked in our memories, to a feeling, person or emotion.For me sitting in my Grandma's yellow kitchen, with the warm sun on my back. Yellow and a gentle warmth make me feel content,loved and a little sleepy. Can't wait to learn more about your signature ginkgos, as Rachel just commented.
You asked for comments, but this?Probably not what you had in mind. I sure can blab.
Barbara Harms, for me it is a cup of hot cocoa, with or without a marshmallow that helps to calm me. Thanks for your comment.
Hello there, thanks very much for the post. There’s really something interesting in this that I have liked. If you really have keenness about magical & spiritual power and want to see the prove then you can simply go for israel shopping where you will found the magical spells engraved on the holy seals, rings, bracelets and medallions. Believe me, by using them, you will get positive impact in your life of which you have always dreamed. Want to have one of those ornaments? Get it on http://www.sealofsolomon.net/ at a very affordable rate.
Post a Comment