This year the Richmond Quilt Guild participated in the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival with our challenge “What Do You Grow?” There were 11 participants and 12 quilts. Each quilt was accompanied by an Artist’s Statement, and they were all beautiful.
A few of the quilts from our challenge
Some of the quilts were about growing friendships, several were about gardening and flowers, one was about skills, and the biggest surprise was about growing oysters!
My plan was to finish two quilts but that did not happen. However, I did finish one, which I called Grandpa’s Garden.
This was made using a pattern that I had saved from Quiltmaker magazine dated May/June 2000. It was finally time to get it made. I loved the pattern the first time I saw it. The fruits and veggies are foundation paper pieced. I was out of practice, but as each block came together it brought me such joy.
No new fabric was purchased to create this piece. Some of the fabric has a little age on it but blends in just fine.
I have to admit I got a kick seeing it hung in a national show. And to think I almost let this opportunity pass me by.
As much as I love to see the quilts that have ribboned, I also like to see something that I can actually aspire to. If my little quilt inspired anyone to dig into their fabric and sew, that makes me happy.
divadiversion 
Dear Mama Di,
Well get Happy! I loved your Grampa’s Garden quilt! My garden catalogs have been arriving nonstop here and I am so ready to get out and play in the dirt. Back when you lived here, I was collecting food fabrics right and left. I think you just gave me a push to use them up. Your quilt made me smile and I could see you in my mind’s eye making it as well. Keep up the great work you really inspire me . Your friend, Mama Kati
Mama Kati, Happy Saturday! Your gardens are always so beautiful and I am in awe of all the wonderful things you grow. It was a fun project and it was great to see how the ladies interpreted and executed their ideas. It takes a seed to get things started, and love to make it grow. Together we have cultivated many! Love you my friend.