The image at the top of this post has nothing to do with the this week’s topic, but we’ve been enjoying a multiple day blizzard, and I couldn’t resist the above progression of snow photos. They lead beautifully into sharing information about the Winter Quilt Show taking place in February:

The show is sponsered by the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Art and will be held at the Washington County Fair Park. Click here for all the information.
They have put out a call for entries and I love to encourage quilters to share their work with others. If you’d like to give it a try you can find the rules and entry from by clicking here.
You might even want to get busy making a challenge quilt for the show. The theme this year is:

and you’ll find the challenge details at the link above. I know it will be a fun event! I hope I’ll see you there!
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And now for this week’s actual post ~ a few final thoughts on stories I began in 2023:
Many of my posts this year shared a project or story that didn’t come to a complete conclusion, so at the end I’d sign off with “stay tuned …”. This post will bring some closure to those posts. One story is about a quilt I finally got quilted using designs from a friend. Another contains 2 UFOs given away and the talented quilter who made charity quilts from them. I’ll end this post with photos of family members and the quilts I made for them.
In April I’d completed my Dresden Plate with Windows quilt and my friend Sharon had come up with some designs for the quilting (to read that post click here). I now have it quilted and I’m very pleased.

I combined elements from a number of Sharon’s designs:

The quilting didn’t show as well as I wanted in the previous photo, so I took one in direct sunlight and that did the trick (it’s a great way to get the quilting lines to show):

The quilting is made up of swirling stems with leaves that turn each plate into a “flower”. Here’s a detail image:

It flows well and I think it adds to the overall design. It was great fun! And now it’s done! Thanks Sharon!
Another great conclusion to a previous post back in July (click here to read that post), came in the form of two charity quilts. Here’s Lorraine’s recent email:
“Hi Chris,
Several months ago I sent you a picture of some quilt blocks that I purchased at Granny’s Attic during the It’s a Stitch Quilt Show. With the blocks was some extra fabric and a set of directions for a class you taught in Jan. 2013 called Black White and Bright. I told you that I would send you a picture of the finished quilt. Well, here it is! (Finally!) The original quilter had paper pieced the triangles. Since there wasn’t a pattern for the paper piecing I appliquéd some circles and squares on the blocks I made. I was able to complete 20 9” blocks with what was in the bag. The completed quilt measures 36 X 45 and was donated to Hartford Hospital to be given to a patient who needs cheering up.
In that same bag I found blocks for another quilt using the same black and white fabrics but with a red accent. Since the fabrics were the same as the other blocks they were probably made by the same quilter. There were no directions for this quilt but since the first one was started in a class of yours I thought perhaps this one was, too. By adding another red fabric for the block centers I was able to complete 16 12” blocks. With a thin red border and some of my black, white and red fabric for a wider border this competed quilt measures 60 X 60. This quilt was donated to the Linus Project.
I hope you consider posting this story in your blog. Perhaps the quilter who started these projects will read your blog and see that her efforts did not go to waste. Both of these projects have been completed into beautiful quilts and are now giving warmth and comfort to someone who feels special for having them.
Chris, I hope you enjoy seeing these quilts. Thank you for your inspiring blog. I look forward to reading it every week. God’s blessings. Lorraine”
And here’s Lorraine’s Black, White and Bright:

And the bonus photo she sent me of her other charity quilt:

Aren’t they wonderful! The second project is not from one of my classes, but it is a delightful pattern. Thanks Lorraine, for completing these lovely quilts ~ and sharing their stories!
You may also remember that we attended a number of family weddings last year. Each time I made a quilt for the newlyweds, and I now have photos of the couples with their quilts. I made Kyle and Carly’s quilt while on a retreat (click here for that post), to give to them at their wedding in August, and here they are with their quilt:

Rachel and Cory were married in October (click here for the post about the making of their quilt), and here are the newlyweds with it:

Last but not least, I made a quilt top at another retreat for our son’s family (click here for that post). Since we moved here I haven’t made a bed sized quilt. This quilt required my basting frame ~ and it fits in my new studio!

I don’t need to baste quilts in the driveway or Mike’s shed any more!!!
The quilt was finished and given to them at Christmas. It’s twin sized, but Betsy plans to use it as a lap quilt. I hope they’ll all love snuggling under it!

I love a good ending and here’s the one for today’s post:
After placing my snowy snowmen photo at the top of this post, and sharing the story of my snowman obsession a few weeks ago, Janet sent me this photo of the snowmen her daughter Heather made from logs:

Delightful!
PS If you didn’t received an email to link you to this post, please email me and let me know – . Thanks!
Sandra Kohls says
Love, love love your finished Dresden plate flowers!
Jami says
Hi Chris,
Your basting frame is cleaver and cool. Beats having to baste it on the table or even on the floor when the table is not large enough!
Did your husband make it or did you buy it somewhere?
Looks like it would be easy to adjust to the size quilt you need.
Pretty awesome.
clkquilt says
Hi Jami, I did a post about the frame I use many years ago, and you can read all about it here: https://www.chrisquilts.net/1578/
Laurie Neubauer says
Hi Chris,
Love seeing all the finished quilts. Hope to see your quilts in the Winter Quilt Show in Washington County Fair Grounds. Those progressive snow covered snowmen on your porch are darling. That’s how we all see winter around Wisconsin. Today I was originally going to an Open Sew, but with the freezing rain and fog, I’m staying home and getting to read your blog!. It is motivating me to finish my project of the Hunter Star quilt pattern you taught us at our Common Threads Quilt Guild workshop last year. Maybe I’ll get my UFO finished. Thanks for your inspiration and sharing your life…Laurie
Robin Harris says
HI Chris,
I’m interested in Dresden blocks and hit the search button on your BLOG. This was the first entry. Did you notice the 3 sets of feet in Rachel and Cory’s quilt picture. Loved his argyle socks. Whose feet are in the middle? Love the dresden quilt.
clkquilt says
Thanks Robin, The extra set of feet would be their dog 😊.