[null, {"document_url": "http://dianegaudynski.blogspot.com/2012/03/blossoms-journey.html", "unformatted_src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-si5PC-nb-v8/T3Rx8p2sxkI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/9da2iKSWqUs/s400/PRCc.jpg", "src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-si5PC-nb-v8/T3Rx8p2sxkI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/9da2iKSWqUs/s400/PRCc.jpg", "formatted_filename": "PRCc", "rendered_width": 390, "rendered_height": 400}, null, {"document_url": "http://dianegaudynski.blogspot.com/2012/03/blossoms-journey.html", "unformatted_src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N_Ml1HYplSA/T3RrGLAOVGI/AAAAAAAAAmI/bL3GDBg4MQU/s400/PRCaC.jpg", "src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N_Ml1HYplSA/T3RrGLAOVGI/AAAAAAAAAmI/bL3GDBg4MQU/s400/PRCaC.jpg", "formatted_filename": "PRCaC", "rendered_width": 400, "rendered_height": 298}, null, {"document_url": "http://dianegaudynski.blogspot.com/2012/03/blossoms-journey.html", "unformatted_src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mS84ObKxDAQ/T3TTffYMKvI/AAAAAAAAAmY/J6lkDdEV270/s400/PRCcat2C.jpg", "src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mS84ObKxDAQ/T3TTffYMKvI/AAAAAAAAAmY/J6lkDdEV270/s400/PRCcat2C.jpg", "formatted_filename": "PRCcat C", "rendered_width": 400, "rendered_height": 298}, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, {"document_url": "http://dianegaudynski.blogspot.com/2012/03/blossoms-journey.html", "unformatted_src": "http://www.embroideryonline.com/images/assets/Embroidery-Online.jpg", "src": "http://www.embroideryonline.com/images/assets/Embroidery-Online.jpg", "formatted_filename": "Embroidery Online", "alt_text": "Embroidery Online"}, null, null, {"document_url": "http://dianegaudynski.blogspot.com/2012/03/blossoms-journey.html", "unformatted_src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKbkFa_FUlw/Up4HKgOnRzI/AAAAAAAABJs/tZJUKCNJ_Kk/s1600/qwhimsy.jpg", "src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKbkFa_FUlw/Up4HKgOnRzI/AAAAAAAABJs/tZJUKCNJ_Kk/s1600/qwhimsy.jpg", "formatted_filename": "qwhimsy", "alt_text": "Digitized Quilting Designs", "rendered_width": 220, "rendered_height": 165}, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, {"document_url": "http://dianegaudynski.blogspot.com/2012/03/blossoms-journey.html", "unformatted_src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_61Bl3HLoPiY/TDSRLW_domI/AAAAAAAAAYk/qKtpYSm5DY8/S220/bookspiral.jpg", "src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_61Bl3HLoPiY/TDSRLW_domI/AAAAAAAAAYk/qKtpYSm5DY8/S220/bookspiral.jpg", "formatted_filename": "bookspiral", "alt_text": "Book #1", "rendered_width": 220, "rendered_height": 183}, null, null, null, null, null, null, null]


"Blossom's Journey" Pilgrim/Roy Challenge Quilt 2012
Live Auction AQS Show, Paducah 2012
40 1/2" square

My quilt is finished!  I was invited to be part of this year's Pilgrim and Roy Challenge, a group of quilts made by well known quilters to be auctioned live at the AQS show in Paducah to raise funds for the National Quilt Museum.

The quilts were due last April but because of health problems I was unable to complete mine until this winter.  But it's done, will be exhibited at the quilt show in the convention center with the other magnificent quilts already featured and displayed this past year.  To see them and think about bidding on one or more of them, click here.

The quilt auction is Thursday evening April 26, 6-8 p.m. with food available beforehand in the food tent.

You can bid online if you won't be at the event:  http://www.quiltmuseum.org/auction1.html

The quilt was made of a packet of challenge fabrics by Moda from Hancock's of Paducah, and I added two additional fabrics to complete the design.  Quilting motifs are original, including the animals from my Quilting Whimsy digitized embroidery designs for OESD.

The animals were traced to the quilt, but the feathers surrounding it are done freehand and are not symmetrical or matching, totally organic.  I thought the birds, cats, and rabbits looked best surrounded by flowing natural greenery.

I used YLI #100 silk thread and YLI Sparkle thread, and Pellon Legacy wool batt, and the lovely piping/binding was made using Susan Cleveland's Piping Hot Binding materials, book, and technique, which worked wonderfully.  Love it.

Below is a detail of the border quilting. I will add more photos in an upcoming post so if you are interested in purchasing this quilt you will have more detailed information.  If you are going to the AQS Show in Paducah, you can see it there, which is always so much better than a photo.  The motifs are outlined in taupe/gold YLI Sparkle thread which gives it such a richness and vintage warmth.

All of the quilters involved in this project made stunning quilts, and we hope you will be generous and bid and support the museum.  Your contribution will be tax deductible, plus you will own a piece of quilting history from some of your favorite iconic quilters.

I hope whatever quilt you choose to buy you will be thrilled with this opportunity to own and see every single day something that will enrich your life so much and do so much to support our museum.  The museum belongs to all of us, and we have to do as much as we can to support it.

The story of this quilt is all about Blossom, a lovely and amazingly sweet little tabby cat who found our home in the snows and ice of February, and went through a long and incredible journey of trust with us to find a new life.

While that was going on, I made this quilt, a happy diversion for Oliver and me, and included the two cats on it to represent this ordeal.  The "Trip Around the World" pattern is very fitting indeed.  It has a good ending, and Blossom has a new home with a family in our town.  The quilt I hope will find a new home too. Please spread the word about these quilts so as many people as possible will know about them and think about buying one of them.  I thank you so much.

I am making plans to go to Sneak Preview at the AQS Paducah show and opening day, so please say hi if you see me, whip out a feather plume to show me, and I will be happy.  Can't wait to see the quilts, see old friends, do some shopping, see what everyone has been making!

Keep quilting,  your work gets better every day!

Posted by Diane Gaudynski at 9:28 AM Labels: AQS Paducah Quilt Show, National Quilt Museum, Pilgrim and Roy Challenge, Quilting Whimsy Bouts Choisis said...

There is always a danger of sounding insincere but believe me when I say - that is quite the most beautiful FMQ I have ever seen. Extraordinary!
I have admired every individual tiny detail.

March 29, 2012 at 10:22 AM 
Diane - I am always in awe of your talent -- just beautiful!

Thank you for sharing.

March 29, 2012 at 10:25 AM 
Diane, I have never been to Paducah, but it's on my "bucket list" :). How I would love to see this one in person, your talent shines thru every stitch. Thanks for sharing the story of Blossom - I know this quilt will do very well and will go home with one very lucky person!

March 29, 2012 at 2:06 PM NMSue said...

Quilt is amazing! From the photo, the background/border fabric looks like velvet-definitely rich looking. And, thrilled to hear Blossom is doing well. Any photos of her? Since I have a rescued dog, I love rescue stories.

March 29, 2012 at 3:31 PM 
Thanks for the lovely comments! I love looking at this quilt, and for me that is the true test if it is OK, for me at least. I think it could fit into a very contemporary home or look just as nice in a traditional setting. It has a richness to it, and some nice detail too. I totally enjoyed quilting it, loved the fabrics in the challenge, and hope someone will like it enough to bid on it, always nerve-wracking.

The first time I ever went to Paducah to the show, a big adventure for my sister and me back in 1993, the dogwoods were in full bloom and we drove the dogwood trail. After viewing quilts for several days and shopping, we were so tired, and it was a beautiful, relaxing, and memorable way to end our trip.

It's worth keeping Paducah on your Bucket List!! This year the dogwoods are blooming a month early, but the town will still be beautiful, as will the quilts.

March 29, 2012 at 4:34 PM 
NMSue, the border fabric is a deep rich green with a black "crackle" print overlay by Moda. It does look rich in person, and the color is a bit dark on the full quilt photo, but good on the border photos.

We knew we couldn't keep Blossom (many reasons), but because she chose us, we cared for her, fed her, gave her a nice little place to sleep until she was brave enough to come out in the daytime. She put her trust in us, and our humane animal welfare society worked with us to get her ready to adopt. The note they put on her cage was "loves to cuddle" and they named her Blossom. She was adopted very quickly as she was such a dear thing.

No photos, I so tried not to bond, although of course our entire lives were wrapped up in the saga as it unfolded for weeks. I am so happy she has a home now and was not left on her own in our worst winter weather with no food/shelter.

I feel like we were just the underground railway station for this cat, saved her, and sent her on her way to a new life. Whenever I look at this quilt or a photo of it, I shall remember her.

March 29, 2012 at 4:47 PM 
I love love Love LOVE the feathering in this quilt Diane!!! Of course, all the quilting in this is gorgeous, but the feathering is just stunning!!! You are such an inspiration Diane!!! Thankyou for sharing this gorgeous piece of your outstanding work!!!

March 29, 2012 at 8:54 PM Feather on a Wire said...

I am not gushing, it is simply glorious!

March 30, 2012 at 12:00 AM 
Larissa and Feather, thanks so much. It's hard to even know if something you work on closely has the right amount of quilting, if the quilting is ok, if the look is appealing, and to hear such terrific comments is wonderful. Thanks!!

March 30, 2012 at 8:49 AM Marty Bryant said...

I am so in awe of your talent and the generous way you share with all of us. The quilting on Blossom just made this special quilt even more wonderful. Love to look at all the highs and lows of this wonderful border. You are so humble about your talents, making us all believe we can do the same stitches. Well, maybe in our own mind, but you miss Stitchin' Queen is and will always be the Queen to me, thank you for sharing in so many ways.

March 30, 2012 at 10:55 AM Tanichiwa said...

Diane, so many nice words have been already said - not easy to add any new. Just ultimate admiration of your talent, hard-work and energy to create wonderful quilts! Thank you very much for sharing! You are such an inspiration.
I wish I could bid on-line.

March 30, 2012 at 12:57 PM SewCal Gal said...

What a stunning quilt. I love it. Such beautiful overall design, use of fabrics & colors, and exceptional quilting. I love all of your quilting motifs, but that cat will always make me think of sweet Oliver.


March 30, 2012 at 5:55 PM deborah said...


March 30, 2012 at 6:18 PM 
Your quilt quite literally "blossomed". . . what an inspiration . . .
Diane in Illinois

March 30, 2012 at 8:13 PM 
Marty, thanks, but you know I am just a cat mom who also quilts, not a queen.....!

SewCalGal, thanks also, and Oliver is a real sweetie for sure. He is about 4' long all stretched out, but when he curls up and tucks his nose in he looks just like my quilted cats, all round and furry.

Tanichiwa, Deborah, Diane, I do so appreciate your comments, thanks all for taking the time to send them in. I loved having the diversion of this quilt while we were so worried about Blossom and trying to figure out each day what to do. The few glitches in stitching that happened when Oliver jumped up to see what I was doing were left in.....part of the story of the quilt.

There is a way to bid online, so I'll track that link down and blog about it because I know so many would be interested in all these quilts but are not able to be at the live auction.

I was there twice when quilts of mine were auctioned, and oh yes I was a wreck. Auctions are stressful anyway. This year I shall be on my way home, hoping the quilt will do well and someone will bid on it. I'm planning a new very small one for the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Intiative to be auctioned this fall, more on that later.

March 30, 2012 at 10:42 PM 
Diane, thank you very much for your note re the on-line bidding. I'll watch this space. :)
Have a great time in Paduka!

March 31, 2012 at 2:58 AM 
Here is the link for online bids:


March 31, 2012 at 9:22 AM 
This is very helpful - thank you very much, Diane.

March 31, 2012 at 3:28 PM Shirley in Canada said...

To stitch even a very slight fraction of what you do would be a dream come true! Gorgeous work, Diane!!

April 1, 2012 at 12:00 PM 
Oh Diane,
You continue to astonish and inspire!!!

April 1, 2012 at 7:24 PM 
OH MY! I am so glad I hopped over to your blog before turning in tonight, I will certainly have sweet dreams after viewing this beautiful quilt! Kudos to you! It should bring in quite a sum of money for the museum.

April 1, 2012 at 11:46 PM Bev in TX said...

I followed a link to your blog from your Fee-Motion Quilt Challenge tutorial, which is so clear and instructive.

I cannot express what a delight it was to come over here and see your amazing "Blossom's Journey" quilt. What a testament to love!

April 2, 2012 at 12:31 PM 
Absolutely GORGEOUS! Words fail me.

April 3, 2012 at 5:24 PM 
And I cannot thank all of you enough for your wonderful comments! I was so unsure of this, but towards the end of quilting it I decided I was beginning to like it and I am so glad others are liking it too. It is rich and glowing in person, the thread colors add to the color story, and the designs are so natural looking, not contrived.

Now I realize I'll miss it when it is gone, all too soon at the end of the month. But it was great to work on, I so enjoyed it, and it has been wonderful sharing it with all of you.

April 3, 2012 at 8:13 PM 
Wow! What a stunning piece!

April 14, 2012 at 12:00 PM Kay Lynne said...

Diane--very beautiful! Your work is just amazing!

April 17, 2012 at 10:05 PM 
What a beautiful quilt. I love the quilted animal motifs esp. the rabbit. I'm so glad you were able to complete it for the auction to benefit the museum (what a great cause).
My sister and I both made quilts for the 2013 Pilgrim Roy Challenge.
Here's a link to mine.

April 27, 2012 at 3:32 AM 

This is absolutely gorgeous! I love the border!

May 31, 2012 at 2:01 PM 
Ϝantastic site. Plenty of helpful info heгe.
I'm sеnding it tօ a few pals ans additilnally sɦariոg iin delicious.
And of course, thank you for уour effort!

Here is my blog - Posture evaluation

February 2, 2014 at 12:21 PM