As quilters we are very attached to the basic tools of the trade...rotary cutter, rulers, cutting mats, more rulers, etc. Well this class, called "Appligue Outside the Lines" challenged us quilters to throw caution to the wind and piece without our tools of the trade. It took some getting used to.When I saw this sample hanging in the classroom I thought that it was so modern and cool. I knew I wanted to give it a try. It was every bit as fun as it looked. Although difficult for me to get in the beginning the quilt quickly began taking shape. I started by looking at the fabric I had in my stash. I look out a bundle of batik fat quarters I purchased over 1 year ago. After I
decided to use this fabric I began thinking of my inspiration. The pattern was called "The Earth From Above", well for someone who hates to fly being above the ground was something I couldn't relate to enough to convey it in a quilt. I began thinking of one of the best 5 days I have on record. Last July my husband surprised me a Cruise to the Bahamas. We had the most amazing time and it was just weeks before my father got sick and my world turned upside down. It was on this trip that I did something very out of character for someone who is afraid of heights, Parasailing. Now for anyone who has not experienced Parasailing I would highly recommend it. I was 450 feet in the air attached to a boat. It was so quiet and peaceful in the sky and as I looked down at the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean I saw a huge sea turtle and two bottle noised dolphins. I often use this image as my "zen place" when stress seams to be overwhelming me.
decided to use this fabric I began thinking of my inspiration. The pattern was called "The Earth From Above", well for someone who hates to fly being above the ground was something I couldn't relate to enough to convey it in a quilt. I began thinking of one of the best 5 days I have on record. Last July my husband surprised me a Cruise to the Bahamas. We had the most amazing time and it was just weeks before my father got sick and my world turned upside down. It was on this trip that I did something very out of character for someone who is afraid of heights, Parasailing. Now for anyone who has not experienced Parasailing I would highly recommend it. I was 450 feet in the air attached to a boat. It was so quiet and peaceful in the sky and as I looked down at the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean I saw a huge sea turtle and two bottle noised dolphins. I often use this image as my "zen place" when stress seams to be overwhelming me.
As I looked over my fabric and the pattern it all came together. Drawing my inspiration from my sail 450 feet above the Caribbean this quilt, titled "Paradise from Above" is my own interpretation of that day. It is one of the best days in my memory. When I think about all of the pain and heartache since that trip I often think that maybe it was my own little glimpse of heaven, a window into my soul, a place to keep our loved ones safe until we meet again. I am thankful for this trip and this experience. 
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