Uncommon Legacy, 72 x 72 inch quilt, by O.V. Brantley, 2009. For sale at ETSY.com/shop/ovbrantleyquilts

Today is Mother’s Day, but so much has happened in our life, we are celebrating Mother’s Spring.

When India pledged Delta Sigma Theta, it was a very special time for us. Mother and daughter became sisters. Life felt pretty full.

When I attended India’s graduation from the University of Pittsburgh Paramedic Program, that was pretty special too. I was bursting with pride to know that my daughter knew how to save lives.

When the Delta Sigma Theta Centennial Torch arrived in Atlanta, we celebrated in the park with thousands of other sorors.

When India passed her National Paramedic Exam, we celebrated again.

When I got my first paycheck on my new job, we shopped until we dropped!

One day is not enough for me. It has truly been a Mother’s Spring, and I am grateful.

India and O.V. Brantley after India’s initiation into Delta Sigma Theta

India Brantley and O.V. Brantley celebrating graduation from PITT Paramedic Program

O.V. Brantley and India Brantley celebrating the arrival of the Delta Sigma Theta Centennial Torch in Atlanta

P.S. I feel inspiration for a new quilt coming on, but the one shown above is called Uncommon Legacy. It seems to fit the occasion.

Top inner border of Choose to Bloom

The top inner border of Choose to Bloom was a lot easier than the two side borders because the house block in the center takes up a lot of space.

This is the top inner border of Choose to Bloom.

Last month I shared the left inner border of Choose to Bloom. Here is the right inner border.

Pretty and Strong, 38 x 38 inch quilt, by O.V. Brantley, 2012. For sale at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ovbrantleyquilts.

Life has a lot of twists and turns, highs and lows, ups and downs, but every now and then, you hit a sweet moment. This weekend I participated in the initiation of my daughter India into our sorority Delta Sigma Theta. It was a sweet moment.

Our initiation ceremonies are secret. India had no idea about the time or the place of her initiation. I managed to sneak into Pittsburgh and hide out until the appointed time for the initiation ceremony without India having a clue. (My cover story was that I was attending a quilt show at the Gwinnett Center).  Her face when she entered the room and saw her mother who was supposed to be in Atlanta was a priceless moment.

Throughout India’s life, I secretly tried to raise her to be a Delta woman — a pretty and strong servant-leader. It was a sweet moment when I pinned the letters Delta Sigma Theta over her heart.

India and O.V. Brantley after India’s initiation into Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta

I Love Strong Coffee, 70 x 70 inch quilt, by O.V. Brantley, 2012. For sale at etsy.com/shop/ovbrantleyquilts

Although I enjoy hand quilting some of my quilts, I send my large quilts to a long arm quilter for quilting. I allow her to use her creativity as she sees fit, so I give very few instructions. She chooses the pattern and the thread. Consequently, when I pick up my quilt it is a big surprise, but I am seldom disappointed.

A great long arm quilter can make a crooked quilt straight, a drab quilt colorful and a plain quilt exceptional. Even if the quilt is not transformed, it is at least close to being finished. That in itself, is reason to celebrate.

One of my recent quilts was quilted by Maxine Moore. It is called I Love Strong Coffee. (Yes, my quilts tend to be autobiographical). I wanted a neutral quilt that would feel at home with someone curled up on the sofa, but let’s face it. Neutral can be bland. The machine quilting gives this neutral quilt definition and substance. When I picked this quilt up and saw it after its transformation by Maxine, it felt like Christmas.

I Love Strong Coffee closeup

Dream Like Crazy, 44 x 51 inch quilt, by O.V. Brantley, 2012. For sale at etsy.com/shop/ovbrantleyquilts

February is my dream month. It is the perfect time to reflect on ancient and recent history, to meditate and make peace and to plan a glorious future. I like the fact that it is a short month because dreams must be followed by action — the sooner the better. I made Dream Like Crazy just to remind of my dream month.

Time to spring into action.

Dream Like Crazy closeup

Side border of Choose to Bloom

My quilt Choose to Bloom has been quite a journey. I hope you enjoyed seeing the 13 blocks that I previously posted.

Now I am working on the inner borders. There are four of them, and each one is 48 inches long!

Here is the left inner border of Choose to Bloom. Yes, there  is an outer border!

I Am Dancing In My Heart, 25 x 27 inch quilt, by O.V. Brantley, 2011. For sale at etsy.com/shop/ovbrantleyquilts

Did you enjoy the Oscars? I always enjoy the beautiful gowns. It seems we never dress up anymore. However, for a political junkie like me, it was a banner year, and Michelle Obama’s appearance was the icing on the cake.

P.S. I think Lincoln was the only movie with a quilt in it, so it should have gotten extra points.

Filed under: A Quilter's Life, For Sale Tagged: African American quilter, fabric art, I Am Dancing in My Heart, Lincoln, Michelle Obama, Oscars, patchwork, quilt, www.etsy.com/shop/OVBrantleyQuilts ]]> http://ovbrantley.com/2013/02/25/did-you-enjoy-the-oscars/feed/ 1 I Am Dancing in My Heart.002.2011 ovbrantley I Am Dancing In My Heart, 25 x 27 inch quilt, by O.V. Brantley, 2011. For sale at etsy.com/shop/ovbrantleyquilts http://ovbrantley.com/2013/02/24/uncommon-legacy/ http://ovbrantley.com/2013/02/24/uncommon-legacy/#comments Sun, 24 Feb 2013 13:00:14 +0000 ovbrantley http://ovbrantley.com/?p=5685 ]]>

Uncommon Legacy, 72 x 72 inch quilt, by O.V. Brantley, 2009. For sale at ETSY.com/shop/ovbrantleyquilts

One could argue that every quilt I make could be a Black History Month quilt. However, some of my quilts represent my personal slant on quilt history.

Baltimore Album quilts have a special place in quilt history. My quilt Uncommon Legacy is my twist on that history. Historical patterns on a black background in bright colors provide a little insight on how I see the world — bright, vibrant and possible.

Hot Chocolate, 35 x48 inch quilt, by O.V. Brantley, 2008. For sale at http://www..etsy.com/shop/ovbrantleyquilts

There is nothing better than a lazy Saturday. If it is cold, overcast and looking like snow is on the way, a cup of  Hot Chocolate can be the icing on a perfect day.

Today was such a day.