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A Mother’s Spring

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

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

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

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

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.

 

 

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Pretty and Strong — A Legacy is Born

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

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 Delta Sigma Theta

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

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Picking up a Quilt From a Long Arm Quilter is Like Opening a Special Gift on Christmas Morning

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

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

I Love Strong Coffee closeup

 

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Choose to Bloom

 

Top Border.Choose to Bloom.2013

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.

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Choose to Bloom

Right Brorder. Choose to bloom.2013Some people say the border makes the quilt. I am inclined to agree as I struggle to finish Choose to Bloom.

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

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Choose to Bloom

Side border of Choose to Bloom

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!

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