From Russia With Love....

As  many of you know I've been away enjoying a fabulous trip cruising the river ways between Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia. While enjoying the history of Russia starting in the 1200's many obvious patterns presented themselves to this very amateur photographer.  While I have pictures of  The Kremlin and many of the beautiful buildings housed in the fortress, the discovery of patterns was easier for me to snap vignettes. While I didn't find any quilt or textile shops I did find a couple quilts.  I'll be sharing some of these pictures over time.  These traditional patterns are still relevant today.

Coincidentally, I was the guest of my friend Caroll at last night's, Tuesday, Sept 22, West Michigan Quilters Guild  meeting to hear and learn about modern quilting from Jacquie Gering.  Ms. Gering has been teaching two all day classes on her techniques of MQ.  I arrived just as yesterday's class was finishing and the slash and stitch squares were beautiful.  At her talk in the evening her start off point was that "...tradition is the touchstone for modern..."  While reading and listening to avid modernists debate "new" and "modern" I was so glad to hear this fundamental element for her.

Before I start the picture tour just a note that Stitched Studio is having an open house this Saturday, September 27th.  Michelle has many events and prizes planned for throughout the day.  Demos will be on-going. Check the store's website for more info here.

 The tile work above is in one of the subway platforms built by Stalin to honor the Ukraine.  The mural below welcomes commuters to the platform.  It too, honors the Ukraine.

 Above is the famous St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, near Red Square and the Kremlin.

 This house is where our local guide was raised.  Her parents now in their 70's live and maintain it.  All the ginger bread decorations were done by her father, by hand as he is a carpenter.  His 3 year stash of wood is also very patterned and arranged in a very precise manner.

 Ok, Quilters...more to come but get over mixing colors and patterns......I say laughingly!