Inspiration comes from many places ~

 I went on a little trip in March to the Isle of Man. It was the best time for many reasons. Mostly because I traveled alone and that in and of itself was eye opening. I met many people, saw beautiful things and learned so much about the island and myself. After I returned I did some research about Isle of Man quilting. Found little things here and there. Then I did a search for Manx quilting and I found that the log cabin which has been around since the Civil War was probably inspired by the Manx folded log cabin or Roof pattern. Ladies, in the dim evening light, folded pieces of fabric and hand stitched them around a center square. Because they used their fingers, thumb and hands as measuring tools, each square would be different in size depending on the quilter. No quilting bees at that time, I presume.

My trip was wonderful because of a new found cousin in Australia. I was doing genealogy for my husband side and found that his family originated on the Isle of Man and the family migrate to England, Australia and the US.This new found cousin got me in contact with the most amazing hosts on the island. So to thank her, I have made a little wall hanging.

Folded log cabin

We have skyped since my return and she teases me about the large amount of fabric I have in my room. Now I have a little less, haha!

The color choice is from the Manx National registered tartan dated 1946 by Miss Patricia McQuaid. It is a seven color tartan and the description reads:

The light blue of the sky, The dark blue of the sea, The green of the hills & valleys, the white of the cottages, the purple of the heather, the yellow of the gorse in bloom, the red of the flowers of the fuchsia

I chose to have the whites in the center because of how the blocks are stitched together and finished. But it looks beautiful no matter the arrangement.

back with sleeve to hang

She is not a quilter, so I hope she likes it. Just a little reminder of the place she love so much.

Now to make a label for the back, then figure out how to package and mail it to Australia.

A happy little project finished. Now for the bigger ones.

Have a great weekend

Did you know?

Now that I am back from a trip abroad to see beautiful people and places, I have new fun facts to share with you all. And a few of my favorite photos.

Currently the Isle of Man is sending over their precious bees in the hopes that they might help in repopulating our depleting population of bees. One day there might be Manx bees flying around the US.

It  is not conclusive but the Manx Log Cabin or roof pattern which originated on the Isle of Man might have been the precursor to the log cabin block. Ideas are brewing.Getting out my scraps.

The Star of India, an iron ship sitting in the San Diego harbor, was built in Ramsey Harbor, IOM. Her first name Euterpe. Field trip

A famous motorcycle race is held annually on the Isle of Man. The population of the island almost doubles for the two week event. The unassuming roads of the Isle of Man become a race track. I don't even know if the riders are able to enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Some of my favorite movies were filmed on the island. Miss Potter, On a Clear Day and Waking Ned Devine.

Small but significant is the Isle of Man. Kind people with big hearts. Where cell phones and technology abound and TT competitors leave notes for the faeries.

All the best

Liverpool to London ~

So as I try to type aboard this fast moving train there may be a few twists and turns so I may only try to send pictures today.

But please know that I love how all of you having been following my Instagram and blog. Thank you, nice to have you along if only though messaging.

This has been a dream, From seeing my darling husbands homeland, meeting relatives, staying with the nicest people who welcomed me into their homes to now traveling to London. Most decadent!

So a morning of pictures:

so much easier than Dublin
Ronaldsway Airport IOM

Liverpool train station

platform #7

Cabin G

Mary Poppins houses

Tea service - oops spilt

Next time we all are going and have a great adventure!

posted at 1:16 PM 

Have a great day my friends and family

A little Isle ~

With a big heart!

I have enjoyed walking the dogs of my gracious host in the northern part of Isle of Man.

The daffodils are blooming in the hedgerows, lambs in the field besides their mothers,  the sun came out, laundry on the line, buying postage and seeing the Mylrea sites are just a few of my favorite things. Today was special because a gentleman who is reverently know as an Island historian came by and took us around to Mylrea sites of special interest. It it just one of the many kindnesses shown by the Manx people. Their heritage is very important.  

Kirk Andreas Church

in need of love
Ballachurree last know home of the Mylrea's

on to Douglas, IOM
A view from my room of the harbor at sunset

The Terminus Pub

curry chicken with mango chutney and naan, rice and chips

Okells

The nicest day with the best people here. Maybe we all need to come out for TT? Shall we take a journey?

Traveling ~

What should have taken me 20 hours or so took 32 due to fog all over the UK.

I arrived on the Isle of Man weary. A kind gentleman came to my assistance and walked me to the baggage claim after the flight. It turned out that he was a member of parliament, The House of Keys, the oldest parliament in existence. He offered us a tour and a short historical overview through the building where the laws are created. Beautiful doesn't quite describe the chambers, history and time he spent with us. I am aware that not everyone has this opportunity.

This has been my experience all over the island, pure graciousness. People take the time to stop and talk, ask questions and offer assistance. I was accompanied by my lovely host at the bed & breakfast here in Andreas, IOM. She was equally excited at the opportunity to tour the parliament, given by none other than a high level official. We went to her silk painting guild, which was around the corner and I enjoyed so very much each of the ladies and the lovely silk scarves they were painting. Done in the style of Archibald Knox, famous Manx artist. I see inspiration for a quilt. Of course.

Lastly we went over to the I Museum, where I was given a lesson on what can be found on their web-site for future genealogical research.

So many people have been kind to me on my travels. From the Aer Lingus gate agent who took pity on a tired girl such as myself, John Shimman, my husband who had to figure our what to do next from around the world and to my sweet host who made me a sandwich in her kitchen after a long journey.

I have to learned a great many things, the best and most precious is that there is kindness in the most unexpected of places. I am sincerely grateful.

This little island in the middle of the Irish Sea is a beautiful, quiet, peaceful spot. Rolling green hills with lambs and daffodils in the hedgerows. The perfect description by a generous person. Hard to believe that the famous motorcycle race, TT, takes place here.

More adventures are to come.

A journey ~

Daffodils along roadside here on IOM.

I am finally here on the Isle of Man with only a minor bit of trouble in the form of fog. 

This morning I woke feeling like a new person, went on a walk with my fabulous host Pam and her dogs. The countryside is beautiful