Many of you already know that I am going to be featured quilter at our show in August. We have wonderful neighbors who are very dear friends. Two years ago, I made this as a gift for my neighbor. Yesterday, she let me borrow it for my display. The background story is that we share garden produce, amoung other things. She makes apple pies from our fruit every year, but in 2009, our crop was destroyed by a late frost, so I gave her these apples.

You can't see in this picture, but the basket and apples are heavily stuffed, the white closely stippled and all the morter lines of the bricks are quilted, emphasizing the 3D effect of the basket.

This is also the neighbor who pushed me really hard to become a quilter, although I was sure I did not want to.

Wow! Love the quilt and the story. Thank you so much for sharing. Congrats on being featured at your quilt show! And just think, we can brag that another of our QB friends is famous! ;-)

There is nothing like a true friend. I cherish everyone of mine. Also,congratulations on your being chosed to be the featured quilter at your show. What an honor!!

I can smell the apple pies baking from here:) Congrats on being the featured artist:)

What a beautiful quilt. The brick fabric is so unusual. Congrats on being chosen.

:thumbup: :thumbup: NICE STORY!!

Thank you. The day we got this property, our dog got lost. These neighbors, whom we had never before met, organized a search party. This is typical of them. BTW, she makes really great apple pies.

What a wonderful meaningful quilt. It would be wonderful even without the story. I love that you quilted the mortor

Beautiful quilt and I love the story. Good neighbors who are good friends are a true blessing!

I love the brick,it looks so real! Friends are wonderful. Appreciate you sharing.

What a great story and such good neighbors. We did not have an apple crop in West Virginia in 2009 but a great one in 2010. You should be so proud of your accomplishments and work.

Very pretty, she is indeed a good neighbor. Lucky for both of you to have each other.

Thanks for sharing your story and your stunning quilt. Hope the show goes well and you have a wonderful time.

I really like your quilt. Having such a good friend/neighbor is a true blessing.

WONDERFUL story and how amazing that you're going to be a featured artist. AWESOME!!! :D:D

Sounds like the two of you have a great relationship! :)

Love the story of this quilt. That makes it extra special for the person receiving it. :-)

beautiful!!! love the basket!

Love your story - Loved your project
This will go along with your good deed and the fruit you provide

- you all need this fabulous pastry recipe....you will be amazed!!!

Pie Pastry Aug 2010 by Donna Rickman
1 lb. crisco
5 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder - Mix these 3 ingred. until crumbly

Add 1 cup 7-UP

You can play and play with this - if it starts to get stiff, just add a bit (1 tsp at a time) more 7-up and mix, roll on a floured surface. Bake at the temperature required for your pie, and cover the crust with tinfoil before baking.

Place your pastry into the freezer for a few minutes before baking
Helps with shrinkage of pastry shell.

Thank you all. Indeed, we are blessed with each other. We have shared many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. BTW, she nominated me for featured quilter.

Another wonderful thing is that her DH and mine are very good friends as well. My DH is someone who does not make friends easily, so this is all the more remarkable. They have worked together on several projects to their mutual benefit.

Beautiful quilt and I loved the story that went along with it.

We have just moved. One of the few disadvantages of our newer place is that we are no longer quite as close to this very pleasant couple.