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“Home is the place where it feels right to walk around without shoes”

My local quilt guild, Log cabin Quilters, had a quilt challenge a couple of years ago- "What Michigan Means to Me" Above is my entry which is made of felted wool, machine embroidery, beads, sequins, and glitter (love, love glitter!). It has a diameter of approximately 54".

Above is an antique Ford truck. Growing up, when we would visit my Uncle Al's family (my mom's brother), he typically had one of these trucks in his garage that he was refurbishing. His trucks were often purple- very, very cool looking! In honor of this memory, I embroidered 'Uncle Al's Service' on the side of the door.

I grew up on the east side of Grand Rapids, behind our home there were a small secluded lake, Hidden Lake. My brothers, sisters, and I would spend hours playing by the lake and the adjoining woods. Priceless memories!

The waves have glitter on them (Did I tell you I love glitter?). The three fish are sequined and beaded and hang off the bough.

Michigan is known for its wonderful cherries. So, of course this quilt needed a cherry tree with my husband's and my initials carved on it! The tree also has our state bird, a robin, perched on a branch.

The cherries are small felted wool balls with red wire spirals attached. The leaves have glitter on them (Are you seeing a theme here?)

One of the best places to vacation in the entire world is Mackinac Island. When my husband and I first married, each June we would attend the Lilac Festival on the island and participate in the 8-mile walk around the circumference of the island. The Mackinac Bridge is the largest suspension bridge in the world that connects lower and upper Michigan.

Another wonderful Michigan festival is the Tulip Festival in Holland, MI. Each spring, the city is adorned with blooming tulips everywhere! The Klompen dancers dressed in traditional Dutch dress washing the streets adds to joy of the feastival. When I was in high school, I would go to the festival with one of my good friends. I cherish thr pictures to this day....

The last part of the quilt that I will share (though there skiing and lighthouse scenes also) is of home. The quote that is embroidered around it says, "Home is where the heart is and Michigan is our home" Need I say more?

Have you ever participated in a challenge? What do you create?