Smoke from the chimney wafts down, settling itself over the roof as an early snowfall meanders. Sharp cold outside. Bronze frost edged goldenrod blends seamlessly with the faded mahogany of the fallen oak leaves carpeting the ground. The snow-flecked landscape outside is restful and calm. All forms of straw, rich chocolate browns and greys highlighted with pure white. Cold winter’s first sunset presses long, stark beams of sunlight through the barren-barked trees. Inside, cheerfully printed cotton is pressed. A hiss of heat from the old iron smooths calico fabric on an aged ironing board. Warm, clean, and gentle, the steam rising freely from the quilt blocks promises comfort and safety. The quilter’s hands are steady and patient as they create a block, a blanket, a story, some special hidden knowledge- given freely, with joy.

Piece is worked seamlessly in the round from brim’s edge to crown.