The Path to True Love

Back in 1991 when I was writing a book on the Drunkard's Path pattern, I enjoyed fooling around with the elements of that pattern. Basically a DP unit is just a square divided into a quarter-circle and its wing-shaped remainder. I even made up some new block patterns and a few were good enough to actually make it into cloth. The book was named Happy Trails because I thought the word 'drunkard' might scare people off. It didn't of course and the book sold well. It's still in reprint with Dover Publications but now is called 65 Drunkard's Path Quilt Designs. Excuse me- (yawn) Dover is not known for being over-imaginative when it comes to titles.

Below is Prayer for the Animals, a little wall hanging I made using a Drunkard's Path variation from the book. The block is called Opening Valentines. I found the wonderful animal print at a decorator shop and carefully cut the triangles to give nice portraits of the animals. The printing was done with a Pigma pen and is from the old Anglican hymn that begins, "All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small-"

I hope you can spend Valentine's Day with someone you love. But just in case you're feeling bereft because an over-priced bouquet of roses didn't land on your doorstep, remember you can still celebrate V-Day by giving your animal friends some special attention. They're not as picky as humans and would love an extra pat on the head or a tummy rub. Or just donate your pocket change to the local Humane Society. Love comes in all shapes, sizes, and species. Happy Valentine's Day.