In this month’s Common Thread Give-a-way I’m giving away one of my “Restore The Bond” fleece blankets.
I originally made this wall hanging for Pamela at Blue Star Equiculture. She wanted a new logo for her Working Horse Rescue Farm and knew that it needed to have a horse in it, a person and Blue Star. I came up with the design that you see inside the butterflies. When Pamela made the piece into a blanket she took the pattern of butterflies from the back and surrounded the image with them.
This piece has come to represent more than just a logo for Blue Star. For Pamela it became a symbol of the ancient bond between horses and humans. I came to this idea in my own way, first when I marveled at the way the NYC Carriage Horses behaved with the people who work with and care for them, then when I went to Visit Blue Star Equiculture and fell for a Percheron named Piper. It was with Piper that I felt the connection I witnessed in New York.
And soon, I’m going to be embarking on another horse adventure when I start taking riding lesson with Eli Norman. She has a pony named Chloe that she thinks might suit me. Chloe is a lot smaller than Piper and I’m looking forward to getting to know her.
So this wall hanging has taken on lots of meaning for me, more than I ever imagined. If it appeals to you, or someone you know, and you’d like to try to win it in the Common Thread Give-a-way, just leave a comment on my blog. I’ll announce the winner on Thursday morning.
In case you’re not familiar with the Common Thread Give-a-way it happens the first Monday of every month. On that day one of our regular artists (Rachel Barlow, Jane McMillen, Kim Gifford and Jon Katz) give one of their creations away. So check out their blogs and see what you might win one Monday in the Common Thread Give-a-way.
I think “Restore the Bond” is apt for what you are doing in your life and in the lives of horses. You are an incredible artist and even my Florida home could benefit from this quilt. Thanks, Becky
I would love to win this beautiful symbol of the horse/human bond plus its functional athough I know I would want to hang it. Thanks, please add me in.
Luanne
Since I was a young girl I have been drawn to horses and looking up at the stars at night so this blanket/design speaks to me.
Hi Maria, Just wanted to pass on, I have this fleece and the coloring is so much brighter in person. It pops! I was surprised at the large ness of it too . 🙂 Another pic of Chloe please?
I have a friend who recently lost her beloved horse after 32 years of companionship. This would be a meaningful gift to her.
A beautiful symbol of our connection with horses! Thinking of a local rescue farm in my town called Peace Ranch that takes in horses & donkeys. It would be lovely in the soon to be finished cabin. Hug & Groom Fridays with veterans, disabled and hearts in need. Never done this before!
What a beautiful wall hanging. I would be thrilled to give it a home. This is very generous of you to give something this precious away.
Joan from Wisconsin
Maria,
I enjoy following your blog and seeing all the beautiful artwork you create with your fabrics. I’m so happy to hear you will be taking riding lessons. That is something I would like to pursue as well, but am feeling hesitant because of my age (61 years old). Even if I never ride, I still love watching horses and feel a connection with them, too. Thank you for sharing your art and ideas. I always look forward to your posts.
Pam
Hi Maria. I would love to win this blanket! The design has resinated with me since you first came up with it. I don’t have horses though I see them at the shelter I volunteer at. And I’ve always wanted to learn how to work with them and ride with them. It is a beautiful and thoughtful and touching design.
Those colours would go perfectly in my bedroom. Good luck to everyone!
A horse is one of God’s most wonderful creations, I would love to hang that beautiful quilt on my wall, keep up the creative magic Maria.
You, Jon & your Farm have been so much in my thoughts & prayers over the last weeks. I know the loss of dear animals/friends & the rough weather have been hard. I would love to have this for my grandson. He loves animals, especially horses & we only have cattle. Your art comes from the heart & is felt in a deeply spiritual way by this reader. Thanks for sharing & for the generous give-away. Mary Ann Cauthen
I, too, am a quilter and I love the creativity you impart with your quilts. I enjoy your journeys through different styles and explaining how you work through your ideas. I’d love to own one of your quilts…and since I love horses, this one would be perfect! Good luck everyone!
hi Maria! I would love to win this blanket! I’ve loved it from the first day I saw it! It has a lot of special meaning
Hello,
I would derive great pleasure in gifting this fleece blanket to my niece Elise if I were to be chosen as the recipient. She has had a fascination and love affair with horses (has about a blue moon million horse figures in her room) since about the age of 5 or so. She’s now 12 and has been taking riding lessons for hmmm, maybe 3 years now.
Anyway regardless of who ever wins this blanket the generosity and the beauty of the piece is truly appreciated!
Grateful for the opportunity,
Gary
I love the colors and admire your work so much. I am now 77 years and taught myself to sew when I retired at 73. I sew dresses and shorts for children in Liberia, D.R., Guatemala and similar third world places where there is a need. I also sent 40 to an Indian reservation in South Dakota. I read your blog each day and admire your artistry so much. I would love to have one to look at each day. I would like to win, but if I cannot, then I congratulate the lucky person you choose.
I gave away the one I bought and now miss it!
Mary in Texas
beautiful – and I think most of your work is beautiful. right now I have a pillow I bought from you quite a while ago supporting my back as I sit on my computer chair –
thanks for participating in the giveaway
It would be nice to cozy up with this fleece blanket in this
cold U.P. of Michigan winter. It is beautiful.
Beautiful Maria, I would love to have.
I’ve admired this since I first saw it! It is a ray of sunshine in what has been a long, hard winter! Good luck on your journey with horses. It will change you in wonderful and amazing ways!
Love this piece! Maria is so talented, I am a big fan of your work. I also enjoy Jon’s blog, Bedlam Farm. I am an animal person for sure!
Maria
I’ve loved this design of yours since its inception. It embodies the human animal bond……… and your creative spirit shines in it! I would love nothing more than to enjoy and cherish one of these blankets!!!!!!!!!!
Fond wishes to you as always
Susan
This piece is as beautiful as you Maria…I would be so honored to own this!!!!
Restore the bond. Significant in so many ways. So beautiful!
Hi Maria I would love to give your beautiful blanket a home. Thank you for all the hard work you and Jon have done for the horses in New York City! Im so excited to hear more about your riding lessons.
My life long dream of owning a horse finally came true when I was well into middle age. Three years ago, while I was riding, my horse fell, broke her leg and had to be euthanized. This quilt reminds me of all the joy I had with her and how she made my spirit soar.
Restore the bond is beautiful! It so illustrates the connection of people and animals, in this case horses, in a very Maria way….. I love the colors; I love the combinations of fabrics;I love her figures! I would love this.
Years ago I discovered the Gees Bend quilters. My brother had a couple of rescue horses for an organization like Blue Star. Maria has dreams that inform; I look for serendipity. This feels like that. I would be very honored and pleased to have this. Thanks for offering it.
I love this design, and the concept!
What a wonderful opportunity!
Sign me up for this giveaway. I loved this art piece the moment I saw it.
A new beginning will occur at the end of the month-we are moving to a smaller home with woods and wildlife around it- Goodbye subdivision and home owners association- hello country!! This would be so beautiful in our new place and so meaningful as we restore our bond with nature
Hi Maria,
Our 12 year old daughter seemed to be born with a horse bond, and they have become the center of her life (and now ours…spending many evenings a week at a barn, tending and loving). Her 6th grade biology fair subject was Eddie Sweat, Secretariat’s groom, because of his intuitive connection with horses. Winning your art for her would mean she would have a constant mirror of her inner being on view for the rest of her life.
Loved you post about your visit to NY and this lovely quilt reminds me how important Jon’s efforts are to save the Central Park horse rides from being dismantled.
Regards, Lynn
Looking at your blanket makes me think of my mom, who loved horses her whole life. There is so much emotion and hope in this piece.
Your beautiful artwork speaks to me, especially this quilt. Please enter me in your drawing, thank you.
So much color,love and beauty in this quilt. Anyone would be lucky to win this beauty. I hope I am the lucky one! Thank you for being so generous.
What a beautiful piece of art! My Grandmother was a quilter so I have her work on all my beds. You help keep her memory alive. Thank you so much.
Beautiful piece Maria! Would love to hang this @ my Florida Farm where my horse, donkeys and goats will all soon retire full time along w/me too. Thank you and the other artists for the opportunity to win a wonderful piece that they have created.
A Horse! A Horse! My kingdom for a Horse (blanket)!
Greetings, Maria,
The blanket design was perfect for Pamela’s need for a logo. I also find the message resonates in other areas of life: a connection with natural elements of fire, water, earth, the universe. Man and horses have been together since they came to be. Dependent and independent.
If I should win, I would proudly give it to my three beautiful grandchildren, three girls who adore horses and have a lifetime to experience what is represented in your art here. Thank you for donating it this time.
Mary
Maria, thank you so much for your generosity. I have a friend with horses who quietly fights the war against animal abuse, and she would love this. Thanks again, and keep up the good work!
I would love to win. You do beautiful work. Think Spring!!
Hi Maria, this blanket is absolutely beautiful! I like the bright colors. I would love to win some of your work. I recently began reading your blog and also Jon’s (when Simon died). I am enjoying reading about all the animals at the farm. I am a country girl from north Georgia so I love reading about your rural life. In January I went thru what you did with your sweet dog. My Lucy was sixteen and in the same condition as Frieda. I do miss her but she had a great life with us. She came to our house as a stray as a young puppy.
Jane
Hello Maria!
How generous and wonderful of you to put this beautiful piece on as a give-away! Oh my goodness , how I would love to hang this in my home!
thank you
Donna
It is beautiful! xo
Hi Maria. I would like to be considered for the giveaway of this wonderful blanket. I have been following you and Jon for many years. I am a carriage driver for a therapeutic driving program for the disabled called Driving Magic. I have been following the NY carriage horses, and Blue Star Equiculture. Thank you for your consideration. Jen Lee
Maria, Thank you for donating this majestic piece. This artwork is
compelling and thought provoking. It involves the 4 elements essential to
life, but most of all it is the meaning and objective of why you
created Pamela’s logo. It shows devotion, love and dedication to
your passion. Maria, your blog is wonderful and provides a lens into the life of an artist. Thank you for your generosity.
What a lovely spiritual piece you have created! I’ve always wanted a horse and tried to convince my parents that we could keep one in our garage when I was little. Common sense prevailed, but I continue to love horses. Your art, blog, and Jon’s writing/photography are important contributions to so many people. Thank you.
It’s a beautiful design Maria. I love all the bright colors.