For this edition of our Hand Quilt Along, I have made two blocks to donate to Kate at Tall Tales from Chiconia’s Ovarian Cancer fund raiser quilts. She has such unique and fun ideas. This year’s quilt once again uses the Ovarian Cancer signature teal color. She is calling it “Go Teal It on the Mountain”. All of the designers are making mountain themed blocks.
When I thought of the type of blocks I would make, I reminisced about the two mountains that have been the backdrops of most of my life.
Pusch Ridge—
I grew up in Tucson and went to high school in the shadow of this beautiful mountain. I have such fond memories of it’s tall cliffs and desert landscape.
I knew at once I wanted to make a block honoring this rugged mountain. I decided to appliqué the mountain and the cacti. Here it is all roughly laid out —
I haven’t appliquéd since this spring. It was so much fun to be using the needle and thread again. It really sewed together quite quickly. I had the block done in no time at all:)
I like how this block turned out. I think it captures the feel of the mountain.
Mt. Graham—
For most of my married life I have lived in the small cotton farming community of Safford, AZ at the base of majestic Mt. Graham.
Mt. Graham has a large flat mesa near the base. It is very unique and beautiful. I love walking in the cotton fields and looking at the shadows on the mountain.
It was not quite as easy to get the story of this mountain on the quilt block , but I like it. Here is the rough lay out.
The embroidery seriously took way longer than the appliqué of the whole block! Maybe I should have just left it off, but once I figured out it was taking so long, I was more than half way finished. Oh well, I like the added touch:)
Here is my finished Mt Graham Block. I love how the cotton turned out. It is just like home:). I guess Home SWEET Home is the appropriate description ❤️
I hope you have enjoyed reading about this HQAL. If you would like to join in the fun, here is how:
This Hand Quilt Along is an opportunity for hand quilters and piecers to share and motivate one another. We post every three weeks, to show our progress and encourage one another. If you have a hand quilting project and would like to join our group contact Kathy at the link below.

They’re both beautiful! I love how we’re getting ‘portraits’ of actual mountains as well as imaginary peaks. The teal colour scheme is really working for these, they have a wonderful feel of distance and height. Thank you so much for making them for Go Teal it on the Mountain!
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I’m glad you like them Kate:). I was worried they might be more literal than you were hoping for. I agree with the feeling of distance. Thank you for organizing another wonderful charity quilt:)❤️❤️
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Not at all, literal is just as valid as fantasy. A mountain is a mountain! I’ll look forward to receiving them and choosing a place for them in the layout 🙂
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two gorgeous blocks, and I love the cacti
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Thank you Claire! It was fun to quilt my memories:)
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The cotton boles were a very nice touch! Needleturn applique…..I am holding off on this technique. Very nice handwork!
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Thank you! I waited way too long to learn needle turn applique. It is really much easier than it looks 😊❤️
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Well done, Tracy, you really captured those vistas with your blocks!
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Thank you Kathy! It was a fun challenge😊❤️
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And Happy Thanksgiving!!
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Hi Tracy! I love the title of this post – I’m humming that song now. And these colors and fabrics are soooo pretty. Beautiful work. Happy Sunday! ~smile~ Roseanne
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Thank you Roseanne! I am singing now too… it is a fitting song for this time of the year:)❤️❤️
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I love your piece your are working on – oh the teal/turquoise – so delicious – and wonderful to see the place/image that inspired your piece!
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Thank you Tierney! I think a while memory quilt like this would be fun. It could be filled with sillohoettes of homes, mountains or landmarks. Oh the creative juices are flowing!
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Now that truly makes me homesick! I grew up with the Catalinas dominating my view each day, too. Where did you go to high school? I think my senior class was the last foothills class that went to Amphi, but I might be wrong. I know my sister started at Canyon del Oro the next year.
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I am a Dorado alumni! We really are sisters:)❤️❤️
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Lovely blocks!! Cotton is all around me here in Georgia but no lovely mountains where I am. Love the “ why” you choose these blocks.
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Thank you Deb! I am glad to have a friend who totally gets the beauty of a field totally white and ready to harvest:). I do love the mountain in the background, but I’m sure you are surrounded by .org lush green trees mist of the year😊❤️
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What a cute block!
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Thank you Karrin! It was fun trying to recreate a memory. I’m so glad you stopped by and hope you have a wonderful day!❤️
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Lovely blocks! I especially like the cactus, made me smile.
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The block was a success then! Thank you for the smile sand kind compliment 😊❤️
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Lovely blocks, your applique is so neat!
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