Thursday, March 26, 2009

Ruth's Herb Quilt

While visiting the Salt Lake area, I stayed with my friend Ruth who owns the Herbs For Health and Garden store in Draper, Utah. Ruth is one of my dearest friends, and fellow quilter.

Ruth at one of our quilting get aways. Doesn't she look amazing to be a mother of 6 and grandmother to 8?

Ruth designed this beautiful "Herb" quilt that hangs in her store.
I think she is amazing to have created this her self. Ruth loves working with wool, and combined the traditional cotton for piecing with wool for applique.
I worked part time for Ruth's shop before moving to Southern Utah. I have learned so much from her.

Ruth can explain the many purposes herbs can play in promoting health.
Did you know that red clover can be used to treat respiratory infections and congestion?

Valerian has been used since the time of the Greeks to treat digestive problems.

Lavender is beautiful just to look at. It also can be used to help us relax and get to sleep at night.

When Ruth first made this quilt a group of friends asked for her to develop a pattern. She has been so busy running her store that she never has gotten to that part.

Arnica helps in the treatment of bruises and sprains.

Ruth's business is located in a old farm house that has been converted into a store. Her husband Craig has developed a beautiful garden where they grow fresh herbs, plants and trees.

Seeing a quilt inside the store makes entering feel comfortable and inviting.
Bergamot is a citrus fruit. The rind is used for extracting an essential oil. Many uses including used as an antiseptic, and helps in the healing of wounds.

Each year Ruth does a quilt show around the gardens and property surrounding her store. She gathers the works of her family and friends and drapes the fences and walkways with beautiful quilts. A great way to display her two loves, quilting and herbs.

The wool applique borders completes the quilt, bring the design together.
Thanks Ruth for letting me show your beautiful work on my post!

6 comments:

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous quilt! So unique too! What is not to love? You are right, Ruth looks fantastic, I can't believe she is a grandmother.

Material Mary said...

Wow, what a beautiful quilt and hours and hours of beautiful work. Love the hotpads. How cute...Mary

Eileen said...

This is truly beautiful. What a nice thing to have hanging in the shop! Love the quilting too. :-)

Sherri said...

This is a beautiful quilt...the quilting is spectacular as well! Thanks for sharing!

Debra Dixon said...

Beautiful quilt! So refreshing to look at--love that particular style with all the white space and delicate herbs/flowers.

Nanette Merrill said...

What fun friends coming and going for you. Nedra you are one popular girl! You amaze me. You are so giving of yourself to others. So it is no shocker that so many people are drawn to you.