Very, very long ago, in my little corner of WI, and I'm speaking of a village of about 700, I was the best, or nearly, hand quilter in town. This isn't bragging, it's to explain why I was silly enough to accept the task of teaching vo-ag classes. Which is WI-nees for "adult education". So if you are going to teach hand quilting, you have to have something to show them, and preferably something with contrast. They began with hoops, muslin sandwiches and red thread. Black was a bit too scary for the first time around..LOL. I made up this simple "piece" to show them what is possible. There is little rhyme or reason for the combination. The only part that is free hand drawn(for Tonya's eyes *G*) is the cable, of all things. For me, this was very nearly pre-stencil. I used and still use a leather thimble and like a size 12 between, but settle for a 10 these days. On a seperate note, I offer sort of an explaination about my posting these old pics from the 80's and 90's...I'm not out of "newer" things to show you. I am, however, a very grumpy ole bear, as I try to figure out and muddle through the new (wonderful) prescription drug feature us senior got(dubious gift) on 01/01/06. Muddles tend to make me grumpy, and when I'm grumpy, I'm not happy or creative...so NOTHING new or fun is happening here. I don't like it when I can't or don't play. Hurrrrumphs from a silly-nilly grumpy ole bear, Finn