Quilts of the Wild West Part 2

"Cowgirl Up" is the female version of the old rodeo call "Cowboy Up", meaning that the rider was in the chute, seated on the bronco or bull, waiting for the gate to open to enter the arena. Over time, "Cowgirl Up" has evolved to mean that a challenge is awaiting and we are ready to tackle it. "Cowgirl Up" can mean : be your own woman, make your own path, and take responsibility for who you are and what you do. An extremely well-designed quilt,  "Cowgirl Up" sparkles with warmth and charm.

Cowgirl Up, by Shelly Pagliai, at Prairie Moon Quilts

We love this quilt because of its authentic "cowboy colors" of dusty red, chambray blue and cocoa, its symmetrical, eye-pleasing patterns, and its blend of applique and patchwork. The American vintage look is perfectly enhanced by the center cowgirl image and the images inside each of the cottage star blocks. The designer, Shelly Pagliai, tells us that these vintage quilt block prints are from Olde America Antiques.  Rounding out the frontier theme of this quilt is the prairie points-style border, which ties all the elements together. If you love cowgirl projects like this one, check out the Cowgirl Club at Prairie Moon Quilts.

Cowboy Blessing pattern or kit, by Shelly Pagliai, at Prairie Moon Quilts

Shelly lives with her family on the Prairie Moon Ranch, in the midwest state of Missouri.  She named her quilt business after the ranch, and her western themes are genuine reflections of her family's life and values. Available at Prairie Moon Quilts, here is the endearing Cowboy Blessing, complete with a barbed-wire inner border and horseshoes, surrounding an embroidered wish that reads : "May your belly never grumble, May your heart never ache, May your horse never stumble, May your cinch never break."  This pattern would look wonderful as the center of a table runner or table topper, a wall hanging, or a pillow.

Cowboy Christmas stocking, "Prairie Paisley", by Shelly Pagliai, at Prairie Moon Quilts

What could be cuter than a fancy western dress boot used as a Christmas stocking? Shelly introduces a new cowboy Christmas stocking each year, and "Prairie Paisley" is her offering for last December 2010.  This project uses applique and some hand embroidery in festive red and and cream colors to make a very original stocking. It has a lined body, and stands about 16 inches tall and 10 inches wide at the widest point.  Here's a very unique and thoughtful holiday gift for a cowboy or cowgirl in your life.

And finally, to go along with these great projects from Prairie Moon Quilts, we have found some fun old time western music: "Roll Along, Prairie Moon". Click on the center arrow below to start the song, so that all of us can saddle up our ponies and ride off into the sunset, dreaming of another day of inspiration.

Image credits:  Images are shown with the generous permission of Shelly Pagliai.