Stitches in Time

I've been thinking back to the first "art quilt" I ever made – the one that started it all.  When I say art quilt, I'm using the term loosely. I did draw all the applique patterns free hand.  Other than that, it's a pretty basic block quilt.  The "thread work" on this piece consisted of a few straight lines between blocks, giant hand-appliqued stitches and some buttons to hold it all together.

     
(Images: 12 Days of Christmas quilt by K.Themel, circa 1996)

Over the years I've added more and more quilting into my pieces.  I can almost measure time by the density of the stitches.

I'm not sure what direction I'll take with this challenge, but I think it will have something to do with the measurement of time. But I better get to it. As always, time is running out!