February...the month to quilt

During February I unfolded projects waiting to be quilted and spent enough time quilting that the machine became a permanent fixture on the kitchen table. Bill was fairly patient but I found myself holding my tongue when he would set cartons of yougurt, a jar of peanut butter and leftover containers all over my machine. He asked why I was in the kitchen since I have a great quilting room so I explained that I just didn't have space to quilt with the industrial machine and the size of the quilts. No space, I replied. So, he didn't complain or say anything but I was constantly clearing food off the machine. I guess that can be considered the price I pay to take up even more of our communal space.

I've been having so much fun working on projects. A quilt that Rachael pieced when she was in labor with Ivan, a baby quilt for my soon-to-be baby grand daughter and a table runner. So, for a while longer, the quilting machine sits on the kitchen table and I sit down whenever I have a free moment, after I clear off all the stuff Bill has piled upon the machine. Oh well, keep on stitchin'

Magazine Celebrities!

I discovered a pattern in Fons and Porter, a quilt magazine, and decided to make it, and make it, and make it yet again. The pattern is paper pieced and I enjoyed giving wall hangings to all five of my daughters. They received gardens, full of colorful blossoms. I gifted my friends single buds, open and brightly colored. Upon a whim, I decided to send the photo back to the pattern source and lo, they printed it! I know it is in their online magazine so check it out. answers54@fonsandporter.com

Weariness

I'm sitting here in an overstuffed chair, too tired to move. Sleep is calling me into the dark abyss and I want to fall. The only problem is that I am twenty miles from home, it is cold and dark and I am alone. At least, if I were in my car I would be alone. Instead I am sitting in Starbucks, downing an extra hot cup of non-fat cocoa, no whip, surrounded by young baristas and an occasional customer or two. I'm reluctant to leave for the car is cold and the house colder. Bill has class tonight in Fallon so I stopped by here, thinking I could get some emailing done. Now I'm stuck and not wanting to move.

This past year was one of the most difficult times I've experienced in a while. The home remodeling project took from me more than I expected. It seems as if I would have nothing left so many time. Oops the battery light is flashing so I'm going to save, shut down and really go home. It's time. More griping on another post.

Why did the elephant paint her toenails?

To hide better in the gumdrop patch!

A Walk in the Snow

A dozen feet before and after....walking in the snow.

All the Flowers in my Garden

As the snow drifts downwards and I sit here, sipping coffee, I think of my blessings and all the sweet daughters I have in my life. Sow a seed and the earth will yield a flower garden!

Hospice Quilts

We decided on the project last year and for Christmas, everyone exchanged a panel of fabric. The mission? To create a lap quilt for hospice patients. Through the year, the quilts came into Donna's studio and they were creative, colorful and finished. Mine however, was constantly set on the back porch to make room for other projects; baby quilts, birthday gifts....everything was getting done but the hospice quilt. We invited Judy, the volunteer coordinator, to our November18 meeting. Then I moved into gear. I had a deadline and since I was driving Judy to our meeting, I couldn't miss it. Literally minutes before we planned to meet at the crossroads in Silver Springs, I finished sewing down the binding. Tiger, Tiger in the Night was complete, finished! I didn't quite follow the directions as the pattern was a "quilt as you go" pattern and it just didn't have enough quilting for my likes so...I quilted it and when it was done, I loved it! I am so thankful for all Bill and I share in our life that I hope this quilt provides comfort for a family during this time of letting go. Check out the great quilts the Ditch Stitchers created! Way to go, ladies!