Midnight Garden

I just finished another quilt designed by Lisa Bongean. I love this little quilt, it was fun to work on and was challenging. The pattern is from the Mini Marvels Moda All-Stars book. There are 15 mini quilts patterns to choose from in this book. The sawtooth border in the middle of the quilt was a challenge as you must be spot on in your seam allowance, so you can join them around the middle square. I admit it ... I did have to rip this out once or twice!

The quilting was done on my Janome sewing machine which was a new experience for me. The quilt measures 18" x 21" so it was the perfect size to quilt on my machine.

I really enjoy wool applique projects, I like the process and the finished result.  

I have it hanging on an antique coat rack I purchased in Wisconsin years ago. I hung it with the Yueton stainless steel clips I purchased on Amazon. I just twisted them a little and it works perfect. 

I really enjoy working on mini quilts, the process is fun and the results are fast. I will be working on more mini quilts in the future. In fact I'm cutting out another quilt right now. The next pattern is called Garden Path. The pattern is designed by Cheri Saffiote. I purchased the book and kit years ago at a quilt show in Missoula. For some reason I was saving it to work on later. Today is the day! 

Goodbye 2017!

Now that Christmas is over, and everyone is preparing for New Year's Eve we can look back at 2017 and reflect on what happened and what we want to change. Every year people make New Year's resolutions and goals for the coming year. Over the past few days, I've been pondering my own goals and resolutions for 2018.

Looking back at 2017, my main focus was health issues with my parents. It's been hard to watch those you love getting older. I find myself remembering the strength they once had, the rock you could always depend on. I see the struggle they are having just getting through the day. I can also see that 2018 will be hard on the whole family as we get through the year. 2017 also made me realize how lucky I am to have my children living close by. I'm looking forward to seeing their future and what paths they take. I've been so fortunate to see them grow into such accomplished adults! 

So with all that  - past and present, I hope to take 2018 on with all of its challenges and joys. I've decided to make each moment count both with my parents and my children. Most New Year's resolutions are the same year after year,  but this year will need to be different. 

DIY Hanging Dish Towel

I recently made several hanging dish towels for my sister. I have never thought about making these hanging dish towels since my oven does not have a handle to hang them on, but if it did I would hang this adorable towel. My sister was here for the week helping my mom out and asked if we could make these together. She brought a sample towel that she bought several years ago which we used as a pattern. Below is her new towel and the sample towel.

We went through my fat quarter stash and found lots of cute fabric for the top section. We used bias tape for the string and a few buttons for decoration. I think they turned out really cute and now she is stocked with new towels! Below are a some of the towels we made.

Here is the rest of them all in a pile!

What a fun and easy project, I hope she brings a new project next time she visits. 

Finished a few projects!

The summer is flying by, I can't believe we are half way through July! I have been busy painting my house downstairs, but have had time to get a few thing fun projects done along the way. Here are a couple of finished projects that I thought I would share with you.

I haven't crocheted in years but I picked it up again and finished this afghan. This pattern is from the Bernat Satin - Around the Seasons Afghans. This is the Spring - Lacy Ripples pattern, I used the same yarn and colors as in the pattern. I think it turn out great, it is a easy pattern and goes quickly.

I made the pillows years ago using monochromatic colors, and promise stitching. If you are not familiar with promise stitching it is an old art in which you pre-wash the fabric but never iron, the batting is flannel and is never prewashed. Once you have your quilting completed the quilt or pillow is washed and when the flannel shrinks it gives it that wonderful antique look.

I completed this rug hooked pillow that matches my first one I completed years ago. I like to try different things and this is a fun project that goes fast. I have enough to make a third matching pillow so I hope to get that done soon.

Lucky has a new friend his name is Hubble.
I think they will be great friends.

Happy One-Year Anniversary Lucky!

Today is our one-year anniversary of bringing Lucky home from the local shelter. What an amazing addition he's been to our home, I can't imagine our lives without him anymore. He's such a happy, funny little boy, who loves to be loved. We are very grateful to have this wonderful dog.

 Thank you Lucky, for coming to our home!

Sunflower Gatherings Quilt is Finished

I finished the Sunflower Gatherings Quilt today! I just need to quilt and bind it then I am officially done. I wanted to update my blog and document this momentous date - January 29, 2017! As I stated in an earlier post this was an amazing experience with lots of detail and challenges. I did change the center block from the original pattern to make it more of my own. You can see a close up of the center block in one of my earlier posts. 

If you are interested in purchasing this pattern designed by Lisa Bongean go to Primitive Gatherings.
https://www.primitivegatherings.us/

Almost Done!

Wow what a long journey. I started this quilt in September of 2014, it is now January 2017 and I am just now finishing the border. I'm not sure if any of you have projects like this where you are very enthusiastic at the beginning and then you get distracted by other projects. You look at it sitting there and you know you should be working on it, but you start something new. You keep putting it off until one day you have moved it so many times it is ridiculous and then new year resolutions come out and you finally pick it up again and realize this is it!  I have to finish this quilt!

This "Sunflower Gatherings" quilt has so many pieces it was overwhelming, but as I come to the end I am very proud of my accomplishment.  

No new projects until this is done, I will show you the finished product soon!