Sunday Morning

Baskets

What fun I had making these cute baskets for Carla! June is her month as the queen bee for the Mid-Century Modern Bee. She chose well, I think, don't you! What a darling quilt she will have after she collects all the pretty baskets.

Making the liberated blocks reminded me of how much I enjoyed sewing my own basket quilt a few years ago. Here's my favorite ...tall and skinny.

At the top, I used some wonky letters to spell out the word baskets (in case someone mistakes them for pails, I guess.).

The four basket blocks were all tied up with a pretty bow...

...for my sweet grand daughter, Haven. 

I'm feeling like I might need another quilt full of colorful baskets in my life sometime!

Sunday Morning

Does It Matter?

Once, someone very close to me described me as a Quilt Factory.  Another time, a family member asked me how many more quilts I'd make before I was finished. Not sure how to take these comments, it has caused me to ponder, at times, why I do what I do.  This is a pile of quilts that I collected a few years ago to give away to children I've never met.....

Some of these quilts I made myself and others were lovingly created by a few other women, who, like me, enjoy giving something handmade to special people... To show them love and value... To give them comfort and encouragement. Oh, there are lots of other reasons to make quilts.... being creative; loving pretty fabric; using my hands; hanging out with like-minded people; mastering a challenging pattern; learning something new; I'm really a hoarder; it's just fun....on and on. But, on the bottom rung of all the other reasons that I quilt, is that foundation, I think: Giving.

A few weeks ago, a fellow quilter asked if anyone would like to buy an extra quilt she had. It was kind of a new thought for me, as I've never sold any of my quilts. Would I have the same love for quilting if I was making them to sell? Not sure. But this I am sure of....I love to give away things that I make. Especially to children. Some that I'll probably never meet.

My son, Drew, took several quilts with him to Nepal. This little boy has become very special to him.

 I think that quilts can matter. Do you?

It's worth pondering.

Sunday Morning

Maxi-Skirt

We called them maxi-skirts back in the '70's. Now they are popular again. Even kindergarteners want one, it seems! I used some double gauze fabric purchased recently from Sunny Day Fabrics to make Lula's dream come true...

I've used this Burda 9442 pattern before and knew that it was a great fit and cute style. The double gauze is so soft and drapey...perfect for a skirt.

This time, I used a coordinating fabric for the yoke, left off the bow and created the longer version.

 Some things never go out of style!

Sunday Morning

Distraction Sewing

 Stephanie's block for the Mid-Century Modern Bee took a little bit of time, but the end result is this Gorgeous Gertie designed by Lily's Quilts.

 The little parts all come together precisely with paper piecing. It's even neat from the back!

 I love the block and am looking forward to seeing all twelve together. You can check out some of the other combos here.

 The truth is, it felt good to be sewing again. I've been pretty distracted by news from Nepal as my son helps with relief efforts there. He has been interviewed several times by Skype for local stations. It's been wonderful seeing and hearing him! Lauren and the children have left Nepal and will be coming back to the U.S. soon...so happy about that. 

You can read a couple of Drew's latest blog posts written since the earthquake here and here. Thank you for praying for Nepal.