Wendy’s Quilting and Life

My daughter and her husband ended up driving up from Texas and were exhausted so went right to bed after supper leaving Auntie Emily and Grandma to spend some quality time with Jerry. He is such a sweet baby and so happy and inquisitive at 7 months. Well until he started to get tired and realized that he didn’t know where Mom and Dad were, of course he woke them up but now that little family is asleep at least for now…

My Opening Day Top is complete well almost. When Katie put the top on her bed she decided she’d really like it to be larger. Do you think I could easily find the fabric I wanted for the borders? Aster Manor was released May 09, so although I could find it the shipping prices to Canada we’re restrictive and I just did a run to the border. Then I had a light bulb moment and called Sarah’s Mother in Law in Texas, to see if there is a quilt shop nearby. Well it turns out there is a wonderful shop just around the corner from where she works Quilters Emporium. The shop owner was so nice and very helpful and now I have not only the border, but a couple other pieces I was hoping for. I wish their shop had their fabric online but I guess I can’t have everything. This shop is now on my list of places to visit while in Texas!

I have my backing for Elizabeth so she’s next, she’ll go on my longarm this morning.

Now I have to decide which quilt I’ll start piecing next I have a few bed size quilts that are on the top of the list and a few smaller projects. Then there are the 3 Bliss charm packs

 

and yardage that I’m itching to get sewing with, they are such happy summery fabrics that would be very uplifting to use during these gray days of winter…..hmmm something I’ll ponder while I quilt Elizabeth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve ordered 3 books that I’ve wanted for ages but just felt like I couldn’t justify them but something hit me last week and I decided that since I’ve wanted them this long I must really want them!

 

I already own a few of the patterns in Spice of Life Quilts and Schnibbles but I love those patterns so much it will be good to have in book form as well.

Well Elizabeth and I have a date! Have a great day!

Guess who’s coming home! One week from today my Sarah will be home with my Grandson!!!

He’s going to need some warmer clothes cause his Grandma is planning to take him out in the snow, for a sleigh ride or two or three! Now he doesn’t have to miss out on his first real winter of his life. Yes I know that Texas has winter…….but not like we do!!

His Great Grandparents and Aunties are so excited…. But not nearly as excited as his Grandma!

On the quilting front my week ended up sidetracked we sure never know what a day will bring and Tuesday was one that turned into a pretty big blip in my screen….hopefully I’ll finish piecing my Opening Day top today. And later today I’ll get some results that will explain a few things.

Now that the tree is gone I have the floor space to lay out the blocks for Katie’s quilt. The pattern is

 

Like many other quilters I’ve been thinking about goals for 2011.

I have a usual list of quilts in different stages to finish up, and some are very close to completion and I’ll have some time to do that this winter.

This one is next; this will be my daughter Katie’s. I’ll share more about it in future posts.

I’m going to challenge myself machine quilting wise. I’ve ordered some new rulers that I’m very excited to use and add the techniques to my work.

I have some people who I hope to gift with quilts this year if all goes well.

The local Quilt Guild has a lot going on this year and I’m trying to find some ways to be more involved. This is Quilt Show year so that might be a good opportunity for me.

There are also a couple of groups or clubs that will be starting up that interest me.

So that should keep me busy quilt wise.

On the taking care of me front, I have been walking again which I hope to continue to try to do daily. The exercise is important but more importantly for me I find it relaxing and soothing to be outside enjoying nature. When you walk everyday you can’t help but notice the subtle changes around you. When you look at winter as a whole it’s not very interesting but on a daily basis the snow does change with the weather, grey days tend to me milder days while the bright sunny days tend to be cold and brisk.

Erik gave me Cross Country Skis for Christmas. I haven’t been skiing for several years but always enjoyed it. I’m really looking forward to getting out there again.

Next week I’m going to give Yoga another go. I really enjoyed it last time…..but let it go because it was another to do on my long list of to do’s.

My friend Alva has made a wall hanging that I’ve admired for several years now. This year she gave me the start to it and the pattern. I promised myself that I would get it pieced this year. Only a fellow quilter could understand the relaxation that comes in piecing something like this. It took me a couple of days but it was well worth it.

I also plan/need to work on my photography skills in 2011!

And one more picture if you’ll indulge me……It’s a Grandma thing…….isn’t he the most adorable little gift!