Patiently Waiting??!!

This weekend, I've been busy working on a welcome-quilt for our baby grandson who is due any day now! I'd like to say that I'm waiting patiently, but that wouldn't be quite truthful! Sooooo....I've been in the sewing room, trying to keep my mind occupied! I pieced a little Zoo Quilt for the soon-to-be new arrival in some bright colours which are supposed to be good sensory stimulation for babies! Didn't have a pattern, but thought I'd start by framing some cute prints with the brights.


Well, the blocks started getting away on me and before I knew it, the top was beginning to out-grow the batting and backing! Hmmm........change of plans!!! So, I had to bid farewell to the wider blue sashing I'd planned on ending off with and will now just use a narrower strip of blue for the binding! Oh, well!! I think this will be ok in the end!I got it sandwiched, basted and am now starting the hand-quilting process. It's going quickly and should hopefully in the next few days!!!

Stay tuned for pictures of the finished quilt...and of course, the new little wee one! Have a great day!!

Mary Ann

Sweden Here We Come!!!

Well, we've just returned from a fantastic trip to Sweden and are still on Cloud Nine after a great holiday! We loaded up our two dogs, canoe and camping supplies and headed out into the great blue yonder!! We had no definite destination in mind, only that our travels would involve Sweden, a remote setting somewhere by a lake, a few good books for my husband and some prepped quilt work for myself!! The makings of a wonderful vacation!! After arriving in Småland, we paddled out to a remote island on pristine Möcklen Lake near the town of Älmhult. There, we set up camp and ended up doing some day-trips in the canoe, as well as just relaxing around camp. We were also graced with the presence of a nearby eagle's nest, where we could watch the parents feeding fresh fish to their young. Absolutely incredible!

The above picture depicts our crossing of the Øresund Bridge between Denmark and Sweden. Also, our shiny new canoe!!!

Did someone ever say that quilting and the great outdoors don't mix??!!! Well, here I am, just loving to stitch in this natural environment! Listening to the wind in the trees, the song of the birds and the water lapping against the stones on the beach was wonderful. And at the same time being able to express my creativity...well, it's pure solace for the soul. Life just doesn't get too much better!!!

Here I am working on G8, the Dear Jane block called Justin's Comet. It's block number two on my second Jane Stickle quilt, which I am calling "Jane Meets Kaffe"! On this block, I'm using a pinky/red Kaffe Fassett fabric for the pattern, with Kona Snow cotton as the background. It was fun to piece! I also finished sewing several "Siggies" for the European Swap I'm involved with. I embroidered some designs on them and just have to sign them now.

I wish everyone a very happy summer and hope that your holidays are truly memorable! Happy Quilting to you all!!