Civil War is finally finished!

At the beginning of the year my sweet husband asked it my Civil War Sampler Quilt would be finished any time soon.  He thought that he would love to have a writing desk positioned in that location.  While you may think that was a lot to ask, he had actually been very patient.  I had slowly been hand quilting that quilt for years!  I began to make a real effort to finish it up.  It became my project during BYU basketball games.  And soon the end was in sight!

Then it was done and removed from my mother's quilting frame where it had languished for five years.  In 2011 Barbara Brackman began an online sew along of Civil War blocks.  Each week she would release another pattern as well as some Civil War History in remembrance of the beginning of the Civil War 150 years previously.  I came to the party a bit late but by the end of the year had completed all 52 blocks plus a few more so that my layout could be 6 blocks by 9 blocks.  I sewed it together with sashing and borders and made a big decision.  I felt it needed to be hand quilted in keeping with how it would have been done 150 years ago.  I learned that hand quilting is a long process even with a lovely hard wood frame.

So a husband's gentle request brought an ending of a Civil War Remembrance project that took longer than the Civil War.  I used left over backing fabric for the binding.

Those are 8 1/2 inch blocks, each one different.  I fussy cute all of the star corner posts.  I love its patriotic vitality.

The creamy paisley background hides many of my stitches, but that is a good thing!

Special thanks to my sister, Lynette, who quilted with me during BYU football season.

This project was a challenge for me.  It taught me the importance of an accurate 1/4 inch seam as I lost point after point.  I found myself buying a new Bernina 750 which helped greatly with my accuracy after finishing this quilt top.  This project gave me the courage to try harder things.

Great News!

While in Arizona in March, we were invited to the Rustler's Rooste for dinner by my son and his wife.  They told us that they needed to meet with us in person for an important announcement.

 While the sun settled in the west on a beautiful Saturday, they shared with us wonderful news!

Down below, they were setting up for a fun party.  We enjoyed our dinner up above with a great view and a first course of shrimp cocktail graced with a baby pacifier on top.

There was much to talk about because they were announcing the coming arrival of a new baby!  Grandpa was thrilled.

He didn't realize that I was taking his picture thus the more solemn face.

We are all thrilled.  Sometimes we wait a bit longer than wanted for such news!  I can't wait to meet and hold this little one!  I am so happy for these two.

Birthday gift for a boy who loves trucks

My grandson turned two this spring.  I made him a play quilt.

It had to be a play quilt with working trucks and other construction vehicles.

He LOVES trucks.

I found this great fabric panel which was perfect.  I found the smaller plastic trucks and construction vehicles on Amazon.

I loved the black and yellow border and used binding in the same color to come up with the border effect.

I usually try to create a label for the back of my grandchildrens' quilts.

I loosely quilted it with my walking foot and Bernina 750.

I also found him a great book!

I am "2"

I made a quick trip to Arizona for a special birthday celebration.  It began at Joe's Barbecue which is a great place to go with kids.  They love the outdoor dining area.

Especially the trees which they love to climb.

 I just had to take photos of the Birthday Boy's beautiful sisters.

Birthday Boy was happiest standing on the fence next to the street and watching the trucks go by.

We journeyed back to his home for cake and ice cream.

The sisters had helped create a birthday cake with two trucks for two years.

 He was charmed. 

Now it was time to blow out the two candles also with some help.  Grandpa led us in two claps.  This little boy is so happy and loves his world and his extra "mother" sisters.  Happy Birthday!

Snapshots Quilt Along quilt top finished!

I really enjoyed this 2015 quilt along.  Each month, another "snapshots" pattern was released.  Participants could download the patterns for free but were encouraged to donate to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital instead.  Donations finished at over $60,000.

I had a great time arranging my quilt top in the best way with a good distribution of colors.  Most of the fabric used was from fabric lines by Bonnie & Camille.

I did not use all of the patterns.  I moved the camera block to the front and made up the mixing bowl and spoon block to replace another.

I used the camera to make a label for the front.

I included the quote by my grandson, Oscar, who was especially intrigued by this project.  The black cat is in honor of his cat, Scratch.

So once again, it is time for what I find to be the hardest part.  The quilting!  I'm on the lookout for a backing fabric and contemplating turning this one over to a long arm quilter.

Ruby plays her viola

While in Arizona, I was fortunate enough to be there for Ruby's performance at Highland Festival.

Strings players from three elementary schools, two junior highs, and Highland High School performed. It gave Ruby and her schoolmates the opportunity to see what might be in their future if they continue with their instruments.  Everyone did so well and it was most enjoyable!

Great performances call for treats!  Mama Sally soon had us all at 31 Flavors.  Wonderful evening all the way around.

Red Rocks side trip

Before February ends (thank goodness for this extra Leap Year day) I wanted to share a stop on our road trip to Arizona at the beginning of the month.  We turned left and drove the Logandale/Lake Mead route instead of the freeway through Vegas.

We love to stop at Red Rocks, which suddenly pop up out of black volcanic rocks.

My sister, Lynette, joined us on this trip

We took a quick hike on the trail which is a large circle beginning and ending at the parking area.

I loved this red rock face.  I really loved all the blue sky and crisp yet sunny day.  It was nice to get out of the Utah inversion gloom.