I'M CAUGHT UP!

I finally got my two quilt holders over so I could take a picture of my latest large quilt. 

Some time in the past, I used Electric Quilt to draw this design, and called it Celestial Magic.  I can't remember where I saw the quilt, when, who the designer was, so I extend my apologies to all.  I often see a quilt and make a drawing of it in my software, so I can play with colour, switch blocks and easily re-size.

I made a receiving blanket for our next extended family member, using the tutorial from Missouri Star.  It makes a lovely, two layer flannel blanket!     


It is completely stitched by machine, which makes it a quick gift.

I used a serpentine stitch on my machine to topstitch the layers together.  I couldn't resist the cute fabric, and found the monkey print for the back and edge, that mimics the little money with the umbrella in the main fabric.

I went out to my sewing room to work on the sashing and borders for an applique project, and I hunted, but couldn't find the background fabric.  I didn't want to waste my stitching time, so I pulled this cute panel out of my bin, along with the backing flannel, and the fabric for the binding.  I pieced the batting, pin-basted, and had fun quilting this cute project.
When DH returned home, he discovered the bolt of fabric in our bedroom closet, tucked in behind the clothing.  I remember stashing it there when we were having overnight guests, and I was trying to tidy up the spare room!  Now back to the applique project!

HEXAGON PROGRESS

I managed to finish all 42 of the large motifs and have 9 of the small flowers completed.  I can't wait to get them finished, and begin appliqueing them to the final border of my hexagon quilt.  This should make it large enough to fit on our bed, so I can sleep under all the beautiful colours!

Today DH is out rehearsing - his group is playing on the pool patio Saturday from 1-3.  He has persuaded me to do 3 numbers, accompanying him with my flute.  This afternoon, we head to the grocery store to re-stock for our next visitors.  Since we have little ones coming, I'm going to stock up on healthy snack items to take along on our outings.  I plan to do some baking over the next few days - cookies and squares for desserts.

Sunday, a quilting friend and her DH are stopping by for a quick visit.  They are approaching retirement, and want to see where we spend our winters.

I hope to squeeze a bit of sewing into the time as well.  I decided to put another border on the boxy star quilt, but don't have anything that will do, and I need some backing fabric as well, so that will have to wait until I can find the time to visit my local quilt shop!

COMPANY GOING AND COMING.....

Our guests departed on Wednesday afternoon, so we've been catching up on chores.  DH has been busy, doing loads of laundry, cleaning bathrooms, helping to change beds and running the vacuum around.  Of course, my knee decided to have a "flare", just when it is the most inconvenient.  I've been doing as much as I can to help, but this knee issue is frustrating.

Our next set of company, our BFF's and their 2 granddaughters, age 4 1/2 and 6 1/2 arrive on Monday evening.  We have plans to go to Disney World with them (see why my knee flare is inconvenient?)

They will be here, arriving March 3, and departing March  14.

Our Godson, along with his parents are spending March 8-15 in Orlando, so we have to squeeze in a visit with them as well. 

More wonderful friends are staying nearby for the month of March, and we have to fit in a get-together with them, in between their many golf games as well.

Hopefully my knee will stand up to all the activities planned......

On the plus side, I've finished the 42 larger hexagon units, and have 4 of the smaller ones made.  I'm getting anxious to see this quilt top fully assembled!