Going smaller...

When I went on our annual quilt retreat last month to Williamsburg, I really struggled with which projects to work on.  There's a king-size patriotic one I'm in the middle of and I also need to paper piece a Lone Star quilt.  However, this time I decided to go smaller.  Instead of spending all of my time on one large project, I'd work on a bunch of little ones and get more instant gratification.  It was definitely the right call this trip!

This is one of those projects.  It will either be a table topper or a small wallhanging and is around 30" square.    The whole project only took one charm pack, sashing and border fabric, and an afternoon to piece together.  The fabric is Collections For a Cause - Hope by Howard Marcus and the pattern is Dora by Me & My Sister Designs.

I've already prepared the backing for this as well so it's ready for me to quilt (as soon as I find the time.)  Because this only took an afternoon, I was able to work on a bunch more projects while I was away.  I'll try to share some more of them soon.

Until later...

Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. 

Isaiah 26:4 (NLT)

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's been a day of good food spent with friends and family.  I'm thankful for so many things and hopeful you also had a blessed day! 

I managed to finish these table runners/hot pads last night - just in time to use for the Thanksgiving meal.  Not only were they festive, but because they were insulated, practical as well.

New table runner and pot holders

 Due to an unfortunate coffee spill, I already know they wash up really well too!

Until later...

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
To him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever. 

Psalm 136:1-4 (NIV) 

Robbie's Quilt...

Earlier this summer, my mom made two quilts, a blue one for my nephew and purple for my niece.  Since they're fairly large quilts, I offered to help her quilt them.  I've already finished with my nephew Robbie's quilt...

It was hard to get a good picture of it because it's almost 90" square.  I used the Square Spiral Pantograph by Keryn Emmerson.  (That's definitely my go to pantograph.)

Square Spiral Pantograph by Keryn Emmerson

I'm in the middle of quilting my niece's quilt right now and hope to finish it before Thanksgiving.  I'm using a much more time consuming (but very pretty) pantograph on it.

I'm sure my niece and nephew are going to love the new quilts that Grandma made them!

Until later...

Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. 

Proverbs 26:20 (NLT)

I is for Icicles...

Still alive here.  I've even written a dozen blog entries in my head.  Unfortunately someone hasn't yet invented the technology to transport them directly from my thoughts to the computer!

However, I'm happy to report that during my long absence I've been spending quite a bit of time in my sewing room.  I also got to spend 5 days with some really lovely women at a quilt retreat in Williamsburg, Va.  Fortunately, the retreat fell the week before Hurricane Sandy decided to make her visit to the East Coast.  (I'm still praying for all those recovering from her aftermath as well as the Nor'easter that followed.)

That means I've got lots of quilty goodness to share, so I'll start with the next Snowmen A to ZZZZ block.  (These patterns are by Crabapple Hill Studios and is an ongoing project that both my mom and I are working on - although she's much further ahead!)

I is for Icicles

There are a total of 21 embroidery blocks in this quilt and this is number 8.  So really, I'm almost halfway done.

Closeup of Block I

When I was packing for the recent quilt retreat, I think David wanted to go with me.  He's my sewing buddy and probably thought I'd need his help!  (He's considerate like that.)

David in my suitcase

Until later...

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)