A New Charity Mission....

Like many of us, my mom and I sometimes just like to try new patterns, yarns and fabric 

without any reason except to learn something new. 

But soon, we each find ourselves with a closet full of unused blankets and quilts: 

So together we have set out over the next year to provide a blanket or quilt for each of the students in my elementary school that are in Foster Care. Right now we have about fifteen kids.

The three pictured above were gifted to three girls last month. Two of the girls are in the sixth grade with special needs and were immediately drawn to the bright colored ones. They are actually in foster care together so were happy to each get a new blanket together. The pastel blanket went to a girl with a brain impairment and she immediately cuddled up in the blanket. It was sweet and inspiring and is a good "excuse" for mom and I to continue to try new things. (Not that we need an excuse) But sometimes don't you find it's rejuvenating to find a new purpose for a hobby you enjoy so much?

Winter Stitching

With Winter on our doorsteps and evenings starting earlier and earlier, I spent this morning inventorying my many hand stitching projects that are a WIP and those I'd like to finish by years end. For evening stitching, first up is to put the finishes stitches on my Anne Downs BOM:

This one has been so much fun to work on this past year. I'm admittedly beginning to look forward  to have it finished and hanging in our home.

Next up, is my Sunny Side of the Street wool applique:

I love the combination of cotton and wool. I want to finish getting the birdies and flowers stitched on and the patchy grass lawns sewn so this one is done and ready for some whimsical quilting over my upcoming Winter Break at the end of December.

And finally, some fireside binding on my Snowman Jelly Roll Finish:

Thank you for your patience with my slow blogging this Fall. I have truly enjoyed this time of transition as I took on a new position at work and found myself enjoying the process of change in my work life. Yet, now that I'm settled into some routines, I'm grateful to find my stitching as a peaceful comfort at the days end. Linking up and sharing with everyone else at Kathy's Quilts.

PS: Enjoying a good Holiday read too. (Thanks Mom!)

Pajama Days, Legos, and Learning to Sew...

Someone jumped in the truck with his Meme and Poppi to enjoy a few days of

"Grammy Camp" after our visit for brother's first birthday:

Unfortunately, he came down with a high fever and strep throat by Monday. After a visit to the doctor, we spent the rest of our visit cozy and quiet in our PJ's. His days were restfully spent watching cartoons with Jackson by his side, building Legos with his Poppi at night along with Chicken soup for dinner to warm his little tummy. 

After a few days, he and his Poppi had a whole Mindcraft Village of Legos built:

He and I had watched our share of cartoons:

And soon, hot chocolate with magic sprinkles brought a smile to his face as he got to feeling better:

 

Followed with an out of the blue request asking me: "Meme will you teach me how to sew?" 

WILL I! So we got our butts off the couch...

 First, I had him pick out some fabric (He choose Spiderman) and I put it in a hoop:

 Next, I had him pick out his thread (perle cotton, with a big needle work best with a five year old.)

He picked out red, white and blue and asked me how to make "spider webs".

So I proceeded to show him how to pull the needle from the front...

...and then how to pull it to the back. 

Finally, we concentrated on making small stitches:

My Ol' Grammy heart beamed when he exclaimed: "Meme this is fun!" Then, without any prompting, he started to carefully trim the edges and proudly said it was for me!

Yes! My Grammy heart if full.

Until I find a future quilt to incorporate it into, I'm planning on putting it into a little wooden hoop and hanging it in my sewing studio in memory of this very precious request. 

My Favorite Eye-Spy Quilt Yet!!!!

Today our little grand guy is ONE!!! 

This is his birthday quilt:

Right! An eye-spy cow!!! I had so much fun creating this one!! I love the  ribbon tail, ping-pong utters and taggy number one on top of the spiderman cupcake! I know...it's not even done....but enough to gift to him. Life's just been so busy....in great ways. (more on that later)

We didn't capture his initial reaction on film...but he loved all the colors and textures.

 He immediately clapped and sat right down on it. He made my day.

I have the border picked out and I'm really looking forward to custom 

quilting it over my Winter Break in December.

We brought big brother home for a few days of Grammy Camp as I'm off work all this next week!

(SOOOOOO excited!!!!) Planning to post and certainly catch up with all of  your blogs too.

Wishing you a happy start to the holiday week ahead.