Next Project

I'm still into designing quilts and came up with another one I want to make. I didn't want to buy anything so I decided to use some kiddie fabric scraps I'd saved and a large fabric piece, also from my stash.

It is going to be a bit more challenging since some of the blocks take about an hour to make. I guess I make up for it in the simple strip blocks though......I think it will make a cute, bright, toddler quilt.

...but for today, I'm snuggled up underneath one of my first and favorite quilts.....

Doing a little reading. We had friends over for lunch and enjoyed our afternoon very much, but now it's time to rest, relax, and count our blessings.

 

Old friends get together

Last Thursday night several of my old work buddies gathered together for a meal. It is always fun to be around some of the old folks.....ha. We are all old now, although there were a few that are still working.I've recently gone back to work part time. I think it will be perfect for me. As much as I love my hobbies, I really missed the work and decided full time retirement just wasn't for me....yet.

Also wanted to post this precious Mother's Day photo of my beautiful daughter-in-law and my grand baby Emma. Love these two.

 

 

Retirement quilt on the wall

Love this.....

 

Retirement Star Quilt

This will definitely be one of my most prized possessions. The memories contained in the sweet words written are priceless to me.

Bear Creek Quilting was kind enough to supply me with the colored star fabric, backing, and binding for this project. My group had given me five inch signed squares of muslin when I retired.

I used the 2014 Kona Cotton fat quarter bundle for the stars (FQ-806-32), beautiful bright colors. I made easy wonky stars out of the solids to randomly put in amongst the signed and blank neutral squares. The finished size is about 68 x 78. Big enough for a large throw, a twin or double bed quilt, and not too big for a wall hanging. I even put this size on our queen bed under a larger quilt.

 

 

 

For the backing I used a fun print, Benartex Felicity in Diamond Aqua and used Benartex Felicity in Stripe Teal for the binding. I added a section of a t-shirt as a label of sorts. It was one we had printed up for a safety day a few years ago for everyone in the department to wear.

This quilt would be perfect for other occasions too. Not only retirements, but the pattern could be used as a wedding quilt, a welcome home for a soldier, for a long awaited new baby (birth or adoption), or as a going away present from friends when someone moves. Please look at the fine folks at Bear Creek Quilting where you will find a tutorial for this quilt in a few days, and you can get some great fabric for your special project.
Linking up with Sew Fresh Quilts, Patch Work Times, My Quilt Infatuation and Crazy Mom Quilts.

 

New life

It is so exciting when a long, awaited child is born. Yesterday I was able to visit a brand new little boy, the son of one of my former co-workers. Mommy and Daddy have prayed for a long time for you, little one! Oh, how you are loved.

You'd think I was the grandma as excited as I look. He is so handsome! It took me back to a little over a year ago when we welcomed our little grand baby girl into the world. Exciting times for the little family.

I tried a new app on my run today, Nike plus. It is pretty neat how it will overlay your path on a picture.

The lake was so foggy today.

 

 

Survivor

I had the pleasure of taking a friend to her chemo treatment yesterday. This women is amazing. Her story started 14 years ago with a breast cancer diagnosis. I believe she was about 38 years old at the time.

She has continued to work full time. She teaches a Sunday school class for children, just finished a masters degree (I think her second). She's had several surgeries and the cancer has come back time and time again. She will probably be on monthly chemo for the rest of her life. But what a life! She took the advice of her doctor years ago to not stop. Not stop working, not stop her involvement in activities, not stop seeing or being around friends, not stop living. She is the epitome of a survivor. My new hero.

I certainly had a renewed awareness and thankfulness for the wonder of life just by being around her. And speaking of life...I am so thankful for this little life. Pictures from Scotland......

 

Labor Day weekend paddling

Wanted to post some pictures of our labor day weekend fun. This is me and my best friend's grandchildren. Had a blast!