This is the HOTTEST July I can ever remember......

I've stayed busy piecing and quilting, but it is soooooo HOT!!!  The last couple of weeks I've been working on a pattern called "Crown Jewels".  I used 2 packages of pre-cut squares and some black remnants to make this modified top.  It still needs work to make it bettr proportioned, but time will take care of it.  Quilt Shop Hops are coming up and I'll be looking for just the right touch.  Stay tuned!

And, I've also been working on a quilt for my grandson.  His maternal great-grandmother cleaned out her stash and shared lots of fabric with me.   Within the treasure trove of material, I found two panels of animal theme prints.  I recently ran across a closeout on a jungle print fabric, and as luck would have it, there was enough to make some broad borders around the connected panels and to finish out the backing.  I am ready to bind but can't decide on how to proceed.....I'll sleep on it.

Sew Many Quilts...Sew Little Time!

Grand-daughter Lilli left on Sunday afternoon, and Sister Trish arrived Sunday night.  Trish brought six, count 'em SIX, quilt tops.  We got busy right away on putting one onto "Frenchy".  We ran into some problems with the Coats & Clark thread but I had some King Tut on hand that matched and it worked much better.  We worked until 4:30AM Monday morning and finally got to bed by 5AM.  We were up again about 9AM, but I had a splitting headache.  After a Motrin, a nap, and a light lunch, we headed back upstairs to tackle more quilting.  While she quilted her quilts, I intermittently worked piecing squares on my Janome.  We didn't stay up quite as late on Monday night but we didn't stop until about 1:30AM (Tuesday).  We completed 3 quilts in two days to the point of binding, which she plans to finish at home. It was a productive 36 hours. On Tuesday, she went to Quilting Guild with me and we had fun making an applique block with the group.  We had a nice lunch at the new Italian Restaurant on Commercial St. and it was time for her to head home. 

Since then I've been jumping from one project to another in different stages:  border on Red Roses in a Garden Maze (my rendition of a standard pattern); putting 30 blocks together for A Green Garden; piecing an unusual star pattern made from Walmart pre-cut fabrics; and readying myself to face a real challenge.....completing a vintage quilt for Grand-daughter Catie's other Grandma.  Now you understand my title:  "Sew Many Quilts....Sew Little Time!"

Lilli's Lap Quilt is Finished

Lilli came to visit on Thursday night and we've been working on her lap quilt daily.  In addition to learning about how to make a quilt, she's been learning how to sew on a machine:  a dual-learning experience.  She had to leave a day earlier than originally expected so I was finishing up the project while she packed to leave.  The finished product: 

Sistser Tricia is on her way to visit for a couple of days......more quilting fun!!!

Weekend With My Grand-Daughter

My fourteen year old grand-daughter is visiting for a few days and she's learning to quilt.  Last night I cut her fabric into 5" squares in preparation for a day's work today.  She began by using the design board to layout her squares in rows.  Then we began sewing the squares together into rows.  There are 10 rows of 10 squares....lots of purple! Here she is at the Design Board.  Watch for progress......

July

Frenchy seems to be working fine and since he's been home, I have 3 quilts 'under my belt'.  I'm expecting company this weekend.....a special granddaughter who has shown interest in quilting.....and we'll be working on a project during her stay.  Then, back to work again on more UFOs.