Mailbox Treats

Several months ago I sent off an 8" central block on a journey around the country. This week it returned completed into a beautiful 20" quilt. What a treat to find this lovely quilt in my mailbox. I love the process of adding to one another's work, and Margaret does a fabulous job hosting the Spring Fling Round Robin.




This week I've been teaching a kids sewing class at our local Park & Rec summer camp. Thirteen girls signed up, from ages 6 to 12. The first 2 days we did hand sewing projects and made felt album covers and then needle felted pillows. Very successful projects for the wide range of skills in the class. Wednesday I pulled out the sewing machines because I want to introduce them, but as has happened before, once the sewing machines are out, everyone forgets how to hand sew and they form a long line at the machines (we only have 2). Once I convinced most of the girls to have a hand sewing project to work on while they waited for a turn at the machine, there was less standing around in line. Some girls made vests, some made fleece pillows and others made sleeping bags for their dolls. Our last day we'll dig into my box of 4" squares and make small doll or stuffed animal quilts.

More Projects in Progress

At long last I have moved forward on my piece from the Scarlett Rose workshop at our guild last fall. I finished the knotwork with enthusiasm, but then was stumped with the applique flowers, which did not inspired me. I always find applique a big hurdle, although once the pieces are prepped I enjoy the process. After the project aged in my sewing room for several months, I pulled it out and my daughter helped me choose the fabrics for the flowers. I decided to do fusible applique in a simplified flower design so it would actually get finished. My daughter wants it for her wall, and I'm enthused again to do echo quilting during our travels this summer. It is 20" square, perfect for taking along.



The expected baby boy in our extended family was born last week, so I added the label and sent off this zig zag quilt - it's bright and simple and I like how it turned out. I found a great fabric for the back and I used it on a few of the front triangles as well.

I also got started on a TATW quilt for a local boys shelter - our guild is donating several twin sized quilts with boy themes. Bonnie Hunter's strip method is easy and looks great! This is the third one I've made from her pattern. I found the space and galaxy fabric, and pulled a number of colorful prints to coordinate - I will quilt it later this summer when I get over to use my friend's gammill.