This was my DesignAndBeMary display at the Prior Lake ‘Fall in Love with Quilts’ show
Once more, it has been awhile since I last posted, but the good news is that I seem to be feeling somewhat better than in the earlier part of the year! YEAH!! Of course, I tend to say that rather tentatively as it seems chronic lymes has this nasty habit of waxing and waning. I am so hoping that it is beginning to ‘wane’ – hmmm…if that is how one spells wane!! As you might guess, when one begins to feel somewhat better, life then begins to be a game of trying to catch up on all the things and projects that have been languishing – at the same time trying to do the things that are today’s business!! Not an easy balance, but a sense of humor helps, along with a bit of attitude adjustment regarding expectations of what is reasonable to get done.
A double blessing! Twin grandbabies! A little grandson and grandgirl!
The last months have really been a bit crazy. The first week of October, we were blessed to welcome 2 new little grandbabies to our lives – twins – a little girl and our first grandson. It was exciting to finally add a grandson after all granddaughters. After all, I grew up with only brothers! In anticipation of their birth, I put aside other projects last spring in order to make sure they would each receive a knit blanket and a quilt as did their big sisters. [I do continue to sew and work on projects when I don’t feel all that great; I just do it as a much slower pace! I’m one of those people who just can’t sit without doing something with my hands!!] I tend not to make ‘babyish’ quilts, but rather a design to be enjoyed while they are growing children.
What child doesn’t like butterflies? These are made from large flowers!!
A closer look at the flower butterflies – even one flying off the quilt!
I even stitched little eyes – details that a little girl will no doubt notice!
So the above photos show the little girl’s quilt – butterflies made from a Lakehouse fabric that featured large zinnia/dahlia type flowers on a white background – they were about 8″ across. I picked up the fabric a few years ago and never quite figured out what I could do with it!! Anyhow, it was a fun quilt to make. In the photos below, you will see the little boy’s quilt. Arrggghh! What little guy wouldn’t enjoy being a pirate? And since Mom and Dad run sightseeing cruises on Lake Superior, it seemed most appropriate! The fabric is by Makower and the collection was a bit of a challenge to find.
The ‘striped’ panel seemed to call for a quilt made in strips@
A closer look at the fabrics along with the pieced strip
The boats and water were quilted with waves and the fish with bubbles!
Aren’t these little guys cute? Notice the rope quilting…
Ok, I have a strange sense of humor – these are quilted pieces of 8!
Can you believe I found this doll? Jake the pirate seems perfect for a little guy!
Yes Virginia, there ARE butterfly dolls – and they are adorable!
I couldn’t believe my luck in finding the pirate doll. After all this little guy has three sisters and no doubt will see his share of dolls! I figured he should have one of his own, fit for a boy! It will be interesting to see if any of the girls want to play pirate! Finding the doll, however, created the dilemma of ‘playing fair’ and making sure his little twin sister also would have a doll to go with her quilt. Mmmm…a butterfly doll??? What was the chance?? So I actually googled it up and to my great surprise, there really is such a doll. Check out the photo. Isn’t she a cutie?
Anyhow, I am relieved that I actually got them done, just in the knick of time. I took them along (the day the babies were born) and spent the next two nights, while we were helping to babysit their big sisters, stitching their names and birthdates on the back. Lots of fun, but am so glad they are done!
I do want to include some pictures of the recent ‘Fall in Love with Quilts’ show that took place here in Prior Lake. Almost all of the gals from the daytime stitching group I belong to (otherwise known as the Daystitchers!) belong to a night time guild group and they put this show together. It was superbly done – well organized and coordinated – and I heard countless remarks about how the show was of such good quality. Since lymes and chronic fatigue have kept me from joining the night time group in the past, I cannot take any credit for their wonderful efforts. However, these most supportive women, asked me if I would display my wool felt/felted wool designs and patterns at the show – that is the photo you see at the top of this post. I very much enjoyed meeting and talking with so many who came to the show. I’m thinking I may just have to join the night time group and at least get the newsletter and join in any daytime events they may plan. So I will close this post with some pictures I took of the show, most of which are pictures of the displays of quilts. Hopefully it will give you an idea of the quality and extent of the show. Please note the photos of the raffle which was a tremendous hit – an American doll along with a ‘storage’ bed (notice the beautiful appliqued and quilted bedspread), a multitude of shoes, purses, accessories, not to mention a wardrobe (strung on a clothesline) that would overwhelm almost any little girl. All items were made by the guild members. These are talented ladies and I am lucky to know such a group! Enjoy the show!
The raffle table – notice the clothesline behind the gals!
Can you believe the appliqued bedspread? And all the knit items?
Some lucky girl is going to be the envy of all her friends! Such cute items!
A view down one of the corridors – so many beautiful quilts!
Another room of quilts as well as watchful member Pam Botton is doing applique!
One of my favorites – a two color quilt featuring navy colors! This quilt was made by Prior Lake quilter, Sue Hecker
Another main hallway of quilts – the lighting was wonderful!
The variety of design, colors, and techniques was outstanding!
Another display in the hallway – what wonderful variety!
