Baby quilt

 I am working on a baby quilt for a shower gift. It is for a boy.

Expected to arrive in November.

I'm using Diary of a Quilter pattern Lattice Baby Quilt. I made this pattern for another baby and I loved how it turned out.

AND I had a package arrive yesterday. 

My July sampler from the Fat Quarter Shop. And it is a really good one!

Are you organized?

 My sister in law has the most beautiful (and organized) sewing room.

And I love this quilt that hangs on the back of her sofa.

My sewing room is always in a constant state of chaos! What about you? Do you work in chaos or order? 

Uncondtional love

I met her when I was first married. She was my husband's aunt and what one might call, a real pistol. She was inquisitive, and honest. Boldly honest.

She and her husband never had any children, but as the "great" aunt, she mothered all of  her nieces and nephews. I can hardly remember a time when she did not light up a room she entered.

I lost my Mom when I was still in my twenties. Not having any siblings, it was a time that left me feeling very much alone. None of  my friends had lost parents. Yet here I was, young and newly married, feeling a deep sense of loss in my life.

Five months after my Mom passed away, this aunt lost her own 91 year old mother. Her loss drew us together like a magnet.  Three years later, when her own husband died, she showed her resilience during her time of deep loss. The bond between us grew even more.

What started as visits and spending time together, grew into a deep loving relationship. She became the "adopted" mother to me, and when my children came along, she became their "adopted" grandmother.  She came to every family event. Never failed to send birthday and anniversary cards. We enjoyed going to lunch or just out for ice cream. Shopping excursions became a fun day. At Christmas, my kids would decorate her whole house. For twenty five years, she was a fixture in our lives.

As her health began to fail, it became necessary to move her into an assisted living facility. My children and I helped her downsize from her home to a little apartment. Then came the day when she could no longer live alone. A caregiver was hired to tend to her needs. Visits became more difficult.

When a stoke finally left her with little strength, it broke my heart to see her struggle. Dementia started creeping in. But she never forgot us. Her eyes would light up and a smile would shine on her face whenever we came to visit.

Through all the years, the one thing that radiated within her, was her unconditional love. It wasn't just with our family, she loved and cared for everyone that came within her radar. She took meals to lonely widows, even when she was a widow herself. She visited anyone who was sick. She was a party girl, and loved being included with family and friends. Everyone loved her as much as she loved them. At times she would tell me she didn't think she was very pretty. But in my eyes, she was beautiful. Her smile alone was like a ray of sunshine.

In all the years we shared together, I only heard her speak once of a person who had hurt her. But she never withheld her love.

We don't always seek out close friendships with people older than our peers. But my life has been richer for having experienced this kindred spirit.  I learned so much from her and deeply miss our times together. She will be forever in my heart as an example of sharing unconditional love.

Birthday quilt

 I think the birthday quilt was a hit. 

I also made a pillowcase to compliment the quilt.

We celebrated by singing Happy Birthday and with cupcakes and ice cream. It was a fun day all around for a new 7 year old.

Once upon a time ....

 Do fairy tales come true?? Maybe sometimes they do. I know that in the providence of a loving God, I met a special man who has been the light and love of my life. We've walked together through the good times and the not so good. I've learned that genuine love has no expectations from those who are loved. Love is giving, not getting. That's what happily ever after is all about.

A simple idea

While visiting a friend several years ago I was a guest in her basement apartment. She has it decorated so beautifully. One of the things that stood out to me was how she uses her quilts around her home.

The vintage Singer stand at one time had a top on it.

My friend took the top off and had rods made to fit across the frame. She now uses it as a quilt rack.

Pretty clever huh? A simple idea made into a lovely display area :-)

Almost finished

 Working on a deadline. Birthday for #1 Grandson is this weekend. 

I found this cool panel when we were traveling in Texas two years ago. I wanted to make it for my grandson. Just have the binding to finish. I hope he likes it.

                                       Sew and Tell

                                       NTT

                                      Midweek Makers

                                      Put Your Foot Dow

                                     Finished or not Friday

                                      Design wall Monday

                                      Beauties Pageant 

                                     Off the Wall Friday