Fair Daffodil

The next batch of stars are finished using Jo Morton's method and Jo fabric. They are four inches finished which is a nice size, I think. This method of making stars is very accurate and there is no extra triangle to cut off, but I'm not sure I could cope with the math challenge of making a different size. Will have to experiment and see what happens.





Ah daffodils, the first sign of spring. The first beauty opened on February 4 this year which is a little earlier than usual due to unusually warm weather in January. Blue forget me nots are planted around the daffodils and some years when the timing is just right, they are blooming at the same time. Its really a lovely combination. Then there is also the ever present mint that creeps in amongst all the plantings, but its saving grace is the wonderful smell when walking across it.

A Little Something Useful

With all the rainy weather outside, it sure was a perfect day for some tea and knitting. The tea cup and saucer are part of our wedding dishes received in 1980. I still love them after all these years and they bring back such sweet memories. Free time is short lately so I have been indulging in some small instant gratification projects like these knitted washcloths made from cotton yarn. They can be finished in a few evenings and make a perfect gift along with a bar of nicely scented soap. This one is headed to my daughter.

Stars in the House

The 20th star is finished and all were sent off to the swap hostess. Pretty pleased with how they turned out and looking forward to the stars in my future. These are large 8 1/2 inch blocks, and I just signed up for the Jo Morton mini sawtooth swap with 4 1/2 inch blocks. The blocks for the Jo Morton swap are made an entirely different way, so it will be interesting to see which method works best.

Seeing Stars

I am taking a break from the month of snowmen to work on sawtooth star blocks for a swap I am in. The others in the swap are accomplished quilting piecers, so my personal challenge is to try to perfect my piecing skills. The blocks have to be 8 1/2 finished in size, and much to my surprise and relief, they are measuring 8 1/2 inches. The blocks have to be made using reproduction fabrics and it is great fun to see where one block winds its way to the next when coming up with the next block idea. The blocks are due to be mailed by February 1 and I have 17 more to go. Wish me luck!

A Month of Snowmen

Was going to start a new project on January 1, but after looking outside at the cold, foggy weather, I decided to focus on existing snowman projects instead during January. I started the Winter Quilt out of Red Wagon's Snowbound book a few years ago and finished one lone snowman. The background fabric is a really old Marcus Brothers print from the 1990s that I just love. Tried the back basting applique technique on the snowman, but I really prefer needleturn so will try that on the next block. Also cross stitching some little snowman ornaments from a Prairie Schooler book for an exchange due by February 1. A pot of chicken noodle soup is bubbling away on the stove for dinner tonight, so we are looking forward to it to warm up in this cold weather.

Happy New Year's Day to all!

Christmas 2008

Starting a new blog before the new year - ha, ha! We were so fortunate to have our family together this year for Christmas. Just love this picture of the kids and pets - such happy memories. As usual, cooked too much food, so won't have to cook again for a few days. Although I cooked a couple of artichokes with garlic for our dinner tonight - yum! Looking forward to the new year and the quilting fun it will bring!