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Friday, February 12, 2021

Keeping busy with new activities

 I hope all of you have been keeping healthy during this continued time at home during Covid.

After a long summer of painting for upcoming shows, which eventually were all canceled, I decided to learn something totally new - but still creative.  After making about 300 face masks that I gave away to all my family and friends, I realized how much I missed sewing.

So I entered into the magical world of quilting!  I've done lots of sewing over the past 40+ years, but had never tried quilting.  Several of my friends have quilts handed down from family members, but I don't think any of mine made quilts.  Lots of clothing, but no quilts.

So I decided that I wanted each of my 5 grandchildren to have one made by me.  So I started in August watching lots of YouTube videos and reading books.  And so the adventure began - another whole new hobby.

I had no idea how much was involved in quilting.  I really thought I could make all 5 for the grandkids, plus one for my mom by Christmas.  What a goal!  I finished two completely before Christmas - Yay!  But I did finish 4 tops and backings for the other 4 grandchildren, just not quilted and ready to use.

So the last 4 were wrapped as is with a promise to complete them asap after Christmas.  They were all so excited!

I just finished the last of those 4 a couple of nights ago and we are getting together soon to receive their completed quilts.  Whew!  Now on to the ones I've already started for myself and my husband.

I'd love to hear back from any of you who are quilters and hear about your quilting adventures.


Here are photos of my quilts:


For my mom, I love this "Midnight Soiree" line I found on ConnectingThreads.com.  This is the Disappearing Nine Patch design with ends and borders I added to get the size I wanted.  Plus, a matching pillow:




For my oldest granddaughter - front is pinwheels and owl border.  
Back is owls with half square triangle band across the back




Space/Universe theme for this grandson.  So bright!





Spaceships and animated aliens and robots for this grandson:
 






Fun whacky blocks on this grandson's quilt.  Designed the front after finding this awesome fabric for the backing.






And for my 2 year old grandson, an Eye Spy quilt with a racetrack on the back.  
He always has a car or truck in his hand.