LI-GA-ST

How's that for a title?  It's just what has been going on around here for the last few weeks - living, gardening and stitching....in about that order too.

The weather has been gorgeous and much too nice to be inside, but I have managed to get some stitching in here and there.  Our Mid Century Modern Bee block this month was really fun.  Our bee queen, Stephanie, sent us the fabrics to use and then we got to play with our our color arrangements.  Aren't they going to be fun in one big quilt?

Every once in awhile I come across a tool that I find invaluable in my quilting.  There are many that I can do without too, but I have had one for about six months now and LOVE it.  Have you heard of the Quilter's Sidelock?  It is amazing!  One went home to the UK with my friend.  Another went home to Alaska with my sister so I thought I would rave a bit about it here.  If you are frustrated by slipping rulers in your cutting, you are going to love it.  There is absolutely NO slipping.  They are a little pricey, but well worth it.  I found mine on Massdrop.  It had the lowest price and the shipping was free.  This is my own review and not sponsored by anyone else.

We had a great Easter with the family all gathered.  It seems like it was just yesterday.  The bunnies have all hopped away and the grandchildren have moved on to their new 4-H project.  Meet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner!

The second hummingbird nest at my mom's has a new little one in it.  It has been several days since the first hatching so I hope the second egg will soon follow.

A walk in the garden yesterday sent me in to grab the camera.

The vegetable garden isn't nearly as exciting at this time, but I'll share pictures of that later.

Monday Mish Mash

It's a wonderful sunny Monday morning here - a first in about a week or so.  We have had so many cool, foggy mornings that the sun is a welcomed sight.  I hope it sticks around for awhile. 

Three of our children and their families have been away on vacation this week so it was a great week to settle into the sewing room and stitch the hours away. 

My flowers continue to bloom in my Flower Garden Quilt-Along.  I only added two more this week as I had a lot of other hand stitching that I was working on as well.  Be sure to check out the different flowers that everyone else is creating and consider joining in with us.

I finished my last row of the Rockin'Robin.  This was a hexagon row and you could arrange them as you please.  This is my row.....more purple.

The daughter of a long time family friend is expecting in a few weeks.  They are having a shower for her this weekend and I did up a baby quilt for the little guy.  This was a pattern from Moda Bake Shop and I think it will be fun to quilt.

Don't you love getting those squishy packages in the mail - especially when you are not expecting them?  I received one such package this week from Em.http://mcelebrates.blogspot.com/  I have followed Em for some time now and her work is so creative and colorful.  I would love to be a mouse in the corner of her sewing room to see how she comes up with such great ideas.  Be sure to check out her blog and see some of the AMAZING pieces she has done.  You will not be disappointed.  Thank you so much, Em, for the wonderful fabrics and the necklace.  It has been a delight to be a blogging friend.

Another fabulous package that arrived this week was from Thearica.  I had won a surprise "squishy" package and look at what came.  These fabrics are just gorgeous and I am so excited about using them.  The colors are so soft and wonderful.  Don't you just love them?  As well she included a jar of her homemade pickles.  This was when the jar was full, but trust me, it is empty now.  They were delicious!!!!  My DH and I both love them.  Thank you, Thearica. 

I have signed up for the past few few years to the Another Little Quilt Swap and have done so again for round 6.  I have posted pictures in the past of some of the gorgeous quilts that have come my way.  Round 6 is now open and if you are interested in joining in please go and sign up.  You will not be disappointed.  I love the way that this swap is run.  You get to view the completed quilts and then get a choice in the one that you would like to receive.  The quilts are due to be finished in October so there is still time to finish one and join with us.  Kate has done a wonderful job with the swap in the past so please go over and sigh up for ALQS6.

There won't be as much sewing time this week as it is a bit busier than last.  I best get going on it!!!