Binding Time

I am one of those crazy people who loves to sit and hand stitch the binding on my quilts.  I know many who dread the task, but it is such a relaxing part of quilting to me.  I had Mary at Quilt Hollow quilt a couple of my tops and they turned out beautifully.  She does such an awesome job and I am just thrilled with the results.  Mary is so helpful in selecting the perfect design and is such a dedicated longarm quilter.  I can now say they are officially FINISHED and crossed off of the to do list.  I have one more large one that I am currently working on the binding so it has been a binding week.

Great Granny QAL...I added a DS striped binding to this one since I did not have any extra fabrics.  I will link this finish up to Richard and Tanya's Friday finishes. 

This was a top that Melissa was getting rid of and I loved the colors.

The finishing directions for the Summer Star QAL came out this week.  It called for 8 stars, but I decided to add the ninth one and finish it off a little differently.  I like the way it turned out.   The colors are really off in the photo.  It must be our rainy day today.

The winner of my Blog Hop giveaway is Leslie.  Congratulations!  I have e-mailed you and will send the book off once I receive your address.  It is always such fun to meet so many new bloggers during the blog hops and I hope that anyone who gets a chance to join in on the fun will do so.  Welcome to all of my new followers. 

The week was a busy one with three little ones here while their mommy and daddy were vacationing in Hawaii.  The days started early and were busy until the wee ones were tucked in each night, but we enjoyed the activity and fun times.  I was a little busy to capture much of it on camera.  ;-(

3 years old with a wild imagination.

2 years old and full of mischief.

7 months old and an easy going, always smiling little guy.  It makes getting up at 5 a.m. worth every minute.

The days are getting shorter and the temperatures seem to be dropping for us.  Fall is in the air and will be in full swing in no time at all.  Our summer was so late in arriving and I would love to have a bit more of it.  I do look forward to the comfort food cooking that the cooler weather brings.   How about you?

Well Into August

Here we are well into August already.  The days are getting noticeably shorter and the grandchildren return to school on Monday.  It's hard to believe another summer is quickly coming to an end.

The summer chores continue.  I tried something new this year and am quite pleased with the results.  We have a couple of pinot noir grape vines growing over a structure and it is loaded with grapes this year.    What's a gal to do?  Make wine????  Nah...I'm not good at stomping and getting my toes purple.  How about jelly????  I can do that!!  It made the prettiest jelly - a rosy color and it tastes great.

In about a week we are going to have three little ones with us while their mommy and daddy buzz off to Hawaii for a little getaway.  I decided to make them a couple of soft fleece blankets to give them a little comfort.  They were easy and fast projects, but fun nonetheless.

During the wonderful Christmas Hop that was recently showcased I won a darling Christmas mini from Joan at Moose Stash Quilting blog.  I just love it and she did such an amazing job on it.  I know the little ones will get a thrill when they see it hanging during the holidays.  If you have ever wanted to see an amazing scrap quilt, you need to go visit her blog.  Trust me....it will blow you away and it is reversible!!!

I am officially all caught up on my Just Takes 2 blocks with these last two applique blocks.  The newest ones will keep me busy with MORE applique.  Oh dear!!  I think I have tried every type of applique known now and I am not sure it is getting much better.

I also finished my mini quilt for the ALQS7 swap.  I really liked the aqua fabric in this one.  I wish I had more of it for other things. 

#6 star from the Temecula Summer Star QAL is now added to the bunch.

The newest little one is home and doing great.  She is such a good baby - sleeps well and is so mellow.  I think the other children think of her as a doll meant to be dressed up!

I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy a wonderful weekend ahead.

Taking Advantage of Time

We are on baby watch for our newest grandbaby this week so I am taking advantage of time spent close to the phone.  I've tried to keep the week cleared of schedules so it has been a productive week around the house.  Cupboards have been sorted out,  lots of deep cleaning, a little gardening and some solid hours of sewing for mending and fun.  It all feels great.

Summer temperatures have finally arrived - at least warmer temps than what we have had so far this summer.  The air conditioning has yet to click on, but it feels toasty warm outside. 

My hummers are still at the feeders all day long, but we also have our orioles making appearances to share their food.  We always enjoy their cackling sound which is so distinctive.  They arrive in March and will migrate back in late August or early September. 

I'm continuing to plug away on my Just Takes 2 blocks. 

I made a quilt for the new baby.  I still need to put a label on it, but I always add a photo label with one of the first pictures of the new baby.  I love this jelly roll for a child's quilt.....such cute fabrics, so bright and cheery.

Minky was used on the back of this quilt.  I really like the look of the quilting with the minky fabrics. 

The 5th star is added to the Summer Star QAL at Temecula Quilt Co.

I've started my swap quilt for the ALQS7 swap.  I have mentioned before that I just love this swap.  It is done perfectly in the fact that you must have a completed quilt to enter.  You then get to view the completed quilts and choose your favorites from which you will then receive one of them.  The quilts I have received in the past have all been gorgeous!!!  A sneak peak.....

It's been fun to sit and hand stitch in the evenings while watching the Olympics.  I am going to be sorry to see them close.  

Summer Fun

With the arrival of August my thoughts turn to the end of summer.  School will start soon for the children and it seems as though they just got out.  Guess that is the "old" in me coming out.  ;-}

We've been taking advantage of the sunny days with a little family beach time.  The water temperatures are still quite chilly (around 61*) which is giving us our cool and foggy summer this year, but the sun feels great.

I'm still plugging away on my Takes 2 blocks.  I am now ready for today's set to come out.  I finished the one applique that has been nagging at me too.  Gosh, I really hate am not good at needle turn applique?  It's a learning process, but my mind is not processing it very well.

Therefore.....it was fun to turn to my mindless sewing of Great Granny squares.  I finished my 20th block, put the borders on it and it is ready to be finished.  Yeah.  The colors do not show up well, but this is such a soft and pretty quilt.

The fourth star to the Summer Stars QAL also got done.  I love these little things.

If you want to see a fabulous idea for a quilt block you need to go visit Sandi's blog today.   Tell me......does that not make you want to make one for each day of the week?