Monday, December 6, 2010

Peeking Out From Under Scraps

Gosh, I hadn't realized it had been this long since my last post. I've been so busy... Time sure does fly!

I was a little busy preparing for the Thanksgiving Holiday as the kids and grand kids were going to invade our quiet home. It is quite a job child-proofing a home. Then we had a miniature snowstorm the week of Thanksgiving putting everyone in high-gear before the day even arrived. I tried doing my shopping for our Thanksgiving meal and it was so crowded in the store I couldn't fit my grocery cart down the isles. Instead I had my husband stay with the cart at the end of each isle while I squeezed my way to find the items I needed. As we were shopping there was a small child expressing their unhappiness. Very loudly, I might add. I felt for the parents because I know how miserable children are when it's nap time. We survived the battle of the grocery stores. All the children and grandchildren arrived safely and we spent a few days playing games, making tons of food, and sharing laughter. I hope your holiday was as enjoyable as mine was.

Well, Thanksgiving isn't the only thing keeping me busy... I've spent countless hours in my sewing studio. I have some pictures to share and I'll start with this one today.


My grandson Elijah celebrated his 4th birthday on Thanksgiving. That is Elijah with his mom and friends at his party. We had his party a week before his birthday because he was celebrating his birthday in Disneyland this year. I made him a quilt for his birthday:


Here is the quilt prior to adding the borders.

Here is the finished quilt. He hasn't received it yet because I wasn't able to finish it before he left for Disneyland (All those darn power outages cut into my quilting time.), but he knows I have something special waiting for him.

The quilt design is called Warm Wishes and is available as a free pattern from Quiltmaker Magazine. It is such a simple pattern that goes together quickly. Perfect for someone wanting to make their first quilt or needing a quick gift. I finished it with freemotion quilting using a meandering design. I'm just not confident in my machine quilting skills to try anything more complex yet. In fact, the entire time I was quilting I kept hearing Obi-Wan Kanobi's voice in my head saying, "Don't cross the stream Luke! Let the Force be with you."

Have I lost it, or what? LOL

What is everyone else up to?

9 comments:

luv2quilt2 said...

Your Thanksgiving sounds like it was a great time. I love having all my family together. Isn't it great to celebrate the grandchildrens' birthdays? It's good to see you back.

Ivory Spring said...

It's wonderful to hear from you. Looks like you had quality time with your family! Love that quilt.

Jocelyn said...

Been missing you Dena. Glad to hear that all is well.

Lurline said...

I've missed you too, Dena - lovely to hear from you thanks. Busy times ahead with the Christmas Season - looks like you and I will have to make some New Year rsolutions, lol!
Hugs - Lurline♥

webbsway said...

Hi Dena
It is so NICE to hear that you are still KICKIng! LOL

What a wonderful Thanksgiving -and what a neat Quilt ! I love it!

You always seem to have such a calm demeanor and add wonderful ideas! Wish I could rub some of you off on me!

regan said...

Hi Dena!

Sweet quilt for the Elijah....love the cars on it! Are they fabric, or did you do machine embroidery?

Also, I found your blog through Happy Cottage Quilter, and you left a comment mentioning that you make Cranberry Coffee Cake for xmas morning.....would you share the recipe.....I love anything with cranberries, and would love to try it!

Thanks!

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Good to see you back, sounds like you have really been busy.

Elijah will surely love that quilt.

Vicki said...

Welcome back! The quilt for your grandson is so cute.

Robin said...

What a great quilt! I especially love how you featured the embroideries in it. Cool! It is amazing what a difference borders can make in the overall look. Pretty cool seeing the before/after.

Looks like the Force was definitely with you on this one. :)