What Is It? A Finish!

Anyone know the name of this applique pattern?

Some time ago, while going through yet more boxes of stuff from my mom's sewing room, I ran across a couple of odd blocks that obviously were her UFOs. This was one of them. I first tossed them into the trash, because really, doesn't it scream ugly 80s? Anyone sill have a blue fabric goose sitting around?

No matter your taste, this will not fit the decor. Sorry. 

But I do have a heart and my heart said, "Momma made this." And the next thing I knew the blocks were in my UFO bin. They languished there for a couple of years. Then I needed some handwork to take along with me while we traveled the Northwest. I decided to pack it, a little afraid it would taint yet another bin. We were almost home before I pulled it out.

Mom's zigzag edges are pretty raw, so
I let my own stitches do whatever they wanted.

Using embroidery thread from last century (much of it also from my mom) I hand-quilted it in big stitches. I decided early on that nothing could make the block worse, so there was a chance of making it better. 

The pinks of the 1980s...
there's no mistaking them!

I finished the stitching and put it aside to trim out and bind when I got home. It got forgotten. The poor, ugly little thing reappeared last week. And while I don't participate in the One Monthly Goal at Elm Street Quilts, I did push myself to get this finished. It's time, after all. So I'm going to put it in the next OMG linky party. (Assuming that I catch it in time.) Edited: I did it!

Afraid that the rotary cutter, might take out a few stitches, I trimmed it with scissors, found some red gingham, which matches in color but not in size, for binding. 

So it has a warped corner and there are several stains, but I'll hand wash it and maybe it will go on a wall somewhere. Somehow it's grown on me. See, I said there was a chance of making it better. Finished is always better!

Link Ups!

AHIQ
One Monthly Goal at Elm Street Quilts
My Quilt Infatuation (NTT)

Crazy Mom Quilts (Finish It Up Friday)
Busy Hands Quilts (Finished or Not Friday)

Confessions of a Fabric Addict (Can I get a Whoop! Whoop!)

Sunday Quilt Inspiration: C H I L D R E N

What better to inspire our quilt making than the little people for whom we most often sew?  Whether we're making pj's, dresses, or blankies, mommy's love to sew for babies and children.  So here are a few little darlings to inspire your little quilts. 

And a few baby/kids' quilts.....

Happy Mother's Day!

Let's Catch Up

It's amazing to me how quickly time is moving.  In a few minutes a whole week jumped forward. Just last weekend we were watching a tee-ball game with a granddaughter cheesing it up on base.

I blinked an eye and we were helping to light luminaries and sky lanterns for Relay for Life.  We walked for a minute and the day was over.  At least we didn't miss the whole relay: I think we put in a couple of miles.

We loved the lanterns, both lighting them and seeing them float in the dark sky.  This picture is the grands' favorite.  I think I agree although it is a bit grainy. 

Another weekend and we've babysat, eaten out and I graded papers and quilted the latest quilt, but it seems to have flown by extremely fast.  

In a few seconds school will be finished.  We just started!  (I'll admit I've said differently during a class or two.)  I guess the only thing to do in the middle of a short night is to enjoy the photos from the day.

Life is just a bit too short but that's probably part of what makes it so beautiful and awesome.  (I mean, I know God does that, but.....well you get it, don't you?)  

Have a Blessed Mother's Day.

And a Quilt Finds a Home

A couple of years ago Richard and I went to a quilt show not far from home.  Our grandson Lane came along for the ride and followed Poppa around through the show.  They paid $5 each to come in and spent about five minutes looking at quilts.  It seemed like such a waste of money, until Lane won a charm pack of sweet fabrics.  

I turned that pack into a small quilt by adding some fabrics from my stash.  When it was finished, I offered the little quilt to Lane since I felt the fabric belonged to him.  Turns out that for all he was proud of winning, he wasn't so much into the flowers.

One of my better photos!  :-(

Today I offered the quilt to a friend whose mother just moved into the nursing home in the hopes that it would brighten her mom's room.  I think the flowers may be happy to have a home.

The back of the quilt showing how I quilted the whole quilt in feathers

Sinatra, Martin, Crosby, et. al.

Dean Martin

Are you listening to Christmas music yet?  My morning started in the studio where the radio burns it up 24/7.  After just a few minutes of sewing, I noticed a familiar beat and paused a moment to listen.  Christmas music!!!  Yay!

Frank Sinatra

I love Christmas music--can you tell?  I especially love to listen to the music of my childhood.  Now although I was born in 1960, to me traditional Christmas music was sung by Perry Como, Elvis Presley, Julie Andrews, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and their ilk.  


My mother had a few Christmas albums and a radio.  The early 60's radio stations were still playing "traditional" Christmas music, so those are the songs burned into my memory.  Of course, as I grew older, I listened to more modern music.  Then mom got sick and on occasion I'd babysit her to help Daddy out, especially during the holidays when I had several days off.  To entertain her and to make her happy, I purchased a CD package of old music and played it when she visited.  Now Momma's music is one of my Christmas traditions.  

Bing Crosby

So what is on this list of greats?  How about I list my personal favorites?


1. It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas -- Dean Martin
2. Santa Claus is Coming to Town -- Bing Crosby
3. Jingle Bells -- Frank Sinatra
4. The Christmas Song -- Nat King Cole
5. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas -- Frank Sinatra
6. Silver Bells -- Dean Martin

Rosemary Clooney

7. I'll Be Home for Christmas -- Bing Crosby
8. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen -- Bing Crosby
9. Winter Wonderland -- Frank Sinatra
10. Zat You Santa Claus -- Louis Armstrong

Nat King Cole

I don't know that I'd say the numbers are correct.  I love them all and many more.  My CD set has 70 or so songs, but there's always Sirius on the TV and, of course, the radio.  In other words I can get my Christmas music fix!


What about you?  What's on your Christmas music list?