Bailey's Quilt

I finally finished piecing Bailey's quilt and I'm currently beginning the process of hand quilting.  I have never done a quilt this large before, this is going to take awhile!  I may actually have it finished by the time she gets married.  OK, hopefully sooner.  Please excuse the blurred area in the bottom right corner...

My goal is to make one quilt a year for each of my children.  Since I have had the intention to make this quilt for a year now, I'm not off to a good start.  I guess nine years from now, I'll have a normal life again.  And I'll probably have arthritic hands to show for it.  And maybe a nice quilt or two.  ;)

Learning to Quilt

It's fall.  For now, anyway.  Cooler temperatures and crisp breezes make me want to quilt.  This past weekend, I pulled out a simple quilt I started about two years ago and didn't get anywhere near finishing.  Shameful, I know!  However, it was a perfect quilt to let the girls practice on.  It's funny to see how each girl is different in her learning style, talent, and design.  The one that I thought would hate it, loved it and was very good at it!  The one who I thought would have the neatest stitches was the one constantly pulling them out.  And the one I thought would sit and quilt for hours was the one who was always distracted.  Who woulda thought?

The simplicity of this quilt makes it easy to stitch inside the squares and allows for "easy to fix" mistakes.  My inner perfectionist is screaming at the jagged lines and uneven stitching, but outwardly I've managed to pull of the "it's OK, you're learning, honey" voice.  They'll get better.  Right?  At any rate, this quilt has been named The Park Quilt.  Meaning Peanut and Bubba Chubs will have a soft blankie to sit on at the park or camping.

I'm sure the twins will thank them for it, one day.



So, I'm Quilting...

I can check that off my list of things I've always wanted to learn.

I have pictures, but don't look too closely, I don't recommend it... I know you all hold me and my talents in high esteem. I hate to disappoint...

I have thoroughly enjoyed it and funny how it seems the older I get, the more I appreciate the opportunity to learn new things. I could take class after class, and never tire of learning. It's not always easy, it doesn't always come naturally, but the outcome is always worth it. I believe it's very important to remain teachable in all things, whether in our parenting, marriage, relationships, schooling, or godly counsel, we would be wise to listen and learn. Proverbs 1:5 says "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels"

I admit it, I'm a know-it-all. Over the years, the Lord has had to show me that I will never have it all right and I will never be perfect or know all the answers. I make mistakes. I know, hard to believe, but I do. ;P  Making mistakes is all part of learning, and if I can be teachable through my ignorant times and foolishness, then the result is reflected in my character and understanding. In my stubbornness and arrogance, the Lord has blessed me still. I pray daily for wisdom, understanding, and a teachable spirit.

Psalm 86:11 "Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name."

Here is a picture of where I began.....(Quilting Class, Week 1)

Week 2...

Week 3...

I'll post weeks 4 and 5 soon!  :D

You CAN Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

So maybe I'm not THAT old... I've signed up for a quilting class. I am so excited! It's something I've wanted to learn for years, and finally feel like I have the time and patience (I hope) to learn it. Or maybe the it's the expertise and space? A sewing machine and fabric? Anyway, I can't wait until November! :)

If you want to join me, you can sign up at It's a Stitch Online:

http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=5014825139215014&Store_id=623&page_id=23&Item_ID=3401