A Sister Weekend & A Weekend Alone

Between traveling for work the last two weekends have been magical for very separate reasons. First off, two weekends ago my sister visited!!! Also, my future brother-in-law (can't leave him out). You may remember quite awhile ago that I sent Devon this- a mini-quilt for her coffee table. Recently, Devon said it had a very fall vibe and requested three more, each reminiscent of a season she didn't already have. How could I say no to my sister?! We took advantage of her being here in Seattle to root through some scraps. I refuse to buy new fabric for mini-quilts.

 

 

Of course, Neti had to join in. She was in the middle of everything.

 

I think Devon had just as much fun burying the cat as picking out fabric for Spring, Summer, and Winter.

 

Sadly, it was a short weekend and Devon and Joe had to fly back to Chicago. Neti was tuckered after a weekend with family so she snuggled up on the basted star quilt which sat idle as I quickly obsessed over the mini-quilts.

 

Don't worry, this is NOT a spoiler alert. Devon saw each one, via phone, as they were created. She has not seen them quilted, which I will not spoil.

 

I made them rather methodically. Piecing each top, piecing each bottom, basting all three at the same time, and quilting at the same time. Devon, look how lucky you got on thread!

 

Well, all the mini-quilts are now FINISHED! That's right, Devon, FINISHED! All are labeled with love. Expect a package any day now. So as not to spoil the surprise I'm afraid I have to switch gears here. Pictures will follow once Devon opens them herself (I'm jealous of Winter and almost kept it).

 

This past weekend I was home alone for two solid days. The hubby went to Houston and spent time with his Uncle in a B-17. Yes, for real. I took advantage of the time and spent HOURS quilting. I left the apartment for two reasons: fabric shop & grocery store. I was tempted to start something new but that star quilt has been set aside for too long now. I manned up, put on Ugly Betty and quilted non-stop.

 

I went with, what I'll call, whirrly-gigs in all of the negative space and the star just contained a double seam line. I thought it would be more fun to quilt the negative space.

 

Neti loved all the crafting time, although I did have to walk away for a bit due to her insane need to sit on it. You can't quilt when a cat is sitting on it. Trust me. I've tried.

 

I just finished binding it and adding a D-sleeve (for hanging) last night at 7:30, just before I picked up the hubby from the airport. Talk about perfect timing! I am absolutely in love with the results. I think this is the best thing I've ever made.

 

A view from the back. I'm so glad I went with a solid back. Look at that quilting!!

 

I haven't even washed it yet! I plan to hang this one in my office at work. I need a little warmth in there and a reminder of my creative side to calm the science side. I should be hanging this baby tomorrow morning. Can't wait!!

 

Happy Crafting!

Back to Normal

If we'd never moved in to a totally new apartment I would say we are back to normal! It still feels a little less like "home" but I think that's mostly because we don't have all of our stuff on the walls and we have no doors (well, except for the bathroom door, obviously).

 

I am LOVING my new sewing area. Neti and I are back to our regular routine, as you can see.

 

 

After a quick hiatus traveling to Mississippi for work I came back to a solid day of quilting. I attended the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild meeting which was GREAT, especially meeting some new ladies. I have decided to throw myself whole-heartedly into the group and learn some new things and meet some new people. I think it's going to be great! I left the meeting feeling inspired and spent the day finishing up the front of my star quilt, piecing the back of it, and basting!

I'd say I'm about 25% done with the quilting and that's probably being generous. I'm headed to Ohio for work tomorrow but I get to come home to my sister and her fiance waiting for me here in Seattle!!! I foresee a day of video games for the boys, knitting and quilting for the girls and Chicago deep dish impostor tastings for dinner. So excited!

Happy Crafting!