1-31-2011 Calm before the Storm

It is eerily calm on the main drag of downtown- usually a lot more traffic. Is this the calm before the storm we are expecting? Hard to believe that we may see a quarter inch of ice and then snow in a few short hours. Time to hunker down.

1-30-2011 I Finished my Quilt!

What a thrill! I started this project after learning something new with my sister over New Years. It is a quilt as you go-which in fact makes it a "reversible quilt". I used only the scraps I had on hand (thanks to my amazing aunts and our quilting sessions). I even got in the shot this time. Now I am dreaming of the next one to make. hehe

1-29-2011 Paper planes

Taylor's science fair project -- all weekend. Paper planes and their designs. Flight tests...plane designs...charting and theories. Yuck! I'd rather be quilting lol:)

1-28-2011 My Mom the Quilter

This is a picture of my mom with a quilt she gave me a few years ago. How I wish I could turn back the clock.

My mind is obsessed with quilts lately. As I am finishing up my 4th one, I can't help but think how happy my mom would have been to see me enjoying this hobby. She quilted and gave everyone of us a quilt- 6 kids and many many grandkids. She gave quilts away to charities and enjoyed quilting with her three sisters. She loved to show off her latest work and her eyes would shine with excitement when she talked about her next project. I understand that excitement. I find myself doing the same thing.

I was just learning how to quilt when my mom died so I didn't really get to share the passion.
However, I feel somehow, she knows and she is smiling down at the third generation of "quilters."

1-27-2011 Grandma's Quilt

This is my favorite quilt. I received it from my Grandma C. in 2000 and I used it all the time. It was the first blanket my kids grabbed when we would snuggle and I enjoyed it's comfort many a nights on my bed. Now it is worn thin and shows in wear. I decided to retire my old red quilt so I can hang on to it's loveliness for a long time to come.

Since I have started quilting, I realize the true love behind one of these quilts. Parts of me are sad that I used it so much and feel bad that it is so brittle. But then I think, that Grandma would have been glad that I didn't stick it in a closet somewhere to "preserve it". She would have been glad that it gave me so much warmth and comfort.

I should say my red quilt is Semi-retired because I still use it on days when I can use a little cheer. The small detailed hand stitching hypnotizes me and I wonder about her thoughts and prayers as she worked to make her quilts. I day dream when I work on my quilts too. I wonder who will stay warm and who will find comfort under my heart's work?

1-26-11 Honoring Grandma S.

Honoring My Grandma who would have been 96 today. Spunky, full of life and raring to go until just a few short months ago. I didn't know her as well as I would have liked-that's the bad part about divorce in a family. But I have childhood memories and many cousins to start new relationships with.

1-25-11 Quilting Hands

My Aunt "Skinny's" loving hand as she teaches me her skillful trade. I am so thankful that my (3) aunts have taken me in to teach and guide me in quilt making. More importantly, I cherish the stories they share about my mom and their own childhoods. We are creating way more than quilts when we are together.