With a little more free time now that Ori is enjoying himself at school during the mornings, I have been finishing projects a little more quickly.
These two quilts were turned out for cold nights this winter, which seems to already be upon us.
While I used many of the same fabrics for both, I was pleasantly surprised with how different each one was upon completion. Except that both are soft, scrunchy and seriously warm.
With all the friends and family who are expecting, I feel like I might have to start a baby quilt production line to keep up.
This one is a simple little play mat made from my collection of shirting materials, and is ready for Danny's brother's new baby.
I had some requests for children back packs, and after digging through my stash of fun prints I came out with some of my never been touched Heather Ross beauties. A lot of love goes into sewing these little back packs, as I can imagine little children like Phia and Ori wearing them on their first day of school.
And speaking of projects with a lot of love put into them, I was asked to make a very meaningful quilt that will be a very beautiful gift. I felt truly honored to be asked to make it, and was happy to snip the final string and mail it out.
We were sent home with these gorgeous arrangements after an evening tea filled with good company and fortune readings. On my train ride back home I mulled over a few thoughts, such as one can never underestimate the therapeutic effect of a girly tea party, the deliciousness of scones with creme friache and raspberry jam, and the striking beauty of peonies.
This was my shower gift to the bride to be- a hand quilted throw in various weaves and colors of wine. I am hoping she will enjoy this simple gift as much as I enjoyed being a part of her shower.
What makes this quilt really special is the story that goes along with it. I was really moved when a very wonderful woman asked me to make it for her dear friend who has been courageously battling leukemia. It was an honor to make a quilt that symbolized such love, hope and strength.
It is a little embarrassing to admit how long this quilt has taken me to finish. I have always had a recipient in mind, and always wanted it to brighten up their end of winter, since those cold months before spring always seem the longest.
I used up many little green and blue scraps to create a lush floral collage. I chose to back it with white chenille and finish it without binding.
This quilt was sent out to an endlessly amazing grandma. She has helped me through hard times and awkward phases, and I am forever thankful for all of her support, guidance, and love.
Because miso soup is so warming for lunch.
Because hand quilting leads to both pretty finishes and a warm lap during the process.
So, what do you say?
But, there was a nagging feeling in the back of my mind, reminding me I should have been working on something else. Halloween costumes, perhaps? The kids and I have yet to decide on costumes- and I think this year we will not be able to come up with a clever pair theme to follow.
So, in the next couple days (literally, yikes!) I will probably be throwing together some makeshift last minute costumes. Any suggestions on what those should be?
I guess I have one thing I can thank my bout of hay fever for: being unable to sleep from uncontrollable night sneezing, I woke up at the crack of dawn and had a little bit of free time to take these pictures of a new quilt I finished up this week. 
Aw, finished just in time for spring. 
From the bold teals next to the subdued baby blues to the striped binding, I am so happy with how this one turned out.
When he was eight months old I completed the quilt top. When he was 14 months old I started to hand quilt it together, and when he was 22 months old I finally finished.
And now, after much procrastinating, it is binded, cleaned, and ready for Ori.
I felt a little embarrassed that it took me so long to finish this quilt for my baby boy. I am one of many people who is guilty of making 90% girl oriented crafts and I felt pretty bad that this is one of the first finished projects for Ori. If you are looking for some more masculine crafts, check out the very inspiring Made by Rae & Dana Made It & their celebration of all things boy.
Whenever I finish a quilt, Danny always seems to prefer the back, so I used as much restraint as I could muster to keep this one as simple as possible.
He said he likes it...
..and so does Ori.
I convinced her into liking a quilt I had already created, and then used the same random design and color palette.
This one was made with a loftier batting, and it is incredibly scrunchy.
This past week has been thoroughly busy, but it was so rewarding to give handmade creations.
I have about four quilt tops that have been waiting for me to quilt and bind, and this one was calling my name to come and finish it this past week.
I have wanted to utilize a couple of my big prints that I could never tie into a small scale quilt. After it was finished and washed I realized how much I like the way the panels were scrunched up nice and tight, and I really liked the contrast of the quilt and the white binding.
...can be transformed into this... 
what a relief to see this quilt (finally) finished! it took me a good deal of time to figure out the best way to use prints from the far far away line, but i am really happy with the results.
it measures in at 60" by 72",and when it came time to quilt it together i admit i felt a little intimidated. i decided to do straight lines as opposed to a free form design.
this one in particular was made for my friend's daughter, who just so happens to be one of phia's best friends. it matches the twin sized quilt i have been working on for months (and hope to finish very, very soon), and was made to celebrate her move to a big girl bed.
