Friendship in August

I am in the homestretch of my Friendship Swap blocks. Here are the August blocks.

I love looking at the in-progress and finished version of this block. There was nothing complicated about the block. It was just putsy; lots of little steps along the way. When I got to the point where I had nine mini-blocks ready to go, I was wishing the block would just be done. Once it was totally assembled, I was relieved. As I look at the pictures of the block, I think it's pretty cool. I didn't think I would ever want to make enough of these to make a quilt, but I think that as long as I was moving at a leisurely pace, it could be lots of fun. I can't imagine how striking all the blocks will look together!

For the second block, there were no parameters other than to use a foliage fabric. I found a lush green and paired it with a cream. Though there is no Celtic look to it, the block feels Celtic to me. I can only imagine how lush the greens are in Ireland. My father has been there and I understand they are a one-of-a-kind sight to behold.

Lucky for me this wasn't the specified block because for reasons I couldn't ever understand, my center block never sized out the way the directions indicated. I checked and rechecked, scratched my head, and moved on. Ha-ha! I added a 1/2 inch border to the inner block and called it good. In the end, it all worked out just fine because it allowed me to add more of the lush green to the block.

As I am the recipient of one of the September blocks, and I've already made the one of the two October blocks, I only have two more blocks to go. Well, I suppose I will make some of my own, too, but I should probably wait and see what I get before I try to make it all go together sight unseen. Then again, it could prove interesting to randomly work ahead. Hmm. What to do? ;)

Caring, Cozy, Comfort

Two weeks ago, today, I received a call informing me that my daughter's classmate had lost his father of a sudden heart-attack. I just sat there and cried. Though I know the mother and children because of their activity in the school, I didn't even know the husband/father, Ted. It didn't matter. In that moment, I realized that this life cut too short could have just as easily been me or my husband. Being faced with your own mortality is frightening. Imagining the devastation of his wife and all the ways his children will miss out on a lifetime of memories with him is overwhelming.

Later that evening, speaking with my friend, Jen, whom I've lovingly dubbed Queen of Comfort Quilts, I said that I would really like to make the kids each a comfort quilt; something soft to snuggle into when the arms they most long for aren't able to be there. Wanting and doing are two different things, though. But, when Jen offered to share the load and help me get them done, I had hope that we could get these completed before the kids were grown. I should have realized that enlisting Jen's help would put us on a whirlwind pace and get them done in record time (at least, record time for me!). We hashed through the details, and though it was 10 p.m. and there was much else to do, Jen had a good hunk of fabric already on hand and got right to work, nearly completing the top before bed. That was the beginning of a week filled with trips to the store and back-and-forth passing of materials, each of us contributing time, talent and material to both quilts.

Here are the end results.

For the boy, I chose a super-hero fabric; Batman!

For this quilt, I pieced the top and did the binding. Jen quilted. This is a nice picture of the beautiful quilting. Both quilts were backed with minkee fabric for extra snuggle-softness. As an added benefit, though they were backed in solid colors, each looks very intricate because of how nicely the quilting stands out on the minkee.

For the girl, Jen chose Wizard of Oz fabric and maintained the theme by choosing to piece it as a Yellow Brick Road, dropping the borders and adding a focus panel. (It turned out so nice, I think I will have to replicate something similar for my daughter.)

Look at that quilting! I just love how visible it is against the minkee. For this quilt, Jen did the piecing and quilting. I did the binding.

These took nine days, start-to-finish. The last one came out of the dryer Sunday morning and I was able to deliver both to the family Sunday evening. Of course, there are no words that seem appropriate for such an occasion. As it turned out, not many were needed. On what was one of the hottest days of the year, both kids seemed content to claim their quilt and wrap-up it around themselves. It was quite a sight, especially as the mother and I were dripping in sweat. It was heart-warming and I hope it brings them comfort for a long time to come.

And, of course, a special thank you to Jen for all she contributed and her motivation to get things done. Truth be told, it was her kindness that inspired me to even consider the project. Here is the comfort quilt that she recently gifted me.

What a comfort, indeed! It's amazing; beautiful in color and texture and design, quilted with loop-de-lou's, which make me smile. Everyone knows to keep their hands off; this is Mom's quilt! (For a better picture and more information about it in Jen's words, check out her post at Cre8tive Quilter.) To be found quilt-worthy has left me humbled and speechless.

Tag Along Totes

A coworker recently asked me to make her a tote to fit inside of the larger purse she usually carries. It's a very trendy bag but doesn't fit the bill for the dressier occasions. She wanted something small and black.

Here is the Tag Along Tote Tote that I made for her.  To brighten it up a bit, and to make things easier to find, I added a pink liner.

I think the liner is my favorite part!

When I bought the fabric for the bag, I thought the fabrics should be reversed. I thought the black should be the accent and the gray floral should be the main fabric. Though I like how this bag turned out, I needed to try it my way.

Yep! For me, this is way cuter. Of course, it's not really " a little black bag" to go with "a little black dress," but it is adorable. I added the pink interior to this one, too.

So feminine!

I had fun quilting these, too. I usually meander, but I've been wanting to stretch my skills, so I decided to try leaves.

I've got a ways to go, but these don't look too bad for my first try. They look even better when you're looking at the exterior of the purse and not the muslin. ;) I think it gave a really nice finishing touch to the bags.

And what bag would be complete without a Wonder Wallet?

I usually show my coworkers my crafty stuff. I got thumbs up all around. Truth be told, I was a little nervous about how the black one would go over. Does that happen to you? I get an idea so firm in my head that I start to doubt myself. I figured it looked fine, but I liked the gray floral one so much more that I was a little unsure. I was happy that others liked it. In fact, someone liked the black one so much that she asked for one for herself. Doubt was set aside. Now I get to make more!

Crafting Cube

Sew...when you sew, do you find that everything you make must have a purpose; a place to call home when it's complete? For a long time, that was how I thought of all my projects. Recently, though, I have started making things just because I enjoy them. (Of course, it could also be that it helps me procrastinate from completing other things that I'm not enjoying. No, never! Not me! Have we talked about taxes? Anyhow, I digress.) They have no specific purpose or recipient in mind. One such item is my Crafting Cube.

As is typical of crafting, I saw someone else make one, loved the look and had to get one for myself. I liked the original version so much that I copied it down to the fabrics. The project was so fun, in fact, that I made one for me and one for...well, I haven't figured that out, yet. Currently, it's in a pile with several recently made, purposeless bags. :)

Here's how they look.

I had a lot of fun coordinating colors, getting my pockets all matchy-matchy. The cube is relatively small, but it holds all of the notions that I use regularly, two rings of bobbins, my large magnetic pin holder and even some of the things that don't get used so often. With four pockets, lots of slots and a wide open center, this little thing goes a long way. Best yet, the handles make it easily portable.

I love all sorts of crafts. Hmm, maybe I should keep the second one for myself and use it for all my stamping odds and ends. Maybe the second one has a purpose after all!

Comfort Quilt

A while back, I mentioned a top secret project I was doing. I couldn't give any details because it was part of a gift. Now that the gift has been given, I'm free to share.

 These are the blocks I made to contribute toward Regina's (a.k.a. 1I's) comfort quilt. Moneik, Jen and Regina have been friends for a few years and, as I understand it, their group of quilty friends have had cause to make comfort quilts for most of the ladies in that group. They are wonderful ladies and I felt honored to be asked to contribute.

I met Regina back in March on retreat. She is a neat woman who knows how to laugh with...and at...you. Well, to be fair, she's pretty good about laughing at herself, too! Though I hardly know her, she made quite the impression over the course of that weekend. I'm hoping that our friendship grows and that I will continue to cross paths with her for years to come.

Here is a picture of the completed quilt. We all sent our blocks to Moneik. She then put the top together, added borders/backing, quilted it and sent it off in a care package to Regina.

 
Regina was so excited when she received it. I wish I could have been there to give a hug to go with the quilt. Still, it was clear that Regina knew she was being held in love and prayer. Being part of a community is a powerful thing. I'm blessed to know these women.

Star O' Wonder

I did it! I'm not just on time with the Friendship Quilt Swap, I'm a full month ahead. Woo-hoo! If only I could say that about everything in my life, right? At least this will help free up a little time for some of the other things waiting to be done.

I'm not sure if the selected block has a name or not. We were provided this link. The block is a beautiful star, with lots of pieces! I'm happy with my first attempt, but I plan to make more of these to work on perfecting the points.

What do you think? From a distance, at a glance, mixed in with the other blocks, I think it will look great. Heck, even up-close, it's still pretty good. ;)
 

Farewell First Grade

Hopefully we've all had the experience of that one teacher we'll never forget. The one that somehow understood us, connected and helped shape us into better, more educated, people. For me, this was my second grade teacher, Mrs. Guy. I couldn't exactly tell you what made her such a special person, just that she really made an impact on me. So much so that I continued to visit her classroom each year that I progressed and that I continue to swap Christmas cards and have the occasional chance conversation.

This past year, my son, Connor, switched schools as he was entering first grade. Connor is a remarkable child that somehow captures the heart of everyone he meets. He loves to laugh, play and curl up in your lap for snuggle time. Of course, as any good brother, he also enjoys tormenting his sister, but usual makes it up to her by playing side-by-side, no matter how "girly" the game. Connor also has ADHD and characteristics of high-functioning Aspergers. These make sitting through an entire day, paying attention and absorbing information a bit challenging.

I was very concerned when we switched schools. Entering first grade, he was at the bare minimum of where they expect children to be in terms of their current knowledge base. My bigger concern, though, was not where he was at, but how far behind he would get over the course of the year. We've always known that he is incredibly bright, but Connor called the shots and rarely would engage in activities to encourage learning. Just trying to get him to sit on your lap for a story was a struggle. How was he ever going to learn if we couldn't get him to stay on task and find ways of presenting information in ways that excited him?

Blessedly, my fears were quickly alleviated when we met his first grade teacher, Mrs. Setzke. I hope there are more special teachers in Connor's future, but I suspect that this will be the "it" teacher that he recalls with fondness and admiration. I can't say enough about this woman and the impact she has had in our son's life. It really does take a village to raise a child. She didn't love my son any more than me or my husband. She didn't teach him things we didn't know. She didn't try harder or invest more effort than we were willing put forth. But, she did find a way to engage him that he understood and enjoyed. A way that we couldn't seem to find. Most importantly, she gave us hope. Hope that Connor will not be bound by any limitations and has the same potential for success as every other child in his class.

I am imagine that I will fret over teacher placement every year, knowing that, for Connor, the difference between a year of growth and the need for special services is the difference between a teacher that "gets him" and one that doesn't, or doesn't have the desire to try. For now, I will just be grateful for the moment and hope that Mrs. Setzke has brought our family.

Words never seem to adequately express just how grateful I am, so I usually try to *show* my feelings, too. For Christmas, Connor helped me to pick fabric to make a rag bag and matching zipper pouch.

 Cute model, eh?

As a reading specialist, I thought Dr. Seuss fabric would be a good choice. Connor said he was sure that Mrs. Setzke would love the Cat in the Hat. I had my doubts, questioning if I should just make it something pretty, instead, but it turned out that he was right. (How often do I doubt my children only to have them prove me wrong?) In fact, as I sat in the classroom on the last day of class to enjoy an ice cream social, I saw the bag by her desk. It's one thing to make something for someone just to do it with no expectation of gratitude and/or appreciation (which, in my opinion, is the only way to craft). It's a whole other feeling of goodness when you see them enjoy the treasure you've poured yourself into creating!

And, here's the woman we've come to adore.

Though Mrs. Setke has been a first grade teacher for many years, her passion is to be hired as a Reading Specialist. She is currently awaiting a reply from another school to see if this dream will come to fruition this year. We are keeping her in prayer in hopes that she does receive the job. However, selfishly for us, if it doesn't work out, we'll be pretty excited, too, because we found out that she is moving to 3rd grade and that Connor may have the opportunity to have her for another year. Can you imagine?! Into the Lord's hands!