Quilting With Friends

It has been ages since I last shared the quilts my quilting friends have made. Let's take care of that right now!

First, the most egregious oversight of all is the quilt that Sharon made for Reagan. Oh my goodness, this is such a darling quilt!

Back in August, when a group of us sewed at retreat, Sharon was very sneaky when she purchased a kit. I had no idea what she intended as I was obliviously wrapped up in my own little quilting world. Very soon, though, I found out that she had bought and stitched an entire quilt for Reagan!

It is the perfect size for a baby quilt, and the colors are so cheerful. Sharon and I both have become overly fond of the beauty and simplicity of 9-patch quilts, and this is one is perfectly executed.

Baby Reagan will grow into this quilt, to be sure! I hope I see it being used - and loved! - a lot as she grows up.

The Frankfort Girls were here at my house last week, and two of the ladies had quilts for show and tell.

Becky, our resident applique queen, just got this beauty back from the quilter. Isn't it spectacular? She said it was her very first experience with applique. I am just in awe of such intricate work. Certainly another masterpiece from her talented hands.

Helen had two quilts to share. This first one was a kit given to her by Terry just a few weeks ago. Once again, here's proof that the simple 9-patch block can result in a gorgeous quilt! The border fabric is by Betsy Chutchian, and the chevron border adds impact, but those 9-patches on point sure do capture my fancy!

The other quilt that Helen shared was a UFO that (I think!) her sister had handed off to her. She was unsure about how to finish it herself, as directions were either unavailable or unclear. Anyway, she took what she could use and "created" a finish that she felt she would be able to use.

These quilting friends continue to inspire me to keep up my own efforts in the sewing room. I have been way off my game this year, and when I see these beautiful creations, I find myself 'itching' to get back to it.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Jayne

Hello December!

Do you remember this crazy gag from way back when - the 'Round Tuit'? Eventually, I do get around to it - getting things done, that is. 

So without further ado, let me officially welcome December here at JQR. Nothing like a good dose of better late than never, right?

As I do with the beginning of each month, I like to do a little collage of the previous month's highlights. 

Similar to nearly every month this entire year, the amount of sewing and quilting continues to dwindle. It seems that other endeavors win out over sewing time, and I am not sad about it. While I know that I will once again get back to more regular sewing and quilting, my time these past few months has been better spent with family and friends. 

TOP ROW: All eight Frienzies were together early last month to celebrate Kay's birthday. I cannot even recall the last time we were all together. With Kay in a long-term care facility, our together time has been diminished. Both daughters and their families came here for an early Thanksgiving feast. It was a wonderful opportunity to grab some pictures of the dear granddaughters. Cate is 2 years; Reagan is 2 months. And we grandparents traded in our beloved CRV for a minivan! Yes, the anticipation of car seats and long road trips forced the change; we got a used Odyssey with much lower mileage.

MIDDLE ROW: A bit of hand sewing found me making a hexie flower. The fabrics were from my aunt's collection that I inherited; seemed like a nice way of honoring her. In the center, another group of great ladies - my card club - met for a holiday dinner at a local woman's primitive cabin. We ate well! And the cozy ambiance was perfect for a festive feast. Finally, a finish - the blue Ohio Stars, from that same aunt, came together in a pretty quilt top.

BOTTOM ROW: Thanksgiving Day found us among a huge gathering at my sister's. They live on a farm and the goats were having babies! Emma's step-daughter Parker got to pet day-old baby goats! Great-grandma Jeannie (my mom) got to finally meet her newest grandbaby - Reagan Jayne. She now has (to my best calculations) 18 great grandchildren. My final pic is of daughter Erin's beloved Rocky, asleep on DH's foot. Sadly, this is the last pic we have of Rocky, as he crossed the rainbow bridge on Monday. He was 18 years old, and was so very fragile and frail. We helped him get through the Thanksgiving weekend, and then Erin made the tough call. He was such a good kitty; a faithful companion and a furry friend with mega-personality.

                               

Goodbye, Sweet Boy! We sure did love you!

As I look to what I will attempt to accomplish in December, I need to tackle the long arm machine - for at least a month, I've ignored the thread-breaking issue I encountered while finishing a baby quilt for Reagan. That is first on my to-do list. Additionally, I have some UFOs that could easily be finished off. One is for a gift, and 2 more could be gifts if I just get busy. 

Then, preparing a little group of projects for Florida is necessary. We will be heading out in early January and that will be here before we know it. 

I will be hosting the family for Christmas, so decorating and cooking will factor in, of course. December is always so busy; I am definitely going to prioritize enjoying all the festivities as opposed to stressing about all there is to do.

Have a great month!

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Jayne