Hexagons

I got bit by the hexie bug last year, and started working on them for my daughter's promise quilt for when she goes off to college in a few yrs.  between work and the kids, I didn't have much time to keep at it.  Now that I've been laid off of work and am almost 6 months pregnant, I decided I would make the most of the time I have to keep my legs elevated on the couch and start making hexies again.  This gorgeous pillow by Clover and Violet inspired me to make one for my future mother-in-law for Mother's Day.

I chose colors that she has decorated her home & cabin with.  Here are my 1" hexies ready to sew.

The other night my daughter asked me if I would teach her how to make them.  Of course!  The next morning we went fabric shopping to get her more, since she blew through what I gave her.  It's awesome seeing her interested in sewing!

...And On To The Next

Abigail's quilt is done and waiting for her stats to be embroidered once she arrives (hence the safety pins that remain).  Because my belly is getting big fast and my legs don't allow a lot of up and down, I decided to tie this quilt to finish it quickly.  I would have loved to hand quilt it (my favorite method), but I wanted to make sure it would be done in time.  We are so excited! Only 4 more months to go!

I got my mini charm packs in the mail the other day...on to the next project!

Abigail's Baby Quilt Top Done

Thanks to another night of insomnia and listening to my favorite chick flick, I finished Abby's quilt top.  Now for some much needed sleep then basting & quilting!

A Helper

Yesterday I had my nephew.  While he was playing with toys, I started working on Abigail's quilt.  He was fascinated by the rotary cutter, sewing machine, fabric and most of all...my fleece design "board".  As with all of the kids (and teens) that have been to my house, it's their favorite thing to play around with.  I keep a basket of old scraps next to the board for them to design with.  This was his first time playing with this, and he had a blast! He fell in love with this one scrap lol! He kept saying it was his favorite & wanted to hang it on his wall at his house.  Next thing I knew, he crumpled it up & tried to sneak it in his pocket haha!  I told him he could keep it :)

It's a girl!

Her name is Abigail Grace.

Abigail = father's joy

Grace = God's favor, grace, love

It's only been 2 years...

It's only been 2 years since my last post?  It feels like ages.  So much has changed, so many new beginnings...both out of choice and circumstance.  Sadly, not too many quilting/sewing projects completed in those 2 years, but I hope to change that beginning now.  My main goal for this blog is to have a virtual diary of my life, accomplishments, failures (without them we cannot grow), and everything in between.  My kids are growing up way too fast and even though I'm here, I still feel as if I'm missing out on so much!  Hann is now 15 and a sophomore in high school.  Elijah is now 10 and in 4th grade.  I have another on the way, due 8/3, and still have to convince myself it's not a dream.  I've always wanted more kids, but knocking on 40's door, honestly I thought it'd be via adoption haha.  This pregnancy is easier and harder in different ways than my other 2.  Either way I'm excited to have another baby running around.  The kids are excited too.  Monday is the big appointment where we find out the gender.  I hope that the baby cooperates haha!

Here's what I'm currently working on...

My kids

Hannah was so hyper when I picked her up today.  She asked for my video camera then she & Elijah went off and created this start to finish. I only uploaded it when they were done.  They are definitely without a doubt my kids! Love you guys!!

My yard

I have a Cattleya Orchid that was given to me 3 years ago, and it FINALLY bloomed in December!!  I was hoping it would be pink, and wow what a surprise!!  Here are other pics from my yard in the winter time.  I'm so looking forward to spring where I can really start working back there.  It's a work in progress, and I love where it's going...

Cattleya Orchid

Cana Lily

Purple Salvia

Roses

Ruella

Pink Gnome guarding my baby Teacup Roses

Looking for squirrels

Christmas and the New Year

For some reason, Christmas just didn't feel like Christmas usually does.  Maybe it's because it was my first one as a single mom.  Maybe it's because the weather was unseasonably warm.  Maybe it's because my budget was almost non-existent.  Maybe it's because I worked so much, I just didn't have the energy to put into it what I usually do.  Maybe it's because the kids weren't here to wake me up uber early like they have every year since they were born (they were at their dad's).  I don't know, but Christmas is my favorite holiday, yet this one I was ready to see it go. 

At work, we had a secret Santa exchange, and my person wanted Christmas ornaments.  Being on a super tight budget, I bought one and made one.  Well, the one I made (although the letter is really crooked) got me into the mood to make more for my family.  I made photo books on Snapfish for each of the families and tied an ornament on the package.  I used all scraps from my stash and ones my sister gave me, and didn't use a pattern, but I think they turned out pretty cute...

 Pillowcases for my niece & nephew's bdays...

Let's Play Catch Up

Wow, another year! This year was busy with all kinds of things like a new job, family adjustments, wedding engagements, new babies, etc so I didn't make very many projects. Here are some that I was able to work on...

1. Charity quilt (adapted from the Charm Squares Baby quilt pattern from Sew, Mama, Sew!)

2. Baby quilt for Lilian Rose (Elephants on parade pattern from fat quarterly issue 2)

3. Baby quilt for Kolton (inspired by a quilt that was made by QuiltDad)

4. Fabrics for a new quilt for my mom.

I don't even have pics of the ones in progress...I'm afraid 2012 will be starting out with quite a few UFOs.