Thank you, Sis Boom!

Imagine my total surprise when I received an email saying that I’d won some fat quarters from Sis Boom, by Jennifer Paganelli.
There are few things better than an unexpected package to make your day.  Talk about cute!  I’ve always loved her designs, but didn’t have any of these prints.  They will be fun to mix into new projects.


I’m looking at them wistfully, wishing for some time to sew.

I am craving creativity.

Sometimes life is so intense that every minute must be spent just working to make our family function.  Now is one of those times.

Still, I’m longing to MAKE something!

Long sigh.

Back to the laundry.

Jennifer

Chirp Chirp Quilt



At last, I’ve finished the Chirp Chirp quilt.  The quilting is done and binding is on.


I quilted it in a diamond pattern, much like the Rouenneries quilt I finished earlier in the year.   Rather than quilt over the bird, I quilted around the applique area.  This quilt is much smaller and therefore was much easier to quilt.  I’m happy with the overall outcome.


I embroidered my initials and the year beneath the tree branch, just for fun.


I changed my mind about the binding at least ten times, and then at the last minute discovered I had just enough of the Kona bone to make a binding and went with that.  I’m so glad I did.  It gives a beautiful crisp edge to the quilt, and provides the contrast I wanted.


For the backing I used a beautiful cotton-linen blend from the Rural Jardin collection by French General.  I think this fabric is especially beautiful.  I felt drawn to the rich, deep blues in this collection.  I love the subtle red, white and blue color scheme, making it a perfect summer quilt for my home.  Of course, the birds don’t hurt, either.


Measuring 52 by 40 inches, this is a great size for my younger children to snuggle with.   It was a simple and enjoyable project which I hope will be used and enjoyed for a long time!


Hopeful Homemaker

Beauty in Monotony

Most projects  have steps that are fun and some that are necessary but really not enjoyable.  Basting quilts are, for me, necessary but not very fun.  Who likes kneeling on the floor to put a couple hundred safety pins through three layers of fabric?


As I basted my Chirp Chirp quilt, I straightened up for a minute to rest my back and my eyes fell on my basket full of safety pins.

Beautiful.  And the whole exercise was changed.

Today I wish you a glimpse of unexpected beauty in some monotonous activity.

Jennifer

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