Valentine Heart Swag Swap

I am participating in a Heart Swag Swap with the Fabric in Altered Arts 2 Group.  I embroidered the hearts on my Janome 11000 embroidery machine.  Three of the heart designs are from Anita Goodesign.  I'm now sure of  source for the 4th heart.  I used fabric from my stash.  The red rickrack is also from my stash.  I used a vintage red plastic flower belt buckle and button for the hanger at the top.  I'm quite pleased with the swag.  The rickrack is a little difficult as a hanger.  I might consider using ribbon if I did another one. 

My DH is recovering nicely from his knee replacement surgery and I finally have time to work in my studio and post a few items on my blog.  Thanks to all of you for continuing to visit even though I'm not that consistent with my posts due to life's issues.

A Colorful Patchwork Quilt for Granddaughter # 1

I made this Patchwork quilt for Granddaughter # 1 this week.  It's made from 5" squares.  Some were left over from charm pack projects but most were cut from my box of scrap pieces.  The scraps have been accumulating for a number of years.  It turned out to be a very colorful quilt.

I made a throw for Granddaughter # 2 during the Christmas vacation.  When I asked # 1 what type of quilt she wanted, she told me she wanted one like her Daddy's.  My mother made her Daddy's quilt for him when he was a little boy.  It was made from squares from her scrap box.  We tied that quilt but I decided to stitch in the ditch.  A friend suggested a nice thick batting that resembled little puffy squares.  I found this batting at JoAnns and it worked perfectly.

We went to the fabric store a few weeks ago to select her backing prior to beginning the quilt.  I'm so glad I took her along because I would have never thought that she would choose this lovely white fabric with small colorful crosses but that's what she wanted.  It turned out very nice.  I added the rainbow stripped binding and it could easily be reversible.  The quilt is smaller than a twin size because that's the size she wanted.  She wants to be able to cuddle up in it while watching tv or reading.

I showed her the quilt last evening while I was still sewing on the binding.  She said "It's so beautiful!".  That made my "heart sing".  It's always good to have someone appreciate your work.   It's now in the washer. Since I used scraps, I felt it was important to give the entire quilt a nice bath before she snuggles up in it.  

Look What Wanda Did To My Chestnut and Vine Quilt

Wanda sent me this photo of my Chestnut and Vine Quilt.  Isn't it lovely.  She did such a great job.  I can hardly wait to see it.  She will mail it next week.  I will add the binding when it gets here. 

I'm so pleased with the quilting designs in the quilt.  Wanda's photos below show the quilting details.  Isn't it the most beautiful quilt!

Thanks Wanda you are the best.

SIMPLIFY / SIMPLICITY

Today I selected my word for the year.  Early this morning I decided the word should be simplify -verb- to make less complex or complicated.   I then attended church and the pastor's sermon was titled "Simplicity".   Simplicity - noun-  the state or quality of being simple.  Now I know I'm on the right track for 2012.  Wish me luck as I search for "simplicity" and attempt to "simplify" my life.