Revealing -- The Loosies Row by Row Challenge

My Maryland small group loves challenges. True to our name, we are a bit "loose" about deadlines.  Therefore in our 10+ years we haven't done all that many challenges.  But when we do, we turn out incredibly creative projects.  Our latest challenge (only took two years LOL) was a Row by Row.  We each made our first row and then passed it on to our group.  We had two groups, one of 6, one of 7 so our pieces wouldn't turn out to be too humongous.  Since my DH and I were planning a trip to Maryland in June, the Loosies got their act together and made plans to meet for lunch and reveal the final projects.  What you'll see is the creative inspirations of 13 good friends and quilting buddies.  Let the show begin........ 

A Little More Conversation With Stephen

When the husband is away, the wife spreads out her stuff and gets sewing.  DH was in Southern California the last 4 days enjoying his retirement activity......genealogy.  He helped California Genealogical Society with their table at the Southern California Genealogical Society Conference.  It also gave him a chance to visit with his sister and his dad.

I've been quilting around the stones of the window .

I've been needing to get back to working on Stephen's Tribute quilt.  I find that I work best on it when I have several days of being along and being able to spread out and work at my own pace.  It's still not finished.  I'm kind of making it up as I go along.  I think Stephen will tell me when it is done.  It will eventually have some words on it but I don't know what yet.  There is no rush.  I'm just enjoying the conversations with Stephen and the creative process.

A little more detail.

This Little Bird

This little bird: 

Original drawing by DGD

 became this: 

Interpretation in fabric by the grandmother 

I have a folder where I keep precious pictures that my DGDs draw for me.  OK.  Not every picture but several.  I had been mulling over the idea of trying to make one of them in fabric.  I decided it would be the perfect gift for DGDs dad (aka "my first-born") for Father's Day.  So I just pulled out the scrap basket and started work.  There is no particular technique I used.  It is all done with scraps.  I personally love it.  I hope he will, too.  Now I need to make another one for a picture from the youngest DGD.

It Won't Be Long

This young lady is 6 years old going on teenage.  I think this is a picture of what is yet to come.  At least she retains quite a bit of her 6 year old silliness and goodness. 

Our little fashionista

Happy Birthday and Get Well

Even though I am still slighty jet-lagged from the Ireland trip, I felt inspired to uncover the sewing machine and work on two small projects for friends.  One has a birthday coming up and the other is hobbling around with a broken foot.  It's getting easier and easier to put together a fabric card.  I think my next project will be to make fabric cards for my DH and son for Father's Day. 

Only took about an hour to make!

Lavender! I Love Lavender!

For all my married life, I have tried off and on to grow lavender.  I have read about it.  I have tried to follow the proper planting procedures. But it never took.....ever.  It would always die.  So...........I gave it another shot here in Northern California because everywhere I walk, there are humongous lavender plants.  Obviously it can grow here.  I bought my plant a year ago and didn't get it right in the ground.  But it survived.  And then I planted it in the ground in early spring.  And this wonderful little plant has rewarded me with.........FLOWERS.  I think it is a go.  Dare I say that I now have a thriving lavender plant? 

Lovely Lavender enjoying the sun.

Behind the lavender, the coral bells are blooming and the mint is trying to take over the world.  All is well in my little corner of the world.

More Quilt Ideas Inspired By Ireland

Design is everywhere you look in Ireland.....floors, windows, doors, etc.  On our visits to Dublin Castle and Christ Cathedral, I found more designs to photograph for ideas.