My Daughter's Patchwork Quilt

Last September my daughter picked out a bunch of fat quarters and said "Mom, make me a quilt!" Needless to say I was overwhelmed. After several weeks of contemplating patterns and even asking her to draw out what she envisioned I finally decided on a simple patchwork pattern. I nearly had a nervous breakdown trying to keep all those pieces of cloth in order until I had made the blocks and stitched them together. Just before Thanksgiving I had to take it all to work where I could push my tables together and pin it together 'cause I don't have any place big enough at home. I hand quilted off and on all winter and into the spring. I would work on it for several hours while watching a movie one evening and then for the next few days I'd have to let my hands recover. I really wanted to have it finished before the end of the school year and I finally did it with a few days to spare! Whew - now I don't know if I want to try another one or not. But it was a lot of fun and I think I am addicted!

Pretty Paisley Purse

My sister-in-law's birthday was this past weekend which gave me a good excuse to go fabric shopping for another purse. She loves the purses I make for her because I put lots of pockets and pouches inside. She says I have ruined her because it is hard to find many purses in the stores with as many compartments. Funny - I feel the same way. I guess I have ruined myself as well!


So I found this beautiful turquoise-y blue-green fabric that had paisleys on it. There was a coordinating brown to go with it so all I needed was a third color to line it. I chose a deep red which was used in the paisley. I had enough left to make a sunglasses pouch to go with it. I was quite satisfied with the result and so was she.

I have given a lot of thought lately to the idea of making up a bunch of purses and trying to sell them at craft fairs and the curb market. I will have to spend some time this summer digging through my fabric stash and looking for more to make it happen.