Easter sewing...

Four day weekends...something special about that extra time at home, when there are no visitors or things we need to do. So I've reconnected with my sewing machine this week and it feels really good...

A little snapshot update of what I've been up to lately...

My blocks for Micaela's Boxed In December request...

and Jennifer's Jan/Feb blocks, that are now on their way to New Mexico for her visit with her mom...I love that she shares this tradition with her mom and can't wait to see how the two quilts come together. I loved loved loved this block! What a fun and creative design. Now with my 'new' machine, lining up those HSTs isn't nearly as daunting as it used to be with my 70s era Kenmore!!!

And for our International Stashes members from 2014, I am admittedly waay behind in finishing our Charity Quilt (Rocky Mountain Puzzle), but it's finally coming together. I couldn't salvage one of the blocks that was sent but wasn't the right size, so I made three new ones and have just sewn the top together, have picked the backing fabric, and have the batting ready...I'm hoping I can polish it off this week. It will end up being a twin size and I think I'm going to top-stitch it rather than pay someone to long arm quilt it... and then I'll be giving it to "Quilts for Kids" on behalf of all of us...it feels good to finish this beauty. It's so cheerful. Shall we do another charity quilt for 2016? I'm happy to lead unless someone else would like to...let me know.

Happy Easter to all of you...I'm going to finish those potatoes and go for a run in this gorgeous sunshine, now that all our ice has melted and the sidewalks are dry! xxo Katy

Little boat blocks...WITH INSTRUCTIONS!! March/April here we come

I love spring...and this weekend it feels like spring is almost here. Even though Ottawa is blanketed in snow, the sun is shining and the air smells different...

So for March/April, to celebrate spring and all things bright, I'm asking my quilting bee to help me finish the sailboat quilt I have been planning to make as a baby gift for my brother's baby James...he'll be one year old in June and I've since re-drafted my plan and am going to make it a double quilt rather than a crib quilt. It will have more staying power.

Here's what we've made so far...

So, two more of the same as last year, please and thanks!


Instructions (thanks Jennifer for finding them!!):

Pure white (no prints, my fave is Kona White) for the background
Blue prints (no batik or mottled, fresh solids are great, fun little prints to make the boat part) in every shade of blue from navy to aquamarine... last year, you guys were so inventive and found lovely nautical prints and fun japanese fabrics that make me smile.

The instructions:
http://lovelylittlehandmades.blogspot.ca/2014/06/sailaway-sailaway-sailaway.html

Please use her modification - so the 2.5" x 4.5" print on the bottom of the sailboat is replaced with 4 of the 2.5"  squares to keep with the scrappy look...as you'll see from last year's blocks, the visual effect is so lovely.