UFO completed and other cross stitch finishes

 I had made a very nice patriotic table runner several years ago.( like 2022)  It has been sitting in the quilting to do pile next to my machine for a long time. 

(free pattern from All People Quilt)

I bit the bullet and finished it.  It is not my finest work, but IT IS DONE!  And that makes me happy!  

A good press, a binding and here it is!  24" by 36"

Here is the back showing the diagonal quilt lines. 

Other projects I have been working on. :   

I made small pillows for bowl fillers out of several small cross stitches. 

Each one had a slightly different finish: borders, patchwork, and pipping for the cross stitch.

For the sunflower: it was a crayon colored in layers and ironed to melt into the fabric, followed by free motion quilting to detail some shading and outlining.   ( about 5" by 7")

It is nice to be getting things done. 

The family is here and now gone!

 I am happy as a clam or a duck in a pond or a thousand other cliches for being happy. Just sitting in my house watching my both kids and their significant others talk and interact gives me the biggest smile on my face. They haven't been here together since 2018 when they moved south. 

My son and his whole family arrived yesterday as they landed in Chicago from New Orleans: an adventure for all. It was only the 2nd time the boys had ever flown, but the first time with their parents. And this time they had a direct flight. 

Food is already disappearing quickly and a big grocery run was already needed.  Growing boys who are much taller since I saw them in April are eating me out of house and home. 

And then my daughter arrived and we were busy with activities galore.  And after that her beaux came with more fun and laughter. Games, squirt guns, and fun times together. 

All together now!  

Highlights of our days together!

At the art fair in Madison

At the county fair 

At the Milwaukee Public Museum in the butterfly exhibit

And the all important fit of the robe.  He LOVED it!

Jude's robe

 I finished it!!  Whew!   I am so relieved. 

I was avoiding it.  Crazy I know.  

But I am so glad it is ready for when Jude and his family arrives tomorrow. 

It was new for me to work with minky for clothing. The "blanket" I used was very shaggy.  

It was hard to pin it like woven fabric especially on the tissue pieces.  I have had lots of experience making clothing including tailored suits  for me as well as smocked dresses for my daughter.  I have made clothing ever since I was 10.

So using magic pins was a real game changer: easy to see as well as long shafts.  And sewing over them was fine with the thick plush.  It didn't stretch like synthetics. 

Thanks for all your support.

Stash Bee blocks

 I finally got back to the sewing machine. And as it is the start of a new month, I need to make my blocks for Stash Bee. This time we had a lot of freedom to make our own pattern just use greens and blues and make a 6 inch block.  I really like 6 inch blocks; I find they are easier to be precise in the piecing. 

The project I most need to finish in the next 3 days is to cut out and sew a robe for my grandson.  I promised him at Christmas. His brother received a robe, but he only received fleece  blanket. I volunteered to make it into a robe for him.  I ordered the pattern and a coordinating fabric for sleeves and such. 

And I have started Lori Holt's Flea Market Flowers in the patriotic colors to hopefully be completed by the big celebration next year.  It is my first time to use evenweave.  I have had to do a lot of frogging!!!!

I like to do this in front of the tv each evening with my husband.  I will say he sits way over on the other end of the couch to avoid the movements of my needle.

New computer

 Oh, my!   I have been missing in action due to my computer being at the repair shop. And then it was just taking too long.   It IS an old laptop.  So upon recommendation, I purchased a new one.  YEAH!   

It will take some time to learn all the ins and outs of the new one.  But I am back. 

In the interim,  I did finish my mini mini quilt.  The piecing is pretty good considering each square is 1/4 inch. However, the quilting did not work the way I wanted it. But it is DONE! 

I entered my Kansas Trouble quilt in the Wisconsin State Fair.

It got Best of Show.   I am shocked beyond belief! 

Me with the quilt and judges! 

Lastly here of photos of recent events:  

Daughter and spouse at Frankenmuth, MI

Here am I also at Bonner's the gigantic Christmas store.

My husband and I celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary.

Goofy Mom avoiding photo taking. I visited her in Indianapolis.

Not bad for 93.