Autumn is here!

And the very cold to freezing temps prove it! I've actually been able to get some sewing time in this month around the kids naps and occasionally in the late evenings after they are both in bed.
I did pretty well with my challenge to work on my UFO of leaf blocks I started quite a few years ago. I got the final 2 blocks made and all 7 connector blocks... which are made up of lots of 2.5 inch squares - each a different fabric. I just finished putting the rows together this evening so the 'middle' is completed. Now I need to figure out what I want to do for borders... but that will be sometime next year. I'm thinking something like a split triangle for one border but need to think about it. I think I will use this as a practice hand quilting next fall but we'll see.

I also started a scrap quilt for my Mom and Dad. I will mostly be using my existing blue stash of fabrics to create a 'Lady of the Lake' quilt. This will be for their bed at their camp on the lake in the summers. I have 3 more blocks ready to assemble and about 3 more cut out and ready to sew into triangles. I would like to have this finished for next June... but reality will probably be the following year.

Quilt Guild started this month and there is a block a month themed in the 400th Anniversary of Samuel D Champlain discovering Lake Champlain. This is our local monster 'Champ'. It was designed by a member of the guild. I didn't have fusible web when I was making it, so I just need to hand stitch down the green 'island' and remove the white basting thread. There are 2 blocks for October - a dragonfly and a loon... I hope to get those done in the next week!

I have also signed up for a fall mystery quilt - a queen size starting Oct 3... I am debating about getting out of this ($28 in so far - but no fabric purchased yet) but am still wavering on it. We'll see how the week goes first. I just worry I won't be able to get the sewing done in the 2 weeks between the classes.....
At the end of the month, I will be doing an all day class with Sharon Schamber on how to do free motion fans without marking. That is my early bday present to me - a full day 9-4 of sewing and no kids in sight!
Ok, its getting late so need to get some sleep in case someone wakes up in the middle of the night wanting a bottle since she went to bed early - 7:30 tonight. Oh - I felt a top tooth poke through today for Emily and Aidan is still working on getting that first molar through.
Happy quilting all!

Woo Hoo!

I got all 7 'connector' blocks done already! They are 5x5 of 2.5 inch squares and they are all done! Now I just need to connect them with the leaf blocks and see how it looks. Then it will be border decision time. I just love making progress on a project.
I've decided to work at a blue scrap quilt in the 'lady of the lake' pattern. I figure if I can do 1-2 blocks a week I should have a bunch ready to make a quilt for my parents for their bed at camp for next summer. I am thinking it might be an Anniversary present if I can get it done by June 15 next summer. I measured their bed yesterday and a 80x80 should do the trick. It is a pattern I've always loved and Mom mentioned something in blues... which I have a ton of as they are my favorite color. I got the cream this weekend, just need to wash and iron it.

Emily has been sleeping better... from 8:30-9PM until 5:45-6, so not too bad. Aidan had a touch of something again on Friday.. just as we got to the fair he fell ill. So, we were there a little over an hour and then headed home to get him to bed. They both turned this weekend - Emily was 5 months yesterday and Aidan was 19 months on Sunday. He had his 18 month doctor appt. today and he is doing great. just under 30 pounds and 34.5 inches tall!
Pictures next time I promise!
Happy quilting
Deb