A little hand applique while on vacation

I just returned from a nice relaxing vacation yesterday.  We were in Arizona for 4 days and San Diego for 3 days.  I was able to sneak in some hand applique here and there.

I’m working on the July basket block from a 2010 BOM from Bunny Hill Designs called A Tisket, A Tasket.  I’m half way done and it’s only taken me two years!

This method of hand applique is called back basting.  It’s a great way to “grab and go” an applique project without much prep work.  You can find a great tutorial for this method at Sentimental Stitches.

We did a little hiking while in Arizona – 5.8 miles to be exact.  In the desert.  During the day.  With no escape from the heat.  Well, there was this cactus that provided enough shade for me and Cindy:

My fellow trail blazers (that’s Mr. Crafty Quilter in the middle):

While in San Diego we visited my son, Jon, and were treated to a private concert from his band, The Lazuli’s.  They are really good and I love their music – a little rock ‘n roll, hipster and pop (I think).  Forgive the poor photo – (Jon is on the right).

And he took us to one of his rock climbing spots.  It was getting chilly, so he grabbed something to keep him warm – a quilt of course!

I made this for him about eight years ago.  It’s the only log cabin quilt that I have ever made and it’s one of my favorites.

And today we were in San Francisco with my daughter, Nicole and her friend, Sara, watching the Giants play some baseball.

It was a beautiful day in the city!

Now I have lots of catching up to do.  Starting with a thank you to everyone for their nice comments on my baby quilt ensemble.  I truly appreciate your positive feedback!  It puts a smile on my face :-).