My current quilting projects and fun with grandkids

It’s been a while since I’ve updated you on my quilting current projects, and I want to share the fun we had with our grandkids. After taking the month of July off from most quilting projects and blogging, I have lots to catch up on. With that in mind, I really appreciate the nice comments I received after announcing that I needed a blogging break. You guys are so supportive!

Current projects

As you all know, I love my BOM’s and I’m no stranger to a lengthy list of WIP ‘s. After all, there are so many tempting projects out there! I’ll start with my BOM progress and then my personal projects.

Red & Cream Sampler BOM

Each year I co-teach a BOM class at my local quilt shop, The Granary. This year’s pattern is The Red & Cream Sampler from Fig Tree & Co. The really exciting thing about this class is that everyone picks their own colors and fabrics. I chose blue and white for mine. It’s coming together nicely, and we only have four more blocks to go!

Kona Sampler BOM

This is one I have fallen way behind on, but I’m determined to catch up. I’m taking this as a monthly class through The Granary. Along with the Kona charm pack, pattern and fabric, they add an Aurifil Color Builder set to coordinate with each month’s colors. Carol, our teacher, also gives us a lesson on color theory as well as an extra project and pattern.

I actually missed this month’s class, but I get to present an extra project for next month! I thought it was worth showing a photo of this month’s fabric and the extras included.

Piece & Quilt Sampler

This project is similar to a BOM and is sponsored by Fat Quarter Shop. We’re using the book,  Celebrate with Quilts, by Susan Ache and Lissa Alexander which is a treasure trove of lovely quilt blocks that are all traditionally pieced. I’m one of the contributing quilters/bloggers and I share my progress each month on Instagram. I usually give tips here on the blog for each month as well (except for July). You can find my tips for June here.

Pictured below are my blocks laid out on the bed so that I can decide which fabrics to use on the next month’s blocks. I’m using a fat quarter bundle from the Starberry collection by Corey Yoder for Moda Fabrics.

Franklin Star update and remake

One of my own patterns, Franklin Star, is getting an update. It should be ready to re-release in the Fall. This is one of my earlier patterns that I made using an older software program, and I’ve wanted to breath some fresh life into it. I’m currently remaking it with fat quarters from the Kindred fabric collection by Sharon Holland for Art Gallery Fabrics.

Quilts that need to be trimmed and bound

I have three quilts that my SIL quilted for me and now the ball is in my court. One of them still needs to be trimmed and all three need binding. This is not on the top of my priority list so they will most likely remain in a pile waiting to become “real” quilts some day.

Fun with the grandkids

July was full of activity and that included a visit from our grandkids. Our daughter came with all four of them by plane (her husband had to work), and I fully appreciate her bravery in flying with four small children. It was just a four-day visit, but we filled it with all kinds of fun.

It’s amazing how fast they grow, especially when you only get to see them three or four times a year. I’m not complaining; I feel very blessed that we have a great relationship and we’re able to FaceTime often and visit when we can.

One of the highlights of this visit was teaching my older granddaughters to sew. The oldest, Amelia, just turned 9 and one of the things on her birthday list was learning how to sew with Grandma. Words to warm my heart! She made a simple wallet/pouch and did a great job.

Little sister, Clara, who is 6 wanted to make something for Grandpa. Our project was an easy coaster using fabric that she hand-picked (the most fun part).

It’s always sad to see them go. I actually cry as I’m cleaning up after they leave. By day two, I’m back to normal (thank goodness). I took the photo below at 4 am, the morning they left. They had an early flight and my daughter had their shoes and water bottles set out the night before. It’s a journey that requires great effort and I appreciate each step of the way.

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That’s the current state of affairs at my house! I’ll leave you with this great picture I took last weekend. We had lunch with our daughter on a beautiful, sunny day in the town of Sausalito, CA (it’s on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge). I had to add my own spin to this sign and I know you’ll appreciate it!

Thanks for reading (and quilting)!