Flower Box

At the retreat this weekend, several were making a nine-patch variation called Flower Box. In time for Spring? I hope so. Still snow on the ground here in Minnesota, but we are definitely thinking Spring. One gal did the quilt with silks. Lovely, but boy did it fray!!

I now have the pattern, and hope to try to use up some of my stash soon. Can you find the nine patch?

Future Quilter?

This picture was drawn by a high school student. Future quilter? Maybe!

Friendship

This month a dear friend moved away to pursue a career in service for others. Because she was an important part of our lives, we gave her a quilt to remember us by. We wish her happiness ,and hope this quilt gives her comfort as she and her family embrace this new challenge.

Girl Scout Cookies

Why do Girl Scouts sell cookies in the middle of winter? I wonder about that some days. Luckily on this day we had no wind or snow. The girls had a great sale outside a local coffee shop.

Caravan Hug Quilt

Over the past several years, our Caravan Quilt group has made hug quilts for our friends in time of need. This past November, we made two quilts for Shirley and Barb. Shirley's quilt was finished and presented to her in February. What a great job everyone did.

Knit bag

Even though I love to quilt, I can't sew while sitting in a car. Motion and light in the car won't let me do it. But I can knit. So I keep simple knit projects for those times when sewing isn't possible. Last summer I purchased a unique ball of yarn. After three attempts, I finally arrived at a size and combination that I liked. The result was this knit bag. I love it, but have issues with it stretching. So I plan to line it with fabric, hopefully limiting the size of it.

Next knit project? Maybe a jacket. I will need something for our next road trip.

Baby Roo's quilt

My niece is having a baby later this winter. I love making quilts for each one. I used a jelly roll of bright prints that was perfect. She loved the quilt. I can't wait until the little one arrives!

Pinewood Derby

Lucas joined Cub Scouts this year. Many of his friends are in his den. Making a pinewood derby car was a new experience for him. Next year he wants his car to go faster. We will see.
Lego Racer did a great job, and finished all it's races.

Frog Hop

Each year there is a dance for girls and their dads put on by the Girl Scouts. Don't know why it is called the Frog Hop, but it is. Haley was quite excited to attend. They danced the night away.

Retreat

My fabric usually looks like this. Colorful piles of various prints. Eventually they will be sorted, cut, and stacked. If only they would sew themselves. Am I dreaming? What fun would that be?

I did continue working on DD Jen's quilt. Only two plus years late. All the center blocks were completed. On to the 100+ tiny stars. Progress was made this weekend. Yes!!!!

The view from the Long Lake Conservation Center. Even though it was cold outside, the sunshine and birds made it pleasant. We stayed warm inside while we sewed the night away.

I have always thought it would be nice to just live from one retreat to the next. There are definitely enough of them out there so you never have to go home. But how special would those retreats be if they become a daily occurrence? Probably not. Our local guild has their retreat in January, up north, in cold, snowy Minnesota. Even with the cold, we still have a wonderful time.

New Years Eve at Targhee

Kiddos able to go up the mountain after the area had closed. Everyone had glow sticks and snaked down the mountain to celebrate the New Year. Fun but cold.

Christmas morning

Decorated tree. Stockings hung by the fireplace. Fun and very quick morning before we headed west to go skiing.

University of Minnesota

Kevin graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Civil Engineering. He has also learned that he will be a TA and continuing with his Masters at the U of M in January. We are extremely proud of him.

Kevin showed us around the engineering building prior to the ceremony. Most of the building is under ground. The kids loved the tunnels and wanted to check out the other levels. Photo was good enough for me.

3D Block Trinket Box

These blocks are awesome! Making them is easy. Finishing the trinket box, that's another story. I have learned from this first one and know what adjustments I will make next time.

Quilting in Indiana

Looking over all our activities during the Dear Jane retreat in Shipshewana, I felt our opportunity to quilt with the local Amish women was very special. My hand quilting skills are not the best. Sitting and speaking with one of the women was such a joy. Realized we had so much in common. She had children ranging in age from 20's to toddlers. A son of her's had moved out to Idaho, and was involved in winter activities including skiing. She had visited him, and toured Yellowstone National park. It was a enjoyable morning.