Chinese Coins Framed in Black

I finished sewing the binding on this llittle quilt last night and sent it for a trip through the washer and dryer.

Here's a closer look. I used a variegated thread on this one. I haven't done that for a while, but somehow it seemed like the right thing. The fabric really is a solid black, but it's hanging on a sunny patio and the sun is shining through it.

The backing is this cute flannel print and there is a multicolored stripe for the binding.

Cuddly, comfy after the wash and dry.

That's Chloe there behind the quilt with Pete, the parakeet hanging over her head. I have to keep an eye on both those cats of ours. They sometimes get an urge to reach out and touch that bird!

I do so love this time of year. I wish I could share the beauty all around with you in person, but for now, it's still mighty nice to see pictures! I am trying to absorb every bit of Spring I can while it lasts. It will be Summer all too soon!

It was cold enough this morning that I turned the heat on for a while. This afternoon we had the air conditioning on, and now the windows are open to the pleasant evening air. Ah, Houston!

I do hope you are having good weather and lots of pretty things to see in your world.. We have been given lots to enjoy, and I am thankful!

Hugs and kisses,

Double Hourglass Quilt for a Friend

This one just makes me so happy.  I had several ideas of how I thought it would end up, but it had a mind of its own, and I'm glad it did. Isn't it fun to see where they will go!

I really like this backing fabric. I've had it for a long time and it seems to be perfect for this one.

The binding is a Jinny Beyer fabric.

Dinah has inspected it and despite her somewhat sour expression, she has approved it.

Not a great picture, but I can't resist showing it in all that crinkly delightfulness!  It you notice there on the right, you 'll see lots of semi-mindless sewing I accomplished last night while I was listening to a recorded book. It's amazing what you can get done while you listen to something interesting!

Here's a little look at what's going on outside. I DO love Springtime!

I was stopped at a light the other day and happened to notice - - - bird nests! Right beside the freeway. You should be able to enlarge the picture if you click on it. Seeing this made me smile. There amid the hustle and bustle two little families made their homes. There is hope for us all!

I do hope you've seen something that gives you hope and maybe a little smile!

Hugs and kisses,

My Sister Sue

My sister Sue and I grew up in Mississippi. These pictures were all taken in the 50's. Sue is on the left in all of these. She is a year and a half younger than me. Also in the pictures are our parents and my mother's father. 

Sue and I were best friends back in those days. We had only each other to play with most of the time. We played dolls (you might notice my doll Roberta in her carriage there next to Daddy), climbed trees, "helped" Mama in the garden and cleaning house. And of course we found lots to get into that we shouldn't have. Curiosity, you know. We also both developed a life-long love of reading.

I admire my sister Sue's tenacity and determination. She earned scholarships and worked her way through university and then went on to become a pharmacist. She moved to Colorado, where she met and married her sweet husband.

I've been working on this quilt to give to her when they come later this month.

The backing is this constellation patterned turquoise flannel. Seems to be a fitting choice for a star quilt, huh?

I like it a lot. I hope she will, too.

Here's a shot of its crinkly cuddly sweetness after a run through the washer and dryer.

We have had a lot of rain this week, but we needed it, so no worries. The cat belongs next door, but he is perfectly at home here, too. He's actually much friendlier than the spoiled kitties who do live here!

There are so many beautiful and interesting things in this world the Lord has given us. I do hope you have found some to enjoy today!

Hugs and kisses,

Life is Good - Even if Nothing Is Finished!

First of all, I have to say that it is absolutely gorgeous here in the Land of Muddling! Spring has sprung full grown, and I am loving every bit of it. There is just a feast for the eyes virtually everywhere I look.

I was working on this little double hourglass quilt. (You may remember that I posted about it in my last "nothing finished" post here.) I changed it up a bit and I think it's an improvement.

I got the horizontal rows sewn together, and there it sits. 

I decided I wanted to make another star quilt from some of the sixteen patches I've accumulated in between sewing other things and so they have started growing on the design wall. These are big blocks, sixteen inches unfinished, so it won't take many to make a good sized quilt. This one is also still in progress.

The other day Mr. Muddling brought home two big bags of fabric from his sister. She has co-workers on the lookout and they save any fabric that comes into the resale shop for her. She does pay for it, but she gets a good deal and then she gives it to me. She's like me - she likes to give! Thank you, Gloria!

I had to include that little piece of needlepoint there on the top right, because it is so sweet. It says, "A baby is a kiss from heaven blown from the hand of God". 

A lot of the fabric has been washed, dried, folded and incorporated into the stash. My friend Sandy came over to ooh and aaah with me over it all. There were so many fabrics neither of us had seen. It's just fun! And you know we like to have fun.

I am so thankful for all the beautiful things the Lord allows me to enjoy. I'm thankful He allows me to share them with others. I'm really thankful, too, for you - my friends out in blogland. You continually inspire and encourage me. Thank you!

Hugs and kisses,