King Size Batik Quilt

 

I finally finished this king size batik for a friend of ours. And she liked it. Which is a very good thing!  I had finished the quilt top quite a while ago, I just couldn't seem to get myself to do the quilting. But I finally did, and I am so glad!

 

I really like how all the colors and patterns played together. It is a free pattern from American Patchwork and Quilting called Juxtaposition. Super easy to make and a good way to use up some of those batiks I've been hoarding for so long!

 

Meanwhile, here at Muddle Manor some of the things that are making me really happy (Left to right, top, and then left to right, bottom):

Spirea (or bridal veil) in bloom, a little owl our daughter Mary made for me many years ago sitting on a little twig chair, resin bird on nest, our redbud tree in glorious bloom, the cutest little fawn on my bookcase, the first dogwood bloom of the year and last but not least, Dinah on the back of the porch swing on our patio. She had been afraid of that swing forever, but obviously she has overcome that! Good girl! 

 

This is what I'm working on now. I've a long way to go to make it as big as I want. I think I'll need sixty blocks. I have thirty-six so far. It IS fun to see quilts grow and evolve.

 

Houston has decided that it's time for Spring, or maybe Summer, so that's what we're having this week. Next week, who knows! We've been working outside, and there is a lot to get done out there. 

 

I hope it is wonderful where you are and that you are having lots of fun. I believe in having fun!

 

Praying for you all!

 

Hugs and kisses,

Elaine 

 

Ah, February

 

February is not my favorite month. The excitement of Christmas and New Year's have passed and it is still cold. It has been very rainy here, which we needed, so I'm trying not to complain. (But it is a muddy mess!)

Anyway, I try to create things inside to look at that make me happy. Sometimes the smallest things can make a huge difference in my attitude.  

 

The paperwhites and the new growth on the dogwood are very encouraging outside. Even artificial flowers are a mood enhancer. Most of the plants we rescued from the cold are still imprisoned on the patio. And yes, there is still a lighted Christmas wreath in my sewing room. Small handwork keeps me busy inside, and there have been lots of seeds started in pots outside. The little rabbit with his heart shaped balloons just makes me smile!

 

 

This is what I'm working on the sewing room now. I started with nine patches of mostly reproduction fabrics. I made a lot of them and put them up on the design wall. Blah. So, I added some triangles to make square in a square blocks. Better, but still not there. So, I added more triangles. I don't know if this will be IT or not, but we'll all find out sooner or later!

 

And THIS is what happens when my renegade chickens break into Ruthie's Garden - CARNAGE! Sheesh! Those were carnations.

 

Oh, well. I've tried to save what I can and there will doubtless be more flowering plants to replace them. Gardening is a never ending adventure. I remain optimistic!

 

I hope you remain optimistic, too. There are always tough times, but there are always good times, too. We just have to hold on until they get here!  And trust the good Lord who has never failed us!

 

Hugs and kisses,

Elaine