Butterfly Fling

IMG_2881, originally uploaded by minerscreekmum.

This is a crib size quilt made from a Moda fabric called "Butterfly Fling." It is bright and pretty. Just right to brighten up a crib and keep a little child warm. I was recently notified that all 465 quilts that our group has made have been handed out. The weather is turning colder now so more are needed. It may seem like a lot of work to make quilts for this project. I mean we could go out and buy some blankets for the cost (or less) of the fabric. Not to mention the time. However, years ago when we lived in Egypt there was a nun who worked with the Cairo Garbage city children. She came to the speak at our women's group one time just before Christmas, and to accept our donations for the children. Her "talk" was illuminating. Basically, she conveyed the message that when we give to the poor, the poorest of the poor, we need to give our best. She didn't mince words about NOT giving partially broken toys or hand-me-down clothes with holes in them to her precious children of Garbage City. Hey, if you are an older nun with an eloquence of speech, you get away with some straight talk like that! It was a lesson that hit me significantly back then when I was in my late 20's living the privileged expat life. I truly can't remember what I brought to contribute that day. I think I was Ok, but there were some women who were crying. Anyway, her message stuck with me. When you give to the poor, give the best you can. Well, this is my best . . . for now. I hope it finds its way to someone who needs it. I will wrap it up and send it off. That is the last I will know, but I can imagine for a long, long time that one night a little girl went to bed with a brand new butterfly quilt- and she felt sooo special that night.

On the road again-

It seems I spend a good part of my life traveling to a different location. That happens when you move seven times in the first seven years of marriage, live overseas for 16 years, own two houses in different counties, and now have three grown children spread out over the United States. So, I'm on the road again. This time heading for Washington State to visit son #1, and have a mini vacation with my cousin. I have my faithful pup with me. Today she slept her way across western Alberta and eastern British Columbia. It wore her out. She has gone to bed for the night. She currently has a lovely little snoring rhythm going. I love that sound. Hope she gets her rest because she will have a full day of napping ahead of her tomorrow.

Please tell me . . .

IMG_2376, originally uploaded by minerscreekmum.

I am currently working on the "string quilt" which is kind of challenging time wise. Each square is paper pieced. That means that you cut a small square of "special" paper to the exact size before you line up the white piece carefully. Then you sew all the little strips from your scrape box on to make a beautiful fourth of a complete diamond. Next you meticulously and carefully remove the paper from the back without undoing any of your seams. Then you press it, hold it up and admire it before making the next of oh, say 48 of these. So . . . please tell me that if you had a little girl, this would be a wonderful gift to be given. Tell me how much fun you think all these pinks, oranges, and turquoise fabrics would be to wrap her up in and show her off. You know, tell me how adorable she would look all sleepy eyed in the crib sitting in the middle of her specially made string quilt. Ok? Thanks. It will be even prettier when quilted.

Pretty Strip Quilt

Pretty Strip Quilt, originally uploaded by minerscreekmum.

Just because it is so pink and pretty . . . I had to post a picture. It is draped on the ladder that leads to the sewing loft. The special, magical, no place I'd rather be, sewing loft. Ah, how I love to imagine all the projects that will find their way down from the loft to give to friends, charities, appreciative daughter, or nieces, or more . . . I love this hobby. Can't help myself.

Two dogs on vacation

IMG_2335, originally uploaded by minerscreekmum.

Moose and Tally went for one last swim before we left Colorado. They LOVE to swim in the ponds. I actually, finally . . . broke out my new wide angle lens for this shot. Now I love the lens! More pictures to come.

Meet Willard

IMG_2237, originally uploaded by minerscreekmum.

This is Willard. He is a 40-year-old mule, but not just any 40-year-old mule. He has CHARACTER. See those two horses in the background. The reddish one is "Blaze" and Blaze is Willard's best bud. Where Blaze goes, so goes Willard. Don't try to take Blaze out on a ride leaving Willard behind to coast in the sun. No sir. No fence can hold Willard without his best bud. He is coming with Blaze one way or another, through the gate or through the fence. You can decide.

We recently bought this 10 acre property adjacent to our own land. A wrangler friend of ours, Tom, has graciously allowed us to host Willard, Blaze and Lightening on our land. (Looks much better with 2 horses and a mule on the property). They are helping us by grazing off the land. They seem happy to oblige, especially since we throw in a few horse/mule biscuits now and then.

Mountain Baby Quilts

IMG_2144, originally uploaded by minerscreekmum.

This one is for the Appalachian project. Just had to hang it on the porch to take the picture.