My First Blog Post

A few years ago someone suggested that I start a blog as a way to document my hobbies.  It was something I thought about but always put on the back burner and figured I'd do it when I got around to it.  Life is busy, and blogging seemed like another chore to add to an already long to-do list.

But, this year I decided to try.  I've followed blogs like Life Under Quilts and Crazy Mom Quilts for over a year, and felt so inspired.

And today feels like a good day to start.  Why?  Today is my grandparents' wedding anniversary!  They would be married 69 years!  They were two of the most important people in my life while I was growing up.  My grandma taught me how to crochet when I was six years old, she turned me on to cross stitch when I was eight, and she passed down my aunt's sewing machine to me.  We spent time in the kitchen cooking, baking, and making memories.  And my grandpa was always there encouraging me to be creative.

So here goes....

My daughters and I found a Harry Potter Bookcase Quilt Along project that we are eager to start.  Jennifer Ofenstein is the designer of The Project of Doom quilt along at Fandom In Stitches.  All of the blocks are foundation paper pieced.  Since I don't have a lot of experience with foundation paper piecing, I decided to try a simpler project.  I used Jennifer Ofenstein's Waiting For Rain pattern.  And I loved it so much, I made two!  I didn't use traditional colors, and my girls call them "My Wonderland Trees".  Initially I had intended to give one of them away as a mug rug or small wall hanging.  But, I like them both and I can't decide which one.

And here is my 1st block of the Harry Potter Bookcase quilt.  I still need to hand embroider the book titles.

Since my daughters both want to make their own Harry Potter quilt, I gave them both a simpler foundation paper pieced block to try.  I found this at Quilt Art Designs.  My fourteen year old daughter made this one, and I think she's going to turn it into a large pincushion or a small pillow.  I'm so proud of her!

And my eleven year old daughter is still busy picking out "just the right fabric."

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.  I'm going to try and link up to Crazy Mom Quilts Finish It Up Friday!