Penguins In the Summer

I think this photo pretty much sums up my life this past year.  I'm headed in so many directions and many times I do not know which end is up.  I honestly can't even tell you where we were when I found these signs.  We pulled off the road in Michigan because we needed to get out and stretch, and when I saw them I made my husband turn around and amazingly I got them get them both in the same photo.  I am thinking they were painted when the weather was -100 (it looks like snow to me).  With both parents being diagnosed with cancer, my husband and I both turning 50, and our son graduating in the last few months, life has been more than unpredictable at times, and yet it all works out.

It is kind of ironic that on a very warm day this past weekend I finished this penguin quilt.  I used Vintage Holiday by Bonnie and Camille and the Penguin Party pattern by Elizabeth Hartman.  What a fun quilt this was to make.  Yes there were a lot of pieces, but every one was worth it.

I had huge goals for this year, and I haven't met most of them, but I have tried some new things.  I took a few photography classes and have yet to master my camera.  I have also taken some painting classes which have been surprisingly fun (I NEVER thought I would enjoy painting, but I do).  My new goal is to finish a project a week, no matter how big or small throughout the rest of the year.  It may be a quilt block or a Christmas ornament, but to just finish something would be rewarding.  I am also hoping to get back to blogging more.  I used to really enjoy it, I miss it, and I think I'm at a point in my life where it would be a good thing, if for no one else but me. I am also contemplating an Etsy shop, but we will have to see on that one. ;)

So, here I am again. I definitely will be back in the next few weeks with projects I have completed for the Fat Quarter Shop (actually as soon as Monday).  Happy Stitching!!!  --Kristen

Penguin Party

The last 10 days have been very eventful, from a freezer dying (NOT fun), some medical issues with family members and friends, to a niece being born last Sunday.  I got called at 5 a.m. to stay with the other little ones while the baby was born which was exciting, and it also means I need to get a baby quilt made and quick.  

When I started this quilt I had the intention of only making 9 penguins, but the more I made the more I loved them, and I couldn't stop at just 9.  So I thought I'd make 12 and ended up with 20.  :)  We had a beautiful snowfall this weekend and woke up to snow that sparkled as well as really cold temperatures which made the perfect setting for these artic guys.

There are three sizes of the penguins in the pattern which makes them so cute.  Of course after I laid them all out I realized I had forgotten to put the half square triangles on the bottom of a few of them, so I did a little unsewing, added them, and was ready to make a top.  I've ordered my backing and binding which should be here this week and I'll be ready to quilt them up.  I'd love to say they will be ready to use by the end of the month, BUT I'm not going to say that just yet.

Next up I'm going to choose a pattern, do some cutting, and get that baby quilt going.  I'm trying to decide if it will be flannel or cotton...I'm leaning towards flannel.  ;) Happy Stitching!!!  --Kristen

I Goofed...

All week last week I was sure that the Mini Charm Chocolates Quilt Along was this Friday...well, it was not.  It is November 3.  SO, that being said I wanted to share a few things I've finished so at least there was something to show.  To be honest I have a lot of huge decisions to make in the near future, and I think I am trying so hard not to dwell on them I'm throwing myself into other things that make me happy.  On a good note, I won't be frantically sewing the days before the deadline, because my quilt is finished. ;)