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Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Reflections on my Birthday

     Today I am writing a very different kind of blog.  I turn 60 today and I was just thinking about all that has happened in my life but especially the last 10 years.

     In this last decade I started to run longer distances doing my first half marathon and also my first full marathon.  In one year I did 5 Rock n Roll half marathons around the US and earned the title of Rockstar.  I also took up biking and have since done many duathlons including Worlds in Australia last October.

     My husband and I have traveled many places including a wonderful two week biking trip in the Netherlands where we met two other couples.  This past summer we all got together and biked the Katy trail in Missouri.  There was lots of riding, rain and laughter.

     We have added several new family members also.  My daughter got married to a wonderful guy and blessed us with two grandchildren.  Our youngest son also married a great girl and they have an adorable little guy.  Our older son is settled in a job and dating a nice girl.  We get together often for walks and family dinners.

     In about 6 weeks my husband and I will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary.  I remember when my parents celebrated theirs and the nice gathering they had.  I am blessed that my mom will be here to celebrate our 40th with us as well as all of our children, children-in-laws (is that even a word?) and grandchildren.

     As I reflect back I also look forward and anticipate many more adventures.  Thank you to all my friends and family for the love and support they have given me over the years.

     Just one last thing that would make this all complete, Cubs winning the World Series :-)

                                                              Go Cubs Go



Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Danger Curves Ahead Blouse

Pattern used


     This is a blouse I started last year and finally finished it.  I bought the pattern and fabric from Louise Cutting at the 2015 ASG Conference.  I started it and then got busy with other things.  Finally took the time to finish it.

Front of the blouse


     I love Cutting Line Designs patterns, Louise puts so much detail into the instructions.  The patterns also fit well when you cut to the size indicated by your measurements.

Back of the blouse with the fun button detail


     The fabric is a linen blend fabric so it does wrinkle but it is also very cool and comfortable in the hot and humid summer.

Buttons taped in place, ready to sew


       I found the directions very easy to follow and things went together smoothly.  I like to sew my buttons on by machine.  I used blue painter's tape to hold them in place while sewing them on.  After sewing the buttons on the tape comes off easily, leaving no residue.

Modeling the new top


     I like how the shirttail hem allows for movement of the eye but the length covers the back end and the front flows nicely over my little bit of extra tummy in the front.  I will definitely make this blouse again.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Circling Twenty Quilt

Completed Circling Twenty quilt


     Last week I showed you the quilt I had made for for niece.  The pattern I used was Turning Twenty.  This week's quilt is from the same pattern but with a twist.

Block detail


     I added sashing strips and cornerstones to the blocks.  I had a pack of 21 fat quarter batiks that I used for this quilt.  I cut the pieces for the blocks but the pieces that are used for the border, I only cut the width, leaving them whatever length they ended up at.  That way they would be long enough to make the border with the added size of the quilt.

Label 1


     The polka dots on black fabric I had in my stash as well as the purple backing fabric.  The cornerstones were cut from the lightest fat quarter in the pack.  When putting my blocks together I opted to use them as color families.  I tried mixing the colors but it was too jarring.  Nice to be able to use the design wall at retreat and also get feedback from my friends.

label 2


     Before going to retreat in March I had all the pieces cut so I could just start putting them together there.  I have found it too hard to concentrate on cutting accurately when with a group.

Back with quilting detail


     I find it interesting how much the look of the quilt changes when adding the sashing in between the blocks.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Becca's Quilt

Becca's ladybug and penguin quilt


     My youngest niece just graduated from high school.  As each of them graduated I made them a quilt from the Turning Twenty pattern (except for the two that are my goddaughters)  I would have a ton of fun finding twenty fat quarters that represented things they enjoyed.  When my niece started her senior year of high school  she posted that she couldn't wait to graduate and get her quilt from Auntie Celeste.  I considered it a great compliment.

Backing with quilting detail


     For Becca it was ladybugs and penguins.  I found several ladybug fabrics but the only penguin (that wasn't Christmasy) I could get was from a friend who had some scraps from a quilt she had done.  Fortunately it was a big enough piece for me to get the four different sized pieces I needed.

Penguin label


     The other fabrics were bright bubbly fabrics reflecting her personality.  The label also had a penguin, one I had bought a few years ago to make a different present for her.  The other label has the info regarding the piecer and the quilter.

Info label



     Now that they are all graduated I'm waiting for the wedding quilts to start.  I have made one baby quilt for a grand niece already.