Every Family Has One

When I heard a family member was expecting, I knew exactly what quilt I wanted to make and give them. It is called "Penguin Party" by Elizabeth Hartman. The pattern calls for  pastels, but I'm not a pastel person, so I thought I'd make it bright colors, more representing the personality of my family members. Colors I chose were family members school colors and favorite colors, each with a little different texture, but overall having a solid feel.

I decided to make one penguin a little different, representing that one person that every family has. It could represent the cousin that shows up at grandma's house on Thanksgiving and announces, "I'm a vegetarian." Or it could represent the in-law that showed up to a formal wedding wearing blue jeans. (One family member was overheard heard saying, "At least he wore long pants.") You know the one I'm talking about-every family has one, or maybe two. It could be the aunt, who after a "few" adult beverages decides she has to (and I use the term loosely,) "sing" every song in the karaoke play list at the family Christmas get together.

After finishing the quilt, my DH pointed out to me that we do not know the spouse very well. Would they be offended? Would they understand what I was going for? Oh well, probably not. I decided to put the quilt in the closet and if a family member or friend decides they want it, all they have to do is ask and I will give it to them.

Every family has one-you know that crazy aunt that quilts and believes everyone loves quilts as much as she does.

I will be making more of these....

I needed a small gift for a friend of mine who did me a favor. Having seen these little boxes, (known as bitsy boxes), which are all over the net, I decided to make one. After all, I have a box full of zippers (odd sizes and colors) which over the years I had purchased at flea markets or yard sales, loads of fabric and a piece of soft foam. What could go wrong?

Well, .........they are addicting and I made four in one afternoon.

I couldn't resist making one using "Liberty of London" fabric. The scale of print is perfect for these little boxes.

Finishing at about 2 1/2" square, these little boxes will hold lots of little pieces. My original plan was to place a couple of tubes of chap stick and a bottle of eye drops inside. The plan was successful and very much appreciated.

Last Completed Quilt of 2018

Back in the summer when my "Swell Christmas" box arrived, I opened it immediately and got to sewing. The instructions called for the log cabin logs to be 2-1/2", which after completing just 1 block, was HUGE. I didn't like the look. Everything went back into the box, placed on the shelf, destined to become a UFO or PhD.

Toward the end of July/beginning of August, Thelma of  Cupcakes 'n Daisies, posted her rendition of this quilt. I loved how it looked. She cut the log cabin strips at 2-1/4", and instead of making 20 blocks (4x5), she made 30 blocks (5x6).

The box came off the shelf, the "completed" block was ripped apart and I got busy. The quilt was finished in time for Christmas (94) and measures 72x60. This was my last completion of 2018---Thanks to Thelma.

This quilt needs a home. OK, family and friends, speak now or forever hold your peace.
Vickie