
I got the binding sewed on this quilt just in time for the Festival of Trees in Salt Lake City this week. It’s part of our auction grouping for my brother-in-law, an Air Force pilot killed in the line of duty in 1995. This is the 25th year we’ve had something for auction at the Festival. It used to be a large tree, but as my mother-in-law aged, it got too hard. Since 2016, I make a quilt & Paul’s widow & daughter pick the theme & get books & toys to go with the quilt. This year we had 11 bids & it went for $750, so we were pleased. All the money raised goes for charity care at Primary Children’s Medical Center.

The big project this week was the gifts for Monday’s quilt group luncheon. I had to pivot after the broken hand as it became obvious I wouldn’t get the wool ornaments done, so I fell back on an old standard that I could actually make in my present condition, which is these Amy Smart tree ornaments. She has a free tutorial. They are quick & easy, plus cute. Win!

Squee! I finally started a bucket list quilt this week. It’s a hand-applique orange peel that I’ve wanted to do forever. I decided 2024 was the year & watched tutorials, decided on my method, & bought some background fabric to match another blue I already owned. I prepped the first blocks to start sewing the weekend I fell & broke my hand. But I took them to quilt group on Monday & was able to sew the first three while I was there & this is going to be my weekly project as we chat while doing handwork. The petals are all going to be low-volumes I have on hand. I’m loving these! In case you’re wondering, my technique is a combo of Amy Smart & Jill Finley.

I’m just slowly fussing around with these Ocean Waves blocks as another L&E project. I’ve finished four, but the first was my test block & I don’t know where I put it in my studio. (eye roll) I’m sure I’ll find it, but it will go in that empty spot to complete the bigger pattern. This is an attempt to use up all the little cut off triangles I’ve been saving for forever.