Another Smokey Summer

Which is just perfect for sewing.  Can’t go out? Sew! Go to the condo gym or pool! Bake!  I just baked a Muslin navy bean pie.  It’s not bad!  My July dozen for Sew Powerful are all set to be mailed along with the June purses.  And I’ve even made a small dent in August’s purses. 

My sister returned to me a quilt I made for her husband’s ENT practice in St. Joe.  There was an atrium sort of space, and this tall piece (96” x 48”) hung there.  I’m not quite sure what to do with this piece - I love it,  maybe cut it up and  make tote bags? 

A few months ago I was working on granddaughter Nikki’s baby quilt - little Charlotte Rose was born July 15.  She and her mom are doing well.  We hope to meet her this weekend!  As I started Charlotte’s quilt, I realized, as I was cutting out the clamshells, that some of the colors were not right.  So I jettisoned those and found fabrics that more accurately reflected what Nikki wanted for the nursery.  But meanwhile I had all these bits cut out.  So for the last weeks  I’ve hand pieced these leftover clamshells and then quilted the piece.  It’s complete and very pretty.  Nikki might be getting this one, too!   

What’s on my mind all the time is my SIL Chris in Orlando.  She’s taking care of her husband, who has Lewy Body Syndrome, and is doing such a terrific job.  It’s hard to imagine walking in someone else’s shoes…  I’m not sure I could give John the same level of support that Chris is giving to Jerry.  So when Chris mentioned she could use new mug and plate cozies, I sprang into action - these went into UPS this morning.  Think I’ll make myself some! 

An Ann Arbor Visit

 I hadn’t seen my sister for over 18 months.  We were heading there after Christmas - had a book to listen  to, the weather was good, had a hotel rez, and - Covid hit us.  In early July my nephew Chris and his two kids came up from Orlando.  So we decided to make the five hour drive to see my sister and her husband Dr. Den, both her kids, and all five of her grandkids.   Before we left, it dawned on me I should make things for these families.  Great nieces Margot and Eloise along with niece Jen and sister Paula all got run-around bags.  Great nephews Max, Charlie and Henry along with my nephews Chris and Tim and brother-in-law Den all got pencil cases.  

But then I got a present too. Last year Eloise, who is a sixth grader, finger-knitted a blanket.  And I was so impressed.  She learned from You Tube!  She has also learned how to make pillows.  Look how perfectly her puff pillows look on my sofa against a favorite quilt.  What a treat it is to have someone make something just for you!