What I've Been Up To

I made Mom a quilt for Christmas.  In all her years of sewing, she's never made anything for herself, so I took matters into my own hands and made one for her.

 I also made a matching pillow from the scraps:

 Then I decided to go ahead and make one for myself from the material I've been saving for just such a project:

 I had an extra block, so I made a pillow to go with it:

Even though I had planned to keep this quilt, I'm planning on giving it to a friend.  I now realize why my mom never made something for herself, it's much more satisfying to make something for someone else, especially when it's something that brings them such comfort.  I've had great fun getting these quilts together, and can't wait to get started on the next one!

I also made a couple baby quilts for my neighbor's new twins, but didn't get pictures of them.  People keep asking me how I find time to do this with 4 kids at home, one of them only 2 months old!  I tell them I don't know, because really, I don't!  I try to work while Malachi naps, that's one less kid to worry about.  And Isaac is just a happy, easy baby.  Libby actually sits next to me and does school while I sew.  It's a nice set-up, she gets the supervision and help she needs, and I don't get impatient waiting for her to complete her assignments.  Jaina just kind of floats from room to room, but mostly sits and watches Libby and I.  Libby actually helped me piece the blue and brown quilt.  I really enjoyed having her be involved in that project.  Maybe one day she'll like quilting, too!