quilting

I finally started quilting my 9 patch quilt yesterday.

I did a few practice doodles before starting on the real quilt. I usually practice with fabric that is not pieced, but recently, I have discovered that I like to try a new quilting technique on a pieced block because it is a more realistic test with the seams to quilt over. Plus, it's my new solution to using up those pesky orphan blocks.

I really really LOVE these quilted flowers! It's a twin size, so it's taking awhile, but I'm very happy with the results.

Here's a shot of the back of the quilt. I love the white on white quilting.

Also...Emily, who is amazingly sweet, has recruited several women to make me 9 patches for my 3rd quilt (for my other sister) since I was experiencing 9 patch burn out. I have received several blocks (plus extra squares for the borders!) from different ladies across the country and Canada.

Thank you so much, ladies, for your generosity and for helping me get started on my 3rd 9 patch quilt!!! I'm excited that each of my sisters and I will have "matching" quilts. Yipee!

Happy Monday to you!

a very good day

First off, thanks for all the sweet comments on the Quilts of Valor quilts. I know I get a lot of comments, but I hope you know that I do appreciate each and every one. (OK, not from the spammers, who have been busy filling my inbox lately. Sheesh!) But, I do appreciate each of YOUR comments. :)

Now, for today's post....

My husband works downtown Minneapolis and since he only had one meeting to attend today, he invited my daughter and I to go along with him so we could spend more of the day together. I'm so glad we did...it was great fun. I'm also glad that I remembered to take my camera.

My daughter and I hung out at Dunn Bros. for awhile. She was drawing and I was knitting and sipping tea. I'm such a small town girl, so the city really intrigues me. I had lots of fun people watching and my daughter is such a great little companion. (I'm already dreading the day she starts school.)

We spent some time at the public library in the kids section.

I found inspiration in some well illustrated kids books.

This one is Hello, Day! by Anita Lobel.

The pages were brightly colored and fun.

Some of the pages reminded me of Kaffe Fasset quilts.

I loved the line of brightly colored flowers on this page.

And the use of circles on this on this page.

I hope to make a quilt inspired by these. Someday.

Also, the floor vents and colors caught my eye.

More quilt ideas!

I "see" quilts everywhere. I'm not sure if that is a blessing or a curse.

After my husband's meeting, we had a burger at Lyon's Pub.

It was so good!!!

He's out having coffee now and my daughter is "resting", so I have a bit of time to quilt before my boys get home.

It's been a very good day.

Hope your Friday is going (or has been) just as good as mine. ;)