Safari Purse - SDARL Donation

A few weeks ago, my husband traveled to South Africa as part of the South Dakota Ag and Rural Leadership (SDARL) program. He is a member of Class V, which consists of about 30 people, who are committed to agriculture and rural development. Each class gets to go on an international trip - for Class V, that was South Africa.

Unfortunately, it was a class members-only trip. While he was away, I went on my own safari to northern MN, and south-central Nebraska visiting family. It was in Grand Island, NE, (Material Girl) where my mother-in-law and I stumbled upon "Big Cats" fabric that embodied all of what hubby was probably seeing on his safari. I couldn't resist purchasing fabric, envisioning a wall-hanging, and a quilted purse as a donation to the SDARL group.

I could hardly contain my excitement over having found African-type fabric that I practically wrapped my husband in it the moment he got home. Naturally I decided it would be fantastic to donate something back to SDARL and decided a purse would be perfect. My local quilt shop owner, Linda, and I went hog-wild over "Amy Lou's Purse," pattern by "Totes By Sandy" which would showcase this special fabric so well.

It was a super purse pattern, and came together very quickly. I decided to go with a "boxy" bottom, per hubby's recommendation (and that I am going to stash two bottles of South African wine inside to help it stand up, and sell). What I fell in love with was the hand beading I did around the top - I call them "zebra" beads. Paired with a cute giraffe button on either side, I'm not sure I'll be able to give it away.

 
Here is one side of the purse (see, one lion)

And here's the other side (two lions!). What you can't see are the zebras, elephants and giraffes that are along the bottom of the bag.

Here's what the inside of the purse looks like - green safari grass and two sunny horizion pockets! A magnetic snap-closure helps the bag stay shut.

What a lovely purse. I can't wait to donate it to SDARL and meet the lucky lady who will become the new owner. That is, if my husband doesn't buy it back for me. :)

Woven Heart Wool Project - finished!

Last fall, on a crazy quilting road trip with a new friend, I stumbled into the world of wool. I had eye-balled some beautiful woolen table runners in quilt magazines, but didn't know the first thing about it. It was then I discoved a must-have quilt pattern: the Woven Heart Mat, by Lily Anna Stitches (Pattern LAS210).

It has significance because I made little woven heart baskets for my May 1st wedding as favors. I must have made 150 of those things. This pattern was infinitely easier! I assembled all my materials and brought it with me on a road trip to Nebraska to visit in-laws, but didn't get around to it until a road-trip to northern MN for Christmas. (I don't recommend stitching around hearts on the winding roads in northern MN - it makes you sick).

Now my stitches probably aren't the worlds most-beautiful, but it captures a beautiful memory of our wedding day. I proudly gave it to my hubby this morning to put next to his side of the bed (on the beautiful bed-side tables he made for us). The back is a lush green (his favorite color), while the hearts are done-up in cream and blue (our wedding colors, minus the brown). Check it out!

That background photo was taken on our first date, paired with a photo of a castle from a trip to the Ukraine. Just reminds me that I'm a princess, after all!

See the pretty green background? Mmmm.... green, hubby's favorite. Curious about the coaster? It's a Thirstystone set we received as a wedding gift - very nice.

 All done and being used!!!

Why I love my husband...

Last night my hubby and I were discussing quilt projects. More specifically, why I feel the need to finish them. You see, quilters have no problems starting a new project (unless they're intimated by it - and yes, that does happen!), but often times never finish a project. I used to never start a new project until I completed the last one. Since I've been married, my ways have changed a bit. I like to have a few different projects going:

• a "big" project that's either too difficult for me, or just a large, large quilt
• a "small" project that gives me a break from the "big" project (like a wall-hanging, purse or table runner)
• a "new technique" project - like the hand-applique piece I'm learning, which will ultimately by the one creation I ever accomplish in this field
• a "inbox" of new projects I want to start. These are either bits of fabric I want to work into a pattern, or an entire kit just waiting to be opened and explored

While thinking about these projects, I realized why I feel like I need to finish a project (and show it off, usually to my hubby): to feel like I've accomplished something. You see, when we got married I left a big career in the magazine business (some say: dream job, which I agree). Since then, I haven't found my new life's-calling. So, I create quilt projects. And yes, each one is like putting the finishing touches on a monthly magazine.

Anyways, I asked hubby if anyone really cared about me finishing these projects (thinking that no one besides me does) and he answered me: I CARE.

Why? I asked him.

Because he wants me to feel accomplished. He wants me to be successful. He's glad that fabric doesn't just magically multiply in my quilt room, but actually gets used in projects (then nicely nestled away). All I can say is, "it's great to have a man who loves me, and supports me." :)

I'm allergic to cheap fabric

There are some who say quilters are "fabric snobs" because invariably in every quilting book and beginners quilting class they say - DO NOT USE CHEAP FABRIC - occasionally there's a "Wal-Mart" thrown in there as well. I haven't purchased fabric at a non-quilting store in a long, long time (a decade ago, maybe), but yesterday I was jolted back into the realization why I go out of my way to use high-quality quilting fabric.

I picked up a few of our church's prayer quilt kits that needed to be assembled. Right now they are working on the quilt tops. Don't get me wrong, I think this is a great ministry. But I know where the fabric comes from. So, Monday morning I delicately dissected the black & yellow bundle and began to wade through the dis-sheveled directions and pieces of fabric. And I began working my way through the project.

Then my eyes began to water. And my nose began to drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. It continued dripping all through our quilt guild meeting last night, even through this morning's chores. The fabric had a funny smell to it when I pressed. And I'm not sure my sewing machine will ever forgive me - offering up a weak "chug, chug-chug" as it pounded it's way through the layers of fabric.

The good news is I finished that stinkin' project and dropped it off at the church. There's still another bundle to tackle, but I think I'll wait until next week. I probably need to get my heart aligned before I start that project. Maybe my then my machine will have forgiven me for running cheap (linty!) fabric through it!

Welcome to my quilting blog!

So, quilting may have become more than just a hobby for me. And my mom. And my best-friend. Both of whom (unbenknowst to them) are receiving an automatic email notifying them everytime I post to this blog. Quilting has become part of my every day life. My quilt room a safe-haven from the realities of the real world. Heck, my ironing board has become a solitude of prayer-time.

But, that's not what I want to blog about. I'd much rather share the projects I've been working on. My angst at typos in quilting patterns. And the love and fellowship that comes from being kindred spirits in the quilting world.

So, here goes!