A Thimble is a Girl's Best Friend

I haven't been writing about how much I have been working on Hunter's quilt because I can't hand stitch and type at the same time.
I am happy to report that Hunter's quilt is done and has been safely transported to England by my guy (I threatened him plenty before entrusting all that work to him. I made him put it in his carry on and gave him my father's traditional warning of "you're in charge, don't screw up").
I have been working on it so much that now that it is gone I am not sure what to do with myself. Truth be told I kinda miss it.
Once I managed to finish the last square the rest went pretty well. I was hoping that the backing fabric could be simply rolled over the edge to finish it but life is never that simple. The backing came up sort and of course I started hand quilting it, yes hand quilting it, before I realize it was on a bit of an angle.
I haven't figured out how to do a binding edge properly yet (despite the placemat project) but I am pretty good of finding my way out of the trouble I find my way into; I had enough of the center green fabric to add an edging to the backing fabric and that allowed me to do the roll over binding I was hoping to do.

Crafts with Love

I had a wonderful crafting moment this week when I remember the pure joy of crafting for someone that not only will appreciate my gift but also my ability to share goodness, compassion and love through making things.
I am still getting used to my new work environment, and even though I still don't think my officemates would eat my cookies I have found a few kindred souls that make the day better.
There is one fellow in particular that always brightens my day; even when she is having a really hard day she always has a wonderfully kind smile for me and I can always count on her for a good morning, something I have learned not to take for granted. She has been having a pretty rough month at work, you can hear it in her voice and see it in her eyes and well it just makes me want to love on her. Actually it makes me want to scope her up and take her very far away and surround her with good folk.
Last week I showed her some of my bags and pouches and she was so enthusiastic about the prints that I knew I had to make her one. I went home and set to work. I had to do a little mental brain tease to remember how to line a pouch after all those NY times zippy pouches but Tim Gunn (the sewing machine) and I finally got it right.
I gave it to her today with some Guatemalan worry dolls and it was warmly received.
The thing is, I have been so caught up in trying to complete my Crafting Resolution list and finding my way in a new job that I forgot the pure joy of making things and how important making things is to me as a way of connecting with people. I guess what I am saying is, Pastor Callie Janoff, I finially really get the Church of Crafts being and mission.
It is a really good thing to remember.

Someone Loves his Quilt

My lovely friend Sara sent me these fabulous photo's of Mr. Milo on his quilt. I think it is clear that he is so smiley because he feels all the love from the quilt or maybe he is just a huge fan of the Gee's Bend quilt style.