A very special thank you to all the men and women serving our country and helping to keep us safe!!
It’s been a LONG couple of months. First we were away in Colorado for some time, then I was ill, and then finishing up on some projects and a lot of work in the house and garden. Time heals all.
My DIL loved the quilt I made for the new baby-to-be (only six more weeks to go). Helping them set up the nursery was truly fun. And the baby shower was wonderful. Her friends made these scrumptious cupcakes…..delightful to look at….”almost” too pretty to eat!!!
It was such fun creating this secret gift tote for my friend, Maggy, with whom I do an exchange for Les Muguets Day (Lily of the Valley Day which is May 1st in France). Her favorite color is purple.
She, in turn, made for me this LOVELY, Japanese folded origami pocket. I adore it. It has THREE little pockets, perfect for sewing supplies, nail items, etc. Her sewing is exquisite. Already I have put it to good use to carry my nail files, etc. in my purse. Also…a generous friend of hers, Elaine, decided to make for me a lovely French apron. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful friend of a friend!!! Thank you so much Maggy and Elaine. [Correction: Maggy also made the apron…but her friend did some decorative stitching on the pockets. I love it Maggy and Elaine…thank you]
After recuperating for some weeks, I finally completed my scrappy tablecloth quilt (about 62 inches square). It is machine pieced, hand appliqued, then straight line machine quilted by me…and the applique border I free-motion quilted around the applique by adding lovely leaves whereever they would fit. I used a thin cotton batting. It is perfect on my kitchen table and will certainly warm my kitchen during Autumn.
And last, but not least, I have been working on another applique quilt. So far I have two of the sixteen blocks completed (16.5 inches square). I do love handwork. Although I have spent all of my time on the quilts and, alas, have not completed any “needlework” projects. But the applique blocks are fun and a change of pace for my fingers.
That’s all for now. I know that’s not much news for two months of absence….but I did miss all of you and am happy to be back.
Til next time….Amities, Averyclaire
Averyclaire 
Annie
May 30, 2011 @ 17:28:02
Sorry to hear your were ill, but it sounds like you are doing better now. Love your bag and tablecloth finishes. And the appliques are looking great.
I think I’ll go have a cupcake now… the photo makes my mouth water!
Virtual Quilter
May 30, 2011 @ 18:02:45
Your absence is excused. I am more than happy to wait for your news when you are able to tell us.
The new applique quilt is looking good …. and I hope you are feeling good now too.
Judy B
Margaret
May 30, 2011 @ 19:01:13
Lovely gifts to and from! I love your quilt finish — the colors are so pretty! I also love your applique blocks! Good to hear from you again. 😀
Jackie
May 30, 2011 @ 20:11:51
You hand applique is just gorgeous! I wish I had half your skills. I also really love, love, love your table quilt. I’m so sorry to hear that you were feeling unwell and hope you’ve fully recovered now!
Pat B
May 30, 2011 @ 21:56:11
Sorry to hear that you were ill! Hope you’re fully recovered now. Your quilted tablecloth is the bomb!
Karol
May 30, 2011 @ 22:22:27
So sorry to hear that you have been ill happy that you are feeling better!! Your quilt turned out lovely and so are the blocks.
Jane
May 31, 2011 @ 00:04:47
The applique blocks are beautiful, well worth waiting to see, and I love the tablecloth. What a joy it would be to sit at that table
Glad to hear you are feeling better, look after yourselves
Kay Nelson
May 31, 2011 @ 07:09:00
Your applique work is absolutely beautiful…..these projects are lovely. Glad you are back….and feeling better. Take care….
Jane
May 31, 2011 @ 10:11:37
Hi, glad you are feeling better. I had some illness this spring too, that just hung on and on!
See you soon!
Jane
maggy
May 31, 2011 @ 12:39:37
great applique job, I love very much your tablecloth
J’adore
bisous
maggy
Nanouanne
Jun 01, 2011 @ 01:02:31
What a lovely flower on your new banner!
Your appliqué block is exquisite work and I can appreciate your scrappy tablecloth because I do love scrap quilts. I am happy to read that you are back to healthy conditions and ready to enjoy the sunny days coming.
Love from Nanouanne
Siobhan
Jun 05, 2011 @ 06:50:48
WOW! What gorgeous projects–all of them! I’m glad to hear that you’re back to good health. Enjoy your summer and best of luck and prayers for the new baby!