April Step

It's about time, right?!! I know, I know. My procrastination gene has been kicking in big-time, at least when it comes to personal fulfillment. ;)

There has been very little time spent quilting or even thinking about quilting this month. Instead, as you know, it's been "all quilt show, all the time."

The past week has brought some lovely creations into my home. I've got a trunk full of Hoffman wall hangings, and a bed full of beautiful quilts. A few wearables are hanging, also waiting to be transferred to McDermont on Monday. I am inspired.

Pictures of the 70+ wallhangings remind me that a quilt doesn't have to be big to be satisfying. Small is good too, and finished is even better. And so, I've decided upon my April step. It's small, and it's do-able, once the show is in the history books.

In 1996, our family took a trip to the UK. Our destination was primarily Scotland. Pete spent a year abroad while doing undergrad, and I'd heard stories of the wonders of Scotland. He spoke of it so frequently, a couple of our kids thought that we were actually Scottish. I don't think we are. I think we're just wannabe Scots.

We took rolls and rolls of pictures, and I long planned a quilt to document the trip. Pete spent much of the time in seminars - we were there for a Bovine Buriatrics Convention. Now don't ask me what buriatrics means, because I can't tell you. I do know that they discussed cattle diseases and we were there at the height of the UK BSE (mad cow) scare. He came home with the most up-to-date information regarding BSE, and was able to alleviate much of my concern. And no, the US does NOT have mad cow disease, no matter what you might hear from the rumor mill.

But I digress.

So we went to the UK, and took pictures, and I wanted to make a quilt. I started, but I only got as far as making 2 partial blocks. They'll never be a quilt, of that much I am certain. And so, I've decided that I can turn at least one into a little wallhanging.

If I could figure out my scanner (I can only make it work 40% of the time), I'd share the photo with you. But I can't. So here's what I've got so far:

This is Adam. He was 6. There should be little sheepies in the background. Hopefully I'll have figured out how to make them by the time the show is over. If I decide not to applique, I can always do French knots.

The other thing I wanted to share was that April showers not only bring May flowers, but they also bring April flowers. The irises are FINALLY beginning their annual flowerfest, and here are the first two installments...

These are right out the front door...

The white ones are between our house and the neighbor's...


And up against the fence I found this calla lily party. I didn't even know it was there! Enjoy!!