Feathers

 When I saw Alison Glass's pattern for Feathers, I figured I could make one just by looking at it. So mine doesn't quite look the same, but it's close. I used the 45 degree angle on my rulers to make the cuts. I love the black background. It makes for better quilting visibility. Variegated thread is almost required.

I gave this to my friend Susan after she and her husband helped us move out of our home. She had mentioned that she liked the colors, so off it goes!

Playing at Grandma and Grandpa's

 Katie and Tyler took a trip so we could spend some time with Jim and Naomi. We played and read books. We went to the Volkswagen dealer for a part. We cooked and watched movies and went to church. They wore us out and we returned the favor. Super fun!

Folk Flower Quilt

 I started a quilt for Jackson and Amber. I usually don't give recipients much say in what they get, just because if it's colors I don't enjoy, I'll never finish it. Jack said he didn't care about color, he just wanted to have a quilt long enough to cover his feet. He's tall.

I decided to use Anna Maria Horner's Folk Flower Quilt pattern. It is great for using scraps, but does require quite a bit of background neutrals. After cutting a large square, you slice it on the diagonal. Then piece in the 1/2"strip. Appliqué the flower and leaves using your favorite method.

It turned out almost 110" square. A monster. I've seen versions with dark backgrounds that I absolutely love. I will definitely use this pattern again.

Mission Papers

 We are trying to finish our mission paperwork which includes a couple's picture. So on our way into the temple, we thought we'd catch someone to take our portrait. The first person to come by was President Olson. He was happy to take the shot and though I wasn't thrilled with my hair, we are one step closer.

The requirements for submitting papers to be senior missionaries include doctor's visits, dentist's approval, and vaccinations. To serve in a foreign country, it is required to get a colonoscopy and for me, a mammogram. Sometimes it takes months to get these items all collected. Seniors can submit these papers up to 9 months before their availability date. We chose October 1st as our availability date, so we have plenty of time to complete the forms.

Katie's Birthday

 We enjoyed a birthday party at Katie's house. She even made her own cake. This is not a surprise as she has two qualities perfect for the occasion: 1. Fearlessness and 2. Spontaneity. We love her and all her qualities. She is a beautiful daughter, mother, and wife. I also love Jim in the forefront of this picture.

My Own Millefiori

 After three years, I finally finished my New Hexagon Millefiori. I probably wouldn't have finished it if I hadn't had Cathy encouraging me. The more I saw millefioris being finished, the more determined I was.

On July 17, 2018 I finished piecing the top. Paul was driving and we were traveling over Snoqualmie Pass when I slipped the last stitch. 

At this stage, I began thinking of a border. I didn't like any of the borders I had seen thus far. In a Facebook post, I saw a spiky border that was inspiring. I sketched out a paper piece pattern that would work. The corners were the trickiest. I cheated on the sides by making a larger black triangle in the center of each to make the math work.

Marnie and Eric's Wedding

 We were in for a rainy and windy day at the temple. There was no point getting you hair just right. At some point, we all started laughing. Eric's parents are from Fresno, so they were freezing cold. I felt terrible for taking so many pictures outside. Wakana did a fabulous job. 

I wanted Marnie to have this temple shawl for pictures. Pam wore this shawl a few years ago for her winter wedding. He was happy to carry it for her.

After the wedding, we went to Teriyaki and More for a wedding luncheon. It's the food everyone wants.

The kids are conspiring. Always.

I asked them to pose for a record album cover and they obliged. How I love them.

I absolutely love this photo of my daughters- and sons-in-law. They are each very different, just as my children are. They love with their whole hearts.