Friend Karen and I went to the Sewing and Quilting Expo last weekend in Tinley Park, IL. It was fantastic! We took a bunch of classes; Karen's were mostly clothing construction and mine were mostly quilting-related. The vendors were amazing, exhibits were awesome. We saw stage shows and even a fashion show. I would love to go again (there is one in Shaumburg in March). The mini penny rug below is one of the classes Karen and I took together. Wool is fun to work with.

 

 

I've been working on several projects and sent the bicycle quilt to my new great-nephew just this past Monday. Jack was born in the wee hours of November 17. The quilt and little tab blankie were ready to mail upon his arrival. I fretted and sweated over this quilt to get it just right for Jack and his mommy and daddy.

 

This white table runner with Lucy Boston-style English paper piecing is a wedding present for my nephew. I don't think they look at my blog so I should be pretty safe showing it off early. This is made to match the dishes they had on their gift registry. The blue and red have gold running through it and I used metallic gold to quilt the back and to blanket stitch around the stars. Again, I fretted, sweated, and labored over this one, but I think it turned out pretty well.

 

Two of my grandchildren are learning to sew! My daughters got me this cute little Janome Hello Kitty machine for my birthday, which we celebrated at Connor and Hailey's house, so we got right after learning to sew. First step is sewing on lines of paper without thread. At Christmas time, we may try some fabric, and I'll have one more granddaughter to join in the fun. Connor and Hailey both enjoyed sewing this time. :)

 

I'm working on some Christmas projects now. My work has been prioritized and marked off the list as I finish them. I don't know how I ever had time to teach! I do love sewing--it's a joy to be able to cut, stitch, and finish so many projects.