I Love My Lists...

The Explorer quilt is finished. I'm so glad that I love being in the studio. I was there all day yesterday as I machine quilted and then added the binding to The Explorer. By dinnertime, I had finished hand sewing the binding to the back and could enjoy yet another completed gift.

Today, I'll add the labels to Dolphin Island and The Explorer, wrap them up and prepare them for shipping. I hope the little boys I'm mailing them to will love and enjoy them for a long time.
I'll also create the program for the Orchestra's holiday concert next weekend, mail out our Christmas cards, and then wrap a few more gifts that will also be shipped to their recipients.

I want to review my list and see what's still left to do before I can rest this season. I know I'm doing really well for time, so I'm not concerned. My lists are lifesavers. Not only do they remind me of things I need to do - they're also a record of what I accomplish. I love my lists!

Prayers today for my friend, Jan of Bessie Mary blog. She's traveling to Minnesota's Mayo Clinic for eye surgery tomorrow. She'll be on my mind as she goes through her procedure, and in the days ahead as she heals. Perhaps you'd like to visit her blog and leave your healing wishes for her. I know she'd appreciate hearing from you.

The Collection Identified...

I stole a little studio time yesterday to work on my Love Bird applique' quilt. We had friends join us at our home for dinner, so preparing for their visit and the meal we would be sharing kept me in the kitchen for more of the day. I managed to sew all of the strip sets together, and I'm showing just a few of them to you.

Thank you to Jan (from Bessie Mary )blog for figuring out which Fig Tree fabrics were in my jelly roll. Most of the line is called Dandelion Girl, but there are also elements from the Urban Indigo line, too. I really appreciate that you spent some time online, Jan, and then sent me links so that I could see for myself. Above and beyond, my friend. I really appreciate the effort.

I'm going to have time to play in the studio today, so I'll press all the strip sets I assemble before I cut them into squares, and then triangles. I'll take lots of photos so I can share my day with you tomorrow.

I hope your Sunday is filled with rest, relaxation and time spent doing what you love.

Please, Let Me Explain...

All photos used with the gracious permission of

Jan Moore, owner of Bessie Mary blog and shop

I feel the need to explain why you haven't seen the

baby bonnet for Liam's christening gown ensemble yet.
Really, I have a good reason.

I laid out all the fabric I had saved for this project before
I started cutting any of the garment pieces from it.
I was sure I'd be able to squeak a matching baby bonnet
from what I had. I was wwr...wwr...wrong.
There, I've said it.
I. Was. Wrong.

I contacted the Tampa shop (Couture Fabric and Designs)
where I purchased the original fabric in the champagne color,
and sweet Sandy asked me to send a sample to her to be sure
we matched it. I sent the sample off that day and she
called me back first thing Tuesday morning to tell me she'd
have the fabric in her shop by Wednesday
and would send it back out to me right away.

I'm still waiting for it.
Tick...Tock...
I have enough fabric from the original project to make
most of the bonnet from what I had, but I need
just a tad more to be able to finish it. I hope it arrives tomorrow.
I'd really like to make the bonnet by the end of the weekend
and share my finished ensemble with you.
I know that you're loving the sweet bonnets I've
shared with you today. They're quite sweet, aren't they?
Click on Jan's header image above to visit her
beautiful and inspirational blog.

This is one talented lady, and if you have a new baby
in your family or your future, please visit her shop,
Bessie Mary
to see more of her lovely offerings.

Thank you, Jan, for allowing me to use your images,
and to crow about your breathtaking talent, too!