Thursday, August 30, 2012

Baby Bundles Sew-In


Our guild, the Austin Area Quilt Guild, sponsors the creation and donation of baby quilts to three area charities Last week, about a dozen of us gathered to finish up some that had been donated as tops.

The Quilt Store, on Anderson Lane,
generously allows us to use their classroom for these "mini-sew-in"s.    Gracie, the Baby Bundles coordinator,  brought 26 quilts that were almost ready - they had been sandwiched, turned right side out, and edge stitched.  The members either quilted them or tied them, sewed on labels, and then added them to the stack to be delivered.


The next week, I took 20 quilts to Mom's Place, a breastfeeding clinic which is a part of  the Health Departments Women, Infants and Children's program.  The staff were excited to see me come in, happy to be able to give these quilts to newborns - tummy time in a bright quilt is a good thing.
Quilts are made by members using fabric from their own collection or from kits provided by the guild.  A small budget allows the coordinators to buy rolls of batting so that those who prefer to turn in tops can be assured that their quilt will be finished and donated.

Every quilt is different.  the one on the right uses Cars fabric.  Others are pink and sweet.  Others are a riot of multicolored fabrics.

It's a good feeling to contribute.  I urge you to consider joining in this project.



Thursday, August 16, 2012

Where did the summer go?

 Martha threw out the first pitch at one of the Dell Diamond baseball games in June.  I went along and we had a great time. 

Then in July, my daughter had a tumor removed from her brain.  So my energies were all spent in worrying and hovering and being a mama.  She's better now and plans to return to work next week.  I've kind of enjoyed most of the time I spent with her.  We ferried her son back and forth to his dad's house several times.  We watched some chick flicks.  We played some games.  Love is a beautiful thing, and she gives me plenty.  I am so happy that this is behind us now.  The tumor was benign, but pressed on a nerve and caused her terrible pain.


I did manage to see some fireworks from the Walmart parking lot on the fourth of July.   Not a bad viewing point.  And no traffic to speak of.
As I was leaving the parking lot, I saw the finale from the display in Round Rock.  Then as I turned onto the Parkway, I saw the ones in Wells Branch.  Wow.  Three for the price of one.  Which was free.









And of course I managed to go to a quilt retreat with my friends.
I made a baby quilt top with a new pattern, three cross-body purses for my daughter, her mother-in-law and her sister-in-law.
I helped my friend Rita hem some receiving blankets, and made some more mindless Pineapple blocks.


Went swimming with the great-grandkids, played Candyland, kept the bills paid and the laundry done.

I'm ready for fall!