June 21, 2022

I’m down to the last few patterns in my book and was happy to be able to associate this one to Jenny. Jenny’s birthday falls on the first day of summer (or the longest day) and it seems to me that an ice cream cone on such a day would be very appropriate.

Too bad I wasn’t able to get that DQ Swirl on the top of the cone, but the strawberry gives it some flair.

June 12, 2022

I’ve had this pattern for years (since 2016 actually) and always wanted to make it for Ray. I usually try to find something “fish” related for him because he has the most beautiful saltwater tanks. He has had sea horses in the past but I’m quite sure he has never had a purple one. Do they even exist?

I thought I would be able to find enough white buttons in the right sizes but when I opened my button drawer all I saw was purple. Since there was such a large variety of sizes, purple is what I decided on.

The instructions were easy to follow and, except for sewing on 40 buttons, the project was quite easily done. I considered using my glue gun to stick the buttons down but I’m glad I took the time to sew them.

Because of the weight of the buttons using Soft and Stable rather than batting was recommended. The quilting is simple – the mattress stitch to represent waves in the water. In this case a facing seemed more appropriate than binding.

I added a sleeve on the back so it will be easier to hang.

I was pleased that of the few remaining block patterns in my book I was able to associate one with Sawyer.

I’m sure in his job any day, or night, with radio silence must be a good one.

May 27, 2022

Peggy and I reconnected almost 13 years ago thanks to Facebook. And what a good coincidence that she lives just across the Strait from me and, on certain days of the week, it’s a free ferry ride.

We’ve shared many meals with Peggy and Bill so the name of this block inspired me to make it for her. The words in the background (behind the stylized bowls) may provide nourishment for the soul as well.