The Cutest Safari Animal Quilt Yet

I'll admit it.  I'm a procrastinator.  I just finished my niece's Christmas present this afternoon.

But it is the cutest quilting project that I've put together yet so hopefully it's worth being a little late (not that she'll realize it being that she's not even three months old yet.).

I do really like my safari animals as you all know....So safari animals were the obvious selection when I was perusing the fabric store.  And then to make it just a bit better, some satin binding....every one needs a little satin edging around their blanket.  I can assure you, it makes the blanket so much better.  I love this one so much that I'm tempted to keep it for myself.....But I promised I'd get it in the mail tomorrow so I guess I'm out of luck.

Angel's Hands Foundation Quilt

I finally finished it.  This is my biggest quilting project to date.  I'd wager to say that this will remain my biggest project ever until I have a really good workspace. 

Angel's Hands Foundation is an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with rare diseases.  Today is their 10th annual "Friendrasier."  Every year they have a fundraiser that includes a silent auction and a live auction for the bigger items.  I have made quilts in the past for their silent auction, but this year, I made it to the live auction.  We (the kids and I) put together a special quilt in honor of the 10th anniversary celebration.  Each of the kids made a quilt square with their hand print (It is called Angel's Hands, after all) and I have been working on sewing them all together.  I think it turned out better than I thought it would.  We will see how it turns out in the true test of the auction tonight (I'm a bit nervous).  I'll share the results as soon as I hear.

In the meantime, some pictures....Not great pictures, but you can still see the final product.

Another Autumn in Utah...And a Weekend Report of Exciting Things

Let me start off by saying that this past week has been nothing shy of insanity.  Lots of things going on....none of them really worth getting into right now....so let's just say it was a busy week.

One of the things that has been keeping me busy over the past handful of weeks was my first Etsy sale.  I sold 100 save-the-dates and have been busy as can be tying bows galore.  Lots of hours (not sure it's worth it sometimes) and ten sore fingers later, 105 save the dates were finished.  I got them shipped out this week and heard back Saturday that she LOVED them.  (Her all caps, not mine)  That was pretty exciting because I was pretty nervous that she wouldn't like them after all of that work.

 

Then a few other exciting things.  Today is the first year anniversary.....hard to believe it's been a whole year already....P. Fisher and I spent some time staycationing at The Waldorf.  I always forget how nice it is to visit Park City.  The last time I was here on vacation was in 1997.  Taking a couple days to just relax and enjoy this town on "vacation" is quite nice.  One really exciting meal was at The Farm at (notice, I actually paid attention and left "the" out even though it's stupid since they aren't facebook) Canyons Resort.  They prepare all local food and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.  I'd wanted to try it, but had heard mixed reviews.  I thought it was DELICIOUS.  I ventured out and tried the game hen....cooked sous vide....on top of cinnamon scented faro, reconstituted port wine cherries, some sort of glazed carrots, and some other stuff....and it was soooo good.  Definitely try it if you get the chance.

The highlight of anniversary though is that it is the year of paper for gifts.  I got tickets to Michael Jackson The Immortal Cirque du Soleil.....And I am very, very, very excited!!!

And last but not least, we went up to Guardsmans Pass through Wasatch State Park to look at the leaves today....It is pretty stunning.  I love fall.  It's definitely my favorite season and it definitely goes by too fast in this mountain paradise we live in.  (And as one added note, I played golf this afternoon over at Wasatch and I had my best round EVER!  I'll get this game yet.  p.s. mom -- I ran into Aunt Mary at the golf course and she'd like you to play with her :-)  I think you probably should.) 

The Latest in Quilting....Project 1 of 3 This Month

This month is a busy quilting month for me.  A couple babies and the 10th anniversary Angel's Hands quilt for their October Friendraiser.  Pictures of the other two projects will come....but at the moment, squares are cut and I haven't made much progress beyond that.

Friends of mine are having their second baby next month and the pressure of the baby shower got me moving on my sewing project queue.  This is one of my favorites because I LOVE elephants.  Hopefully they will enjoy it, too!

My Latest Quilting Project

Two posts in one day....I do believe I've even shocked myself.

I got a new sewing machine for Christmas this year and I've been trying to put it to good use.  As usual, I was procrastinating on a project that I needed to get finished.  My cousin is having a baby and I wanted to get a quilt made for her sometime before he is born.  Today I sat down in front of my sewing machine and went crazy for a little while, but it paid off.  Just a few finishing touches tomorrow and I'll be completely finished. 

The front of my baby blanket....It is four different fabrics and 49 6x6 squares bringing it to just over a 40" square blanket

My first attempt at binding....That is where I need a few finishing touches tomorrow, but every baby's blanket needs something soft around the edges.

A New Year....A New Blog Outlook

As yet another year has gone by, I have been what one might call the worst blogger in the entire world.  Though, I'm sure I'm better than at least one or two people, but that's it.

The last year was a big and busy year for me.  I got engaged in January and married at the end of September.  Then came the holiday season and before I knew it, the year was over. 

So here is hoping that 2011 will give me a bit more time to work on some of my hobbies and just free time. 

This winter, I'm already getting into Oscar season and working my way through a list of movies nominated for Golden Globes and will supplement with the Oscar nominations when they come out at the end of the month.  I'm going to be prepared for this year's pool.  No more tying for me!  So far my best picture reviews are this:

• Black Swan -- Utterly terrifying....Natalie Portman was really good though.  As was Mila Kunis.
• The Fighter -- Quite good....Christian Bale plays a very convincing crack addict. 
• Inception -- One of the two movies I saw in the theater in 2010....and worth it.
• The Social Network and The King's Speech are in the plans for this week.

R got a job at The Canyons this year which ever so generously provided me with a season pass as well so I'm determined to get some more snowboarding and skiing in this year.  First day out is planned for a bit later today.  Hopefully my legs don't crumble beneath me.

I have high hopes of actually working on my Etsy store, qDot, this year.  I got a sewing machine for Christmas which will hopefully make sewing much more convenient when I don't have to plan an entire day of sewing at my parents.  I also plan on adding some stationery to my store and to continue quilting and knitting.

As always reading is high on my list of things to do.  I have a pretty big list of books that I want to finish reading this year.  I have again resolved in the new year not to purchase any new books.  I will finish a chunk of the unread books on my bookshelves....and use the library.  Our first book for book club is "As I Lay Dying" by William Faulkner and I just put it on hold at the library.  So far a good start.  In the meantime, I just need to finish "The Girl Who Played with Fire" so I can move on with my life.

From what I've heard recently, the big safari is coming in May.  That will definitely be an experience and I can't wait!!!

This year I have intentions to continue to work on my cooking skills and learn how to use new ingredients.  I would like to join a CSA this summer or use the Farmer's Market more this year.  Also hopefully work on utilizing more organic and local foods all around. 

Otherwise, there are intentions for the year....continue with yoga and swimming, add a little running (not too much but just enough for the off chance that someone chases me), just a general effort to maintain general health.  Because after all, what would a new year's resolution/intention list be without something to that effect?

And for now, that's the end.....I also intend to blog more about things.  Hopefully things of interest.  Recipes, food, books, my projects....We will see what the year brings us.... Until then....