off for the summer

About a year and a half ago a group of ladies decided we would make quilts for our church's graduating seniors. We started in March of 2010, and our goal was to have the one quilt finished by August. By August, we realized hand-quilting was not going to get the job done in time, especially when we took in to consideration we had FIVE graduates for 2011. So we kicked things into high gear, motivated each other when the task seemed unsurmountable, shared/learned new techniques, and thankfully all had panic moments ("what were we thinking this will NEVER get done") all at different times while finishing our one 2010 quilt by hand and machine quilting all the others. And somewhere along the way, I started to feel a little closer to the friends I already had. (Will I ever forget Mary Booth giving a cutting demonstration and throwing fabric over her shoulder ONTO MY FLOOR because that's what the quilter in her favorite quilting video does?)

Yesterday our church recognized the seniors. I think they thought they were getting Bibles (which they did, but as a private gift from Pastor Mike and Nancy due to no extra church funds), so they were quite surprised with their presents. My favorite part of the whole process (besides seeing their faces) was trying to figure out their personalities and favorite colors. Sometimes we just asked, but we also spent time observing dress patterns and photos from Facebook. I think we did okay in our color choices.

And before I post the pics, I shout-out to my husband. He put up with a lot from January until now (and yes, Hon, the dining room is finally being returned to its original state today), including typing things out for me Saturday night at 10:10pm so I could finish sewing the last part of Krista's quilt. Lord willing, after today, the next finished quilt that will be posted will be his. ;)

So today I return to the long overdue schedule of housework, ironing, gardening, and normal chores.