I Needed This...

The dreaded day finally arrived. I had to take my one and only off to college (Iowa State). He was excited. I, on the other hand, was scared to leave my baby. OK, 18 isn't exactly a baby but those of you who have left your child on the curb holding a bean bag chair and a floor lamp know what I mean. He's a good kid and will do fine. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

Needless to say. I was depressed. Could hardly go upstairs to bed...I'd have to pass by his empty room. Didn't get dressed for 2 days. My husband was starting to roll his eyes at me. He just didn't understand. So I thought maybe it was time to get out of my funk and find a purpose again. I'd have to start simple.

I'd start a new project, a quilt...that always makes me happy. But which one would I pick? I have so many kits, patterns and ideas it's a wonder that I made a decision. (You know sort of like Bret Farve!) So, like him, I made up my mind and here it is. The quilt is called Prairie Vine from the cover of BH&G Quilt Sampler magazine. I have 9 blocks completed. Only 21 more to go and of course the 9-patches and applique border. It does get my mind off my empty nest and that makes my husband happier too. And yes, I am dressed and feeling human again!

Enjoy the pictures!
Happy quilting,
Annemarie

Antique Doll Quilts and Stuff

The Hudson Heritage Quilters had me over to give a lecture on doll quilts. I brought much of my collection. The collection includes antique quilts, new quilts from Jo Morton's Little Women club and pieces from my Quilts Remembered pattern line. I brought about 65 quilts and another collection of antique child and doll related items.

There were approximately 40 women there. They pulled up their chairs and had a good look at what I brought. My lecture covered, what makes it a doll quilt, what to look for when shopping for an antique doll quilt, what life was like for children in the early 1900s, the toys available and the importance of these toys. The comparison to today's life of a child is like night and day. The children of these bygone days certainly did not have Toys "R" Us or Facebook to occupy the time.

It was a nice evening and I hope everyone went away with an appreciation of these little gems.

Happy quilting,
Annemarie