Call of Duty

Sometimes quilting leads us in a different direction that we ever imagined - you know what I mean? While coming up with a gift for my husband's cousin Anna, I wanted to create something unique.

The process: I did an internet search for Call of Duty MW3

The inspiration

Don't you just love the over all black and white TV feeling of the whole thing.

After printing the image out on my printer, I took it over to the local copy center and had the image blown up to the size I wanted. This is really easy and only cost 17 cents.

With a light box, I traced the figure of the man onto a fusible web, ironed it onto black fabric, then cut out the silhouette.

I found a grey static looking fabric, and used the back of the fabric as my background and the front of the fabric as the buildings.

Once all of the pieces were ironed in place, I sewed over the edges and added a little detail to the raw edge applique.

During the quilting process, I added the MW3 on his chest and more details to the smokey background.

I sent it off in the mail and now I'm just waiting on pins and needles to see what she if she likes it.

Sew Fun

After sewing up a sample for Emily, she offered to pay my way to the French Knots quilt retreat as compensation. Awesome!

As expected, we spent all of Friday and Saturday sewing. What I didn't expect was how much fun we would have and the Bosom Friends and Kindred Spirits that we would meet . We giggled, laughed and were just plain crazy.

What a great group of ladies! Of course I forgot my camera and only snapped one quick shot with my cell phone. Is it cheating if I just link to Maggie's post? She is very articulate and has said it all way better than my foggy head can at the moment. Plus, I'm still drooling over her table runner.

Off to make jello for the boy with strep throat - we are all a little foggy headed and hoping to spend a quiet Thanksgiving at home.

Change

Times are changing and I find myself somewhat at a crossroads.

A time when the seasons of my life seem to be overlapping somehow.

And yet, is that so bad?

There is a poetic beauty in it... maybe hidden... maybe just within reach.

How long ago were we the young ones growing up with our parents worrying about us? Hoping that we make it. Loving us. Letting go. In my excitement to leave home and be on my own, was I so blind to see my parents left behind, reluctant to let go?

The ending of one childhood and the beginning of another. They have no idea what lies ahead, the tough times, the struggles... the love, the joy. Grandma - I'm getting used to it.

From the Rope Swing

It's so simple - a rope and a 2x4.

Something that every home needs.

Something that dreams are made of.

{photos by Sara}