I’ve been “out” of the studio most of this week… we took a long weekend trip to Florida and had a really wonderful, sunny, fun time… Sigh… I really didn’t want to leave!! The weather was perfect the entire time we were there. We spent the first part in the St. Petersburg area, visiting my parents who winter down there- some fishing boats were coming in at the marina and there were flocks of these pelicans waiting for scraps as the fishermen cleaned the fish. Can you see that huge group of them in the water in the lower right corner, waiting for their handouts? It was a real frenzy and so much fun to watch!
Then we spent a couple of days in Orlando. Our family from England are currently visiting all of the theme parks in the area, so we decided to go and have a little family reunion.
The Disney Animal Kingdom park was amazing- we especially loved the safari ride- amazing that you can see the animals so close up and without a fence in the way!
We also saw elephants, zebras, rhinoceros, warthogs, gorgeous birds… really amazing! I can’t recommend it enough- if you or your children love animals this is a fabulous park to visit.
Of course, all good things must come to an end. We came home to cool rainy weather and gray landscape- blech! (My son-in-law loves Florida as much as I do, and we are trying to talk the rest of the family into moving to Florida!)
I also came home to this: several boxes of Moda fabric!
These bolts will be cut into kits for my upcoming free Block of the Month!! Woo hoo! I think you’ve going to love this. The kits will be available for pre-order sometime in March, and will ship sometime in May. Be sure you are on my mailing list so you find out when the kits and Free BOM Patterns are available!
Of course, the BEST thing to come home to was this guy… We had a lot of extra snuggling time when we got back and picked him up from the kennel:
IN the studio, a little work has gotten done… I handed off the BOM quilt to my long arm quilter, Danny. We had a “lunch meeting” and talked about the project (I love lunch meetings!!)
And I’ve been working on another pattern for the Small and Sweet Mini Quilt Club (I’m trying to work ahead on these- I’ve got a lot going on in April and May with more travel and the launch of the Block of the Month.) I’m thinking about putting a fabric kit together for this pattern- your thoughts?? I LOVE the cherry print fabric, don’t you?? Find out all about the club here– it is a series of 6 monthly patterns for making adorable little Mini Quilts, and you still have plenty of time to sign up.
Who’s watching the final season of Downton Abbey?? I’ve just caught up on this past Sunday’s episode- Oh! That Mary!! I just want to box her pretty ears!! I don’t care how “heartbroken” she is, she’s just plain mean. I DO hope that Edith finds happiness and that Tom Branson finds someone special too. Just one more episode left for the series!
Check out the February Designer of the Month, Kari Carr, over at the Aurifil Blog and get the free pattern to make this gorgeous Lake Life block! (I will be the Aurifil Designer of the Month in June!)
OK…. lots to catch up on! Hope you’re having a great week!
Can not wait for your next BOM…I love those fabrics!
Thanks Karen! We will be “busy bees” in the studio over the next few weeks, cutting the kits!!
I love your blog and enjoyed the pictures of your trip. I too love Downton Abbey and I’m heartbroken that it is coming to an end. I really hope Edith finds some happiness…..it just isn’t right that Mary is so mean yet she’s the one who gets to be happy!!! Anyway I wanted to comment on what a terrific job you do in piecing your quilts….they are perfect…..and the stitching around the appliqué pieces is wonderful.
I’m really trying to use up my huge stash of fabric before buying anything new but your fabrics are such a temptation. I’m trying……
Thanks Denise! Yes, I actually always have like Edith. Maybe she and Tom should get together and live happily ever after??
Hi. Tx for your newsletter. Love everything Anne
Thanks Anne! Glad you are enjoying it!
The block with the cherries is gorgeous. What fabric did you use?
Thanks Viv- It’s an old Moda fabric that I’ve had sitting in my stash for awhile, waiting for the right project. I happened to find just a little more…. enough to make a few kits for the Mini Quilt, so stay tuned!
That cherry mini!! Omg, I can’t wait!! Omg! Every month it seems you can’t top the last, then you find a way! I don’t want this club to ever end…..and yeah, total downton addict here…i am going to be in some serious downton detox soon when this series is over….Mary is such an uppity minx!!
Thanks Shannon- I am so thrilled to hear that you are enjoying our club! I’ve had so much fun working on it as well!
Just one more Downton episode to go…..
I also love that BOM-will wait patiently for it–LOL. I also agree about that Mary on Downton Abby–she is so mean to Edith–in fact, she is so high and mighty to everyone. I hope Edith and Marigold get a happy ending as well as Tom and his little girl. I will sure miss the show though.
I think this season of Downton is much better than the last couple of seasons… seems to be a return to the Dowton that we originally fell in love with!
I can hardly wait for your BOM . I hope I don’t miss when you have your kits ready. I always love your choice of fabrics, they are always so refreshing. Thanks for sharing your creative talents with us. I totally appreciate it. I got hooked on Downton Abbey with the first season and am very sad that this will be the last. Yes, Mary is something else isn’t she. It was nice to see Edith finally stand up to her.
Hi Mariann! This is going to be a GREAT Block of the Month! Glad you will be joining us!
My daughter and I were there at the same time as your family! I’d like to think our paths crossed. Took a day to visit a cousin in FL and ended up getting bit by her dog. When I went to the ER, the PA who did my stitches is also a quilter so I felt confident in her ability to do a great job. We were talking quilting, sewing machines, etc. while my cousins laughed (they are horse women). Otherwise, had a great time at Disney World. I’m also a Downton fan and will have to watch it on DVD’s in the future. Nice to have some of their fabric!
Oh maybe we DID cross paths in Disney, lol! Wasn’t the weather absolutely PERFECT??