Darling little doll quilt, and more

Phew.

That was quite an unintended blogging break...

All the usual reasons.  Not much to say, slammed at work, busy busy busy all the time. And no interesting crafty finishes lately.  Well, a few, but none with decent photos.

First off, I never ever blogged about the fabulous quilt I received through DQS5 (doll quilt swap 5).  Partly because I have been computer-lazy, and partly because I never took my own photos of it.  I am SO lucky. Marilyn Butler sent me this fabulous quilt (her photo): 

It is perfect perfect perfect in my bedroom- and the polka dots make me smile so much!  When I opened it, The Hubby said, "That is so YOU."  She also sent me a Yarn Harlot book, and a handmade card, all wrapped so beautifully.  I cannot tell you how much I love this little quilt- but I am thrilled that it found its way to me!  Thank you, Marilyn!

Which makes me even more of a schmuck for not getting MY swap quilt done on time.  I had some serious yo-yo issues, as well as a stomach virus and family in town for the holiday.  All bad excuses, I admit.  I had a simply fabulous plan to make a christmas tree out of yo-yos, all gorgeous Kaffe greens.  I used my clover yo-yo maker.  And clearly I knotted the thread terribly, because 1/3 of the yo-yos fell apart as I was sewing them into a tree shape.  Lesson learned?  Do not try a new tool or technique while in a deadline, and for someone else...  Sigh.  It was due to be mailed today.  Instead, I got my replacement top done, and basted.  I will get it out by Friday at the latest, and my partner will get an extra treat or two in apology.  Meanwhile, want to see it?

I'm calling it Kaffe Trims the Tree.  I hope my partner likes it- from what she said she likes, I think it will be good for her, but swaps are always so tricky!

I also finished and mailed the baby quilt for my cousin- who is due this week!  Baby Squiggle will hopefully like the quilt as much as his or her friend to be, the groundhog.  What do you think?

Squiggle's mom and dad were married on groundhog day, so we gave them this little guy as a joke...

I also managed to finish a pair of socks.  They are so much fun.  Continuing with my Kaffe streak, I used his landscape yarn and the much loved Jaywalker pattern.  I came SO close to perfectly matching the stripes.  Someday, I'll pull that off.

I mighty maybe have some more time for blogging and quilting over the next month. My folks just left, after very kindly driving the new mini van out to us. (I am now a mini van mom and I admit, I love it.)  The Hubby is on a nightmare work schedule until next year, leaving my evenings after the kids are in bed with lots of me time.  I have one swap quilt to complete after this one, and one christmas gift quilt.  One Christmas gift knit, too, but this year I am taking it slow on home made gifts.  Next year, I'll do more, I promise.

Comments

[brit]

I love that tree...very clever

[MichelleB]

Love that Kaffee Tree! It's great. Those socks are great too. I'm FINALLY trying my hand at knitting socks. I despair ever being able to knit socks like yours, however.

[Beth]

Man, you sure get busy! Even when you think you've slowed down.

Really loving the Christmas tree block and the doll quilt. I even love your socks, although I have no idea how to do that. And Hunnybunny isn't in any hurry for me to pick up a new hobby!

Glad you're back!

[Vicki]

You are so talented! I love the quilts. Someday I'll get into quilting, someday...

[Libby]

I'm sure yo-yos would have been cute, but what you have is wonderful. I bet it will be a hit...

[Cheryl]

I love that Dick and Jane fabric. Too cute!

[Ellen]

Hurray, you still blog! I was very sad to not see you around here. Sniff.

I love the tree, what a clever idea. I might steal it in the future.

Speaking of cool knit socks.. I am wearing mine right now. I love 'em.

Mini van, huh. Next you'll be driving the kids to soccer. I'm glad you like your car. I hate to admit how incredibly convenient they are. I've driven them as rentals and the kids like them better than my SUV.

Keep the posts coming. I love your creativity.

[Hedgehog]

Ooh - love both of those swap quilts! Love those Kaffe Jaywalkers, too!

[Helen]

Ohhhhh I am so glad I teamed up Marilyn with you for the swap! Stunning quilt recieved!!! And the Kaffe tree you made, it is so lovely doesn't matter if its late. :)

[Helen]

Ohhhhh I am so glad I teamed up Marilyn with you for the swap! Stunning quilt recieved!!! And the Kaffe tree you made, it is so lovely doesn't matter if its late. :)

[Ruth]

Love the tree, and the socks are fabulous!

[Carol E.]

I absolutely love the Kaffe Christmas tree!

[cher]

you are the sock knitter queen! love, love your choice of yarns and styles-and know you must be soooo busy to be posting so little. the quilt came out cute and I hope the trip to DC is all you wish! a joyous and less hectic 2009 is what I wish for you! hugs