Off To A Good Start
I'm back after a 24-hour marathon sewing fest and happy to report that progress is being made over here. I must say too, that I was pleased (but not really surprised) by such an enthusiastic response to the Finish What You Have challenge for June. I'm happy that so many have joined up! Thank you all for your wonderful supportive comments and a shout out to Whip Up for making mention of it too. I also just found out that a similar project was happening last month and I apologize if this is redundant for those that may have already started down this path. Apparently many of us still have lots of unfinished projects and need additional motivation! I know I do. So no turning back. 
Currently, I have two large quilts that need to be finished and they are now my number one craft-priority. Naturally there are lots of other things too, but I'm really feeling the need to finish these first. Both are keepsake quilts for my two youngest daughters and it's very likely that these will probably be the last quilts I make in my lifetime with this much detail. I started them both within a few years of each other (obviously going through a crazy applique phase) but got side-tracked and never got back around to finishing either of them. The Dutch Kids & Tulips quilt is further along than the other one even though I started it second, only a mere (ahem) *seven* years ago. It's already been quilted, all by hand too,
(sorry I couldn't help boasting about that.) Well, except for the border. I had the bright idea of quilting windmill motifs all along the edge, one in each scallop. Please someone talk sense to me if I ever come up with an idea like that again, OK? I had about eight more to go which I actually did get done even though it took most of the day. And thank you sweetheart for bringing home that pineapple pizza for dinner so I didn't lose my rhythm. All I need to do now is sew on the estimated ten yards of binding. Will need a good night's sleep before I tackle that. I also got the rest of the sashing cut out and pieced the rest of the blocks together on the Flower Pots quilt. I'll pick up some batting tomorrow so I can get started on the quilting as soon as I finish binding the other one. I don't want to lose my momentum this time. Oh, I do believe I am seeing a little light at the end of the tunnel.
Oh my, these quilts are extraordinary! I can understand why you might have lost steam for a while there. So much work! I can only say they are absolutely magnificant and I wish you lots of luck and energy to get them finished so you can totally show them off to everyone who comes by. Wow wow and wow!
Posted by: sooz | June 02, 2006 at 11:29 PM
Wow, I'm out of breath just reading about it. Beautiful work, they'll be treasured into future generations I am sure.
Posted by: Meg | June 02, 2006 at 11:50 PM
Tulips and children, are beautiful !!! un grand bravo, je regrette de ne pas pouvoir vous parler mieux et plus longtemps !
Posted by: Fanchon68 | June 02, 2006 at 11:53 PM
The Dutch kids quilt is beautiful too! I love applique.
Posted by: Ash | June 03, 2006 at 12:20 AM
I must agree with Meg..breathless, indeed! The quilts are VERY beautiful and indicative of your detailed, gorgeous work. G&G are blessed to receive these works of love.
Posted by: Dawn | June 03, 2006 at 03:04 AM
Wow, you started big! No easing into it for you. The quilts are beautiful.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | June 03, 2006 at 03:43 AM
I have a huge applique project that I desperately need to finish for my daughter. Unfortunately I am nowhere near completion - but I am determined to have it at least ready for hand quilting before this year is over!
Posted by: Amanda | June 03, 2006 at 05:19 AM
I am so glad you share your projects with all of us "out here". It is just breathtaking sometimes to look at your photos. Your work here especially is beautiful. I have never seen the dutch children and tulip pattern and each of them is sure to be prized by your daughters, who, by now know what kind of work will have gone into these! What a pleasure to be involved via the internet on your progress! I love your "can-do" attitude.
Posted by: Joni-MI | June 03, 2006 at 07:12 AM
Just lovely! Very inspirational... I have a box of projects that are near completion (some with only a couple of hours' work left)... time to bring it out and FINISH something!
Posted by: Mary-Heather | June 03, 2006 at 08:56 AM
Where have I been?? I just found out about the Finish what you have...Where do I begin..LOL
Posted by: Gina | June 03, 2006 at 10:44 AM
both of those quilts are amazing...just amazing!! My mom has decided she is going to make a quilt from start to finish by hand. Like the olden days, she says. No rotary cutter, no machine at all. I don't think I would get past the cutting. I thought I may try it with a small quilt or wallhanging. I have to admit, though, machine quilting is pretty nice...but you have inspired me to try some more hand quilting...and to finish up some things.
Posted by: Jenn | June 03, 2006 at 11:00 AM
A friend told me about your site and my cranky response to her was, "Yeah, thanks for telling me about yet another site where I can feel rotten about what I don't get done in a day!" Then I actually came over here and read some of your blog, looked at your gorgeous pictures, lovely quilts, sweet children, beautiful flowers and fell in love. You are one talented woman! Thanks for sharing it all with the world!
Posted by: Lori | June 03, 2006 at 06:02 PM
Wow wow wow! Both of the quilts are stunning. I'm sure they are a LOT of work, but, oh, so wonderful!
Posted by: Lina | June 04, 2006 at 08:14 AM
Um...jeez. I'm impressed again. I hand quilted two little stars on quilt yesterday and felt proud. You are on a serious roll.
Posted by: Amy | June 05, 2006 at 06:20 AM
wow the work that's gone into that applique is wonderful!
Posted by: weirdbunny | June 05, 2006 at 04:18 PM
wow the work that's gone into that applique is wonderful!
Posted by: weirdbunny | June 05, 2006 at 04:18 PM