A is for Aardvark .ie Earth Pig

A is for Aardvark

Here's my latest finished quilt top. It's a hand embroidery "black work" design project I've had in my head for several weeks.  The animal print fabrics have been sitting in my stash for "years" just waiting for a chance to cheer up a quilt.  

Since I come from an elementary science background, animals have always intrigued me, not to mention, I have an abundance of wildlife in my yard as some of you have read about.

I'm always practicing my hand embroidery skills which are nearly non-existent ...... no really!

I decided to share my designs with everyone who wants to get in some practice and have a great child's quilt at the end of the process, as well.  

Starting in January, I'll be posting, weekly (BOW = Block of the Week), 

the designs and doing a few give-aways to my "FOLLOWERS", as well. I love give-aways and always try to give great fabrics, book and patterns. So if you're into that sort of thing, make sure to become a "FOLLOWER". But you do not have to be a "FOLLOWER" to participate in the BOW.  

It took me about two to three hours on each block which measures 6 1/2 inches unfinished .... but more about all that in January.

below are a few blocks to wetter your appetites.

I chose critters from the Animal Kingdom rather than just domesticated or wild animals. 

I named the quilt "A is for Aardvark" because (1) I love aardvarks which are amazing animals (check out this link for more info); & (2) it was the first block on the quilt.

On a personal note......

My heart is still heavy and prayerful for the families, children, teachers, first responders and community of Newtown, Connecticut. To aid in the healing, Becky at Quilters Corner in New Milford, CT is asking for donations of PILLOWCASES for the 600 or so children of Sandy Hook Elementary.  If you would care to join this effort simply make a pillowcase or cases

and mail them to:

Quilters Corner

312 Danbury Rd.

New Milford, CT  06776

Here's a tutorial video on How-To make a pillowcase. Certainly there are plenty of ways to make them but this is one of my favorites.

In Memory of.....

Yesterday was the first annivesary of the passing of my very dear girlfriend, Jerri Hendrix.
I use to wonder what it meant when someone said that they knew someone who is the life of the party......I'd never met anyone that fit that bill until I met Jerri.
We met via our love of quilting and traveling.  Most of you know I'm a member of a group......"WackyPac" quilters......Jerri was in that group.  The girl was a barrel of laughs, a great listener and a wonderful road trip buddy.
We often laughed at Jerri's quick wit and catch phrases such as....."Not it" when she didn't want to do something......."&#*(% Bunny".........."I get the schematic"......"Try page 126 of your Janome Handbook".......
I know these little tidbits are weird to you all......but are precious and funny to the "Wackies".......one of those, you had to be there moments.
When Jerri was very ill and recovering in the hospital for weeks the other year, we decided to send her get well cards each day, just to cheer her up and keep here in the loop of the group, so to speak.....Jerri was very happy to receive the cards, but in Jerri fashion....after about 30 cards, she said, "Guys, I love these but, damn could you stop it....I don't have enough wall space to hang all of them!"
I made the video to ease the pain of our group when we lost Jerri to cancer last March.  Each time I watch this video, the different parts make me laugh and cry all at once but it also keeps Jerri close to me and our little group.  The song I chose is upbeat and perks the spirit, just as Jerri always did.
You're always in my heart, girlfriend!