Monday Morning Star Count 2014/8

What a busy week!  I took some time with my granddaughter, Gracie, to teach her basting hexagons.  Gracie was born at 31 weeks, has a form of autism,  and struggles with her small motor skills.  She actually used the needle :) without my help, and stayed focused long enough to complete 7 - 1" hexies.

When she first started she poked her finger and cried.  I gave her a big hug and told her she would get the hang of it.  Although she was hesitant, she took my thimble (she refused it at first) and put it on her thumb and carried on.  Now for the funny part, when she was finishing her last hexagon, I said, "See, there is no crying in sewing." and she replied (very seriously), "G-Mom, there is no crying in sewing until someone pokes themselves with a needle!"  I couldn't help but laugh.  So here she is:

And look at how proud she was when she finished!  She chose all of her own colors and this is the very first time she basted all by herself.  I am so proud of her!

And so now for my progress.  I was able to add one more section and completed 3 more flowers.

And thank you to everyone who provided suggestions for thimbles!  It was very helpful and I ordered several to try.  I will write a separate post next week with the results.  You are all wonderful!

I am linking up with Jessica at Life Under Quilts!  Check it out and join the fun!

The Finished Quilt & Little Gracie

Okay...so not quite finished, I still have to bind it, but pretty close and I couldn't wait for Gracie to see it.  This quilt will be on her bed up in Maine next summer and she is on her way over to see it now.  Hope she likes it!

The picture above is the front.  I don't think it is bad for my first time!  

Here is the back of the quilt.  I do think that next time I will use a solid back as it did prove tough have the top and backing pieced.

And here is Gracie with her quilt!  She loves it and thinks I am the best G-Mom (grandmother) ever!  She is so funny...I think she likes the back better than the front!

OK - I ran out of fabric to make the binding so I need to order more and then I will post a picture of it completely finished!  On to my next quilt top....I have several waiting to go.  Get ready Grace & Jane!

Sunday Morning Designs

I tend to want all of my hexagons to look "put together" and yet I love the look of less organized or planned designs. My grandchildren were spending time with us at the beach and they absolutely love hexagons, especially Gracie. 

Gracie is an early riser (like me) so I gave her the early morning, quiet task of designing a couple of hexagon flowers for me. What better way to learn to relax and enjoy random placement :-)

Gracie planning her first design. 

Gracie is so proud of her work and I absolutely love them! 

Then Carter woke up and he definitely wanted in on the fun!

Gracie is so good about teaching her little brother.

Carter's contribution is just beautiful. 

Now I have to get to work sewing their hexie flowers together. Gracie is turning 7 next week and has learned how to baste hexies and is of course anxious to be able to piece so we will work on that over the winter. I am very excited to have my grandchildren contribute to the design it will have a lot of memories sewn in!