We had a baby shower for my daughter Laura, the mother-to-be,  just over a week ago.  I took the quilt along, wrapped it with a note  that said: a work in progress. Sarah held up the quilt so guests could see.  Perfect time to take a picture.

I have a few weeks before the baby is due and hope to have it done in time. Laura selected this panel when we went to the quilt shop. It’s a perfect match to the colours in the nursery, soft yellow and green. For a late start, this project is going pretty well.

I’m hand quilting around these baby animal characters, like my grandmothers would have done, if they’d had such a panel.  Cutting fabric in pieces and sewing it back together in true patchwork style did not go very well. Neither did my first attempt at machine quilting. I ripped stitches, oh so carefully, and started over,  doing it by hand with a big embroidery hoop.

My grandmothers were very skilled at using a thimble, but I feel all thumbs when I use one. They’re not here to help me, so I do the best I can.

I plan to use my machine’s random quilting foot on the outer borders.  I’ve practised that on my own and in my lesson on my new sewing machine. For now,  I’m working a little each evening to get it done.  I’ve got a palm tree, the monkey and two butterflies to go. It’s looking good and it’s really warm, keeping me warm too while I quilt, even in this present heat. Good thing we’ve got air conditioning.

I called my daughter last evening to see how she’s faring. She’s in her last week of work before her maternity leave begins and doing well, considering the time and the hot humid weather. I updated her on the quilt progress. She hasn’t seen it since the shower.

She asked if I’m anticipating the baby as I quilt.  “Oh, yes, all the time.” I think about how this little person will study the characters on the quilt and smile, just as I do while stitching around them. It’s  a happy panel, quilted with love.