Normally, I love to take my time and go through all the fabric to make a quilt.  Occasionally, I will get a kit.  This one was a no brainer – it came with all the fabric, super easy patter and a cut little lunch box that held everything.

I didn’t keep it – one of the ladies at work was adopting a child and we had a little party at work.  Turned out it wasn’t a baby per se, but a 2 1/2 yr old.  It took that long for the papers to go through.

Sometimes, take a peek at the kits – saves time.  Keep quilting.

My cousin Mark has a beautiful daughter named Cassie.  Unfortunately for us, her mom moved up to Alaska so I didn’t get to watch her grow up.  Since it gets a little cold up there (an understatement), I thought a little blue and yellow brightness would be nice.  And a Mariner’s Compass so she could always find her way back south. 

Fortunately, she will be visiting this Christmas with her mom.  The Mariner’s Compass was a class I took at Road to Calif Quilt show.  Two different teachers, with two different methods.  Love this pattern.

I had seen this quilt pattern many years ago.  It was first published in the mid to late 70’s (Looks like it was typed on a Selectric typewriter).  Quilter’s Garden listed the class and I was fortunate that my 3 Saturdays were free.  I made this one in 1 week and started a 2nd one in a different color by the last class and then did 1 more.  It is a wonderful “take-along” quilt.  You can work on it anywhere and it makes a lovely wall hanging.

Thanks for reading.

I don’t remember the name of the pattern or what magazine published it, but I remember who won the quilt.  Tom Carman was a co-worker who every year donated $100 to our team Fire Walkers.

Tom knew his fire prevention.  He also took in a cat that had it tail severed in an accident.  Unfortunately, Tom left us a few years later.  When I see this pictures of this quilt, I am reminded of how he always brought me a funny magnet, told his horrible jokes and his friendship. I miss you Tom.

Lois was our admin assistant and basically ran the department.  She was always there to assist with the annual Bake Sale/Raffle where the proceeds went to Susan Komen OC Race for the Cure.  She never won the quilts that I donated so when she gave her notice, I knew this was the quilt for her.  The colors matched her living room and she really enjoyed the quilt.

Her smile says it all.

I found this fabric in El Cajon at Rosie’s Calico Cupboard.  I first used this fabric for a Magic slice and dice.  With the leftovers, I fussy cut the fish, combined the blue and yellow sashing strips, and framed it in.  I gave this quilt to a co-worker who had been trying to adopt a baby for years.  Her dream came true a few years ago and since she is such a UCLA fan, this was the perfect quilt to give her.  Thanks for reading.