To Texas and North Carolina... with quilts

My month in the U.S. is drawing to a close.  It's been pretty wonderful, in between some stressful travel days here and there.  

First up, Texas - we got vaccinated immediately, the Johnson and Johnson "one and done".  Such a relief to finally be vaccinated. 

The thrill was David finally meeting Charlotte for the first time!   Very happy Grandad!

I brought Charlotte her butterfly quilt: 

Little lovey napping with her log cabin baby quilt and an afghan made by her paternal Grandmother.  Cozy, so sweet. 

She really likes the little kawandi quilt too and brought it over to Kaela last night - so cute.  It's a bit of an "eye spy" or "identify the colors" type of quilt and it's pint sized and soft with the double-gauze backing. 

Minnie hanging out with me in my room: 

I sometimes joke that in this house, every quilt is also a dog quilt (I don't mind).  

I also brought them their Christmas quilt.  I tacked back the binding over several evenings.    Kaela is real pleased with it so that makes me happy: 

Did I mention that every quilt is a dog quilt?  Minnie wanted to get in on the action. 

After a week we flew to North Carolina for four days.   Unfortunately (or fortunately) I was so in the moment I hardly took any photos. 

Walking a possible lot (the dream is to have my brother David build us a house in or near Chapel Hill, once our time in Japan is finished) 

 

My brother in his new shop: 

And the cozy apartment he and Janette created above it, to live in while they build their next home.  

In North Carolina we stayed with Noelle and Keenan in Raleigh and sure enjoyed the beautiful trees outside our room: 

Two of their cats - cozy cozy. 

Noelle's college quilt still in use;).  

I gave Noelle and Keenan their Christmas quilt too (no photos!) - I think they will enjoy it! 

Next we went to Massachusetts and Maine and I will blog about that next. 

Right now I'm finishing up my extra week in Texas, nursing a bad head cold (ugh), expecting a negative result from this afternoon's COVID test....  and David is already back in Japan quarantining in the apartment.   The bad news for me is that Japan just added Texas to "the list" and I will be put into a government designated facility for the first 72 hours of my quarantine.  Fun times ahead (not).  

I'm packing some provisions to supplement what is bound to be a difficult-for-me food situation during those three days.   I expect a lot of fish and mystery items, but I also expect I will have a water kettle to use (standard in Japanese hotel rooms).   And wifi!  Please let there be good wifi! 

So, I will blog again in a few days, during my "hotel jail" time.  ;).  

xo 

Cynthia 

Indigo Butterflies finish!

 

I really channeled by 70's childhood with this quilt.  I wrote in detail about the blocks here.  

The butterflies are indigo and Liberty.  The border and backing are both Liberty as well, making for a very light soft quilt.  

I machine quilted it very simply, with asymmetrical straight lines.   It should stand up to a lot of use and washings!   I free-motioned the border and included Charlotte's name.  

We often call as soon as we wake up in the mornings.  I love waking up this way! 

In one week from NOW, we will be at the airport boarding our flight to the U.S.  Our trip will be about 23 hours total door to door.  And then I will be able to wrap Charlotte in a quilted hug, in person.   

x gratefully, 

Cynthia 

Indigo Butterflies , and azaleas

 

I'm making a little butterfly quilt for my grand daughter, Charlotte, who will turn one in June.   Here she is, nine months of sweetness and joy!  We are making *hopeful* summer plans to see all all our kids.  I pray it all works out! 

Indigo, and Liberty fabrics.  Sashiko antennae.   These are so fun to make!   

I've been slowly working on these blocks for the past few months.  I drew my patterns based on a quilt my own Grandma made for me when I was about 12.  It's not the same shape but it's similar, and the blocks are twelve inches too.  Bold.  This is the third time I'm making a butterfly quilt. 

Edited to add: (I forgot I took my old blog "off line") - 

Here was my inspiration - butterfly quilt made for me by my Grandma Mary Lou in 1976:

I prepped with freezer paper and used invisible machine appliqué.  On my machine (Bernina 475QE) my settings are:

• 20 C open toe embroidery foot 
• stitch #3, vari overlock
• needle position -1 
• mirror image 
• stitch length 1.0
• stitch width 1.5 
• monofilament thread in needle; cotton in bobbin

I finished the blocks today. I need to think about settings and I know I will keep it super simple and practical. 

Yesterday, I went on a small group outing to Nezu Shrine, a twenty minute train ride, and short walk away from my place.  For a small fee we were admitted to a meandering walk through the most amazing display of azaleas!  

This tree absolutely stopped me in my tracks.  A giant ginko tree. 

These spring days are so lovely.  I'm enjoying every minute... 

xo gratefully 

Cynthia