New York City Quilts!

This past weekend, Mike and I went to New York City and attended a multi-family, multi-event party! We celebrated my Mom and my Uncle Stanley's 75th birthdays (respectively this past Sunday and coming in July), as well as my nephew Ben's 10th birthday (in early June) and double Father's Day (my Dad and my Uncle Stanley). About a month ago I had the brilliant idea to make a New York City quilt as a birthday gift for my Mom, who is a native New Yorker. Then I decided that I should make one for my Uncle Stanley as well, since we were also going to be celebrating his 75th birthday and he is also a native New Yorker. Both Mom and Uncle Stanley have relocated to warmer climates in retirement; Mom and Dad to sunny Florida, Uncle Stanley and Aunt Marcia (Mom's youngest sister) to even sunnier Hawaii. Did I mention that my brilliant idea occurred while I was on my quilting week in the Berkshires? While I was away, I ordered all of the fabric from www.cityquilter.com, most of the New York prints are theirs exclusively. The fabric arrived shortly after I came home from my trip. I made both quilts in a generous lap size in the yellow brick road pattern from Terri Atkinson at  www.atkinsondesigns.com. Look closely and you'll find subway maps, famous NYC landmarks including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, yummy bagels of all flavors and of course, the ubiquitous New York City taxi!

Unfortunately I didn't have time to finish both quilts in three weeks, but I brought both tops to show the intended recipients and my Mom and my Uncle were very excited. Next, I need to mail them off to the machine quilter so I can get them quilted!

I did get to visit City Quilter in person on my trip. They even have an adjacent quilt gallery with rotating exhibits. Mike went in for a few minutes then headed off happily to the camera store. City Quilter was celebrating "Bernina Day" and having customer raffles and I won a small Minkee blanket kit. I bought a pattern for a rag rug because I knew that I would have to carry everything home. I also bought a quilting magazine because I knew we were going to the classical guitar store next and I wanted Mike to have all the time that he wanted. He is always very patient when I go to the quilt store.

My sister-in-law, Diane, also loved the quilts, so there may end up being a third one in the series!

Pugs and kisses,
Nancy

Berkshire Quilt Week in Photos

Sorry to have left you all hanging! Meant to write Part 2 of the post, but life has gotten in the way...lots of traveling for work and a busy social life for the newlyweds in June. Almost every weekend is booked. I'm already tired!

Anyway, here are some more photos. At the top is my one finished project. It is a giraffe baby quilt. I've had the giraffe fabric forever and it was calling to get out of the box. I don't think the finished project "sings", so I'm a little disappointed. I wish that I had enough giraffe fabric for the borders. Not sure if I'll put this one in my Etsy shop or give it as a gift. Below the giraffe quilt is a photo of my animal baby quilt in progress. I did applique all of the little animals on my vacation. Next, I need to embroider all the animal noises. This quilt is for my cousin Joel and his wife Anelia who are having their first baby this month. Joel is 52, so he's definitely going to be having an adventure!

Here is Joannie hard at work on her Apple Quilt and here is the completed top! This is a gift for her cousin. The colors are quite eye-popping in person. Joannie's cousin loves apples and has decorated her house with them, so it is sure to be a hit!

Here is Sally with her lovely quilt top that she finished at the Berkshires! It was a John Flynn class from the Vermont Quilt Festival. I can't remember the name of the pattern. Below is Cheryl's (camera-shy) lovely Row by Row Oriental Quilt. Wish I had participated! Cheryl made the top row and the quilt was passed through the group and everyone added their own row. Sally has a wonderful Winter Row by Row, but I didn't take a photo. Bummer!

Here is the diligent Kim P working on her Orca Bay Mystery from Bonnie Hunter's wonderful website: www.quiltville.com. I believe that Kim said that there were 700 of those teeny tiny triangles to make! It will be a stunner when it's finished. Note: this was a free pattern, however Bonnie has taken it down because the pattern is now included in her new book, coming out this summer!

Happy Quilting! Have a great weekend!
Pugs and kisses,
Nancy