A bit of Sewing!

I’ve been quiet, but not sitting still. This was our last week here in Pretoria, South Africa…. I had to finish a quilt. So between the Household Goods being packed and the packing of the Air Freight I completed a quilt for my housekeeper- Maria. Her favorite color is brown… I had to order the fabrics online and really need a variety, so I ordered a charm pack and a fat quarter bundle. I would have liked a bit more contrast…. but I made the best of what I had….. the back is a piece of ‘shwe shwe’ that the DH brought back from Rwanda for me. The color was perfect for this quilt.

The center was meandered, a medium size, straight stitching in the black border -2 rows and a vine and leaves in the outer borders. I also quilted her name and a sentiment on the bottom.

I hope that it brings here warmth and comfort, and reminds her of me.

Me, I have some quilty ways to remember South Africa as well. The Kwetterkwilters helped me celebrate my birthday a little early, since I wouldn’t be here for the ‘real’ occasion. I picked August 15 for the date. For the birthday blocks it was the receiver that chose their theme…. I chose ‘Africa’! Oh, did I get some great responses!!!! I have one more block but didn’t have the time to photograph it. I will post it later!

But the blocks I have are these, from Corrianne (giraffe & bowls), Lynnette (the African Elephant) and Leatitia the 2 strip pieced squares.

I also received a most marvelous block from Marina. It is all about South Africa and the Free State. It has symbols and words that describe the country and her love of her homeland! It is most wonderful. I am thinking it will be framed and hung in my future sewing studio!

We will be airborne in a bit more than 5 hours…. a very long flight (18 hours total) and we will be in Washington DC.

As always- MORE LATER - Beth