The next-next generation

Since my children would be the next generation, I have titled this post as the 'next-next' generation. I see my grandchildren often and am lucky enough to babysit them. At times I have tried to show them different crafts that they could do. There is always paper, crayons and markers available. I have even started some of them on needlework. My own children used to do plastic canvas needlepoint and I still have some the pieces they have made. My eldest son actually made a model of his high school in plastic canvas years ago. One of my grandchildren, Esme, has taken to needlework at a very young age. This past summer, when I visited them in Nelson, British Columbia, where they were staying at the time, I brought a small plastic canvas kit. It was actually shown as a cross stitch kit. Esme started it while I was there and when assistance was needed (mainly to thread the needle), I helped out. 

It didn't take long for Esme to figure out how to cross stitch. Here's a photo of the finished piece. The family is now in France. 

Before arriving in France, they were in Barcelona and while there, a small kit was purchased. To remember the family's time in Spain, Esme chose this piece and is hard at work. It's almost finished and I am one happy grandmother (or Mummi.)I was on facetime with Esme and her mom this morning and before hanging up, Esme had to finish the rose. Now, all that's left are cross stitching the leaves. Determination. There are so many other things for Esme to learn - needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, wool felting and on and on...

Doctor, Doctor!

My eldest son Mark just successfully defended his PhD. We now have a doctor in the family.

I am one proud mom. It was over a decade in the making.

Baby quilts

I just found out that I will be a grandmother for the 14th time. I would like to make something special but at the moment I am in the middle of quilting a Minecraft quilt for another grandchild. My relationship with my sewing machine has not been what it once was when my Kenmore died. It's been hard to get back into the swing of things but I shall try. This may get me motivated to sewing once again.

This is the quilt I am working on at the moment. I have taken two turns so far. Once I get more done, I shall post again.

Quilt show - part three

 Here are the rest of the quilt show photos. Enjoy!

There were small tables that were covered with lovely quilts. I don't know who made them but they were all gorgeous. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to take a photo of all of them but here's three.

I hope you enjoyed the show. It was fun to re-visit all the quilts.

What's in a name?

I had to share this. 

As seen on Facebook

I never really liked my name. Being of Finnish descent, I would have liked a Finnish name. That's why my children all have names that are Finnish (the boys names and my youngest daughter's are anglicized in spelling.) Laila, Mark, Maili, Eric and Ayla.

Quilt show - part two

It's so nice to visit this show. I was in a rush when I attended and just basically breezed in and out. I'm surprised at how many photos I took. I hope you enjoy the show.

This is stunning in person.

There are a few more photos...