Elephants for good luck

I was approached a few months ago by my dear friend to create a special gift for her nephew-on-the-way. My friend's brother and his wife had learned during an ultrasound that their first child would have some significant health complications. They were, of course, shocked and afraid. Upon hearing this news, my friend decided that she needed to do something. She found beautiful, unique, organic fabric for a custom quilt. She chose an elephant print, because elephants symbolize good luck. When I learned that the baby would be born early, we rushed to finish the quilt- we wanted this little baby and his family to know that his birth was being cherished.

This quilt means so much to me- because it was chosen with care, and because it was meant for a very special boy. I think it's lovely, and I hope you do too. I have some elephant fabric left, and I think the Dewdrop Crafts team might have to create another quilt like this. I love the spirit of this quilt, and I think it's something that should be shared.

My friend's nephew is doing amazingly well. He's been transferred to a hospital in his community and his parents will be taking him home soon. He's eating well and is becoming more in tune with his environment everyday. He loves to cuddle his mom and dad. I hope he knows that I think of him often, and that it was a true pleasure to celebrate his birth.

Bringing back the pompom

It occurred to me the other day that I've never actually sewed anything for Scarlett.

Heidi, my baby, has many things I've made. She gets all of my prototypes- she's the source of much inspiration. When Scarlett was a baby, I was just getting into my sewing groove, and was more likely to start and stop projects than actually finish them. I have quilts that were intended for Scarlett that are pieced and quilted, but never finished- this was back in the day when putting the binding on a quilt was enough to give me palpitations. Luckily, thanks to Auntie Dawn, I'm over that.

It's time to start planning a project for Scarlett. She deserves something her mama has made just for her. She's turning the big 3 in September, and it's time.

I saw this today, and I think it's just right. I love the fun feel of this throw. It's perfect for her big girl bed. Scarlett will love it- it's fancy and whimsical and kind of eccentric, just like her. And it has pompoms. Which makes it either kind of weird or super cool. I'm going with cool. Perfect for my beautiful, cool, almost 3 year old girl.

Image courtesy of allfreesewing.com

Shout out to Magrieta's Quilt Shop

My 'vacation' in Florida has been wonderful. Sun, sand, surf... and of course shopping! I've hit the outlets. I think they recognize me at Target.

But wait, there's more. I wouldn't be me if I wasn't scouting out the local quilting stores while in town. My mom, who will from this point forward be referred to as Babs, which is her grandmother and sewing guru name, did some reconnaissance before I arrived in Florida and discovered this gem. Introducing Magrieta's Quilt Shop. Check it out the next time you're in St. Augustine, people. If fabric is your thing, you'll love it here. It's awesome.

My photos don't properly capture the AMAZING selection here. These lovely ladies ordered me a bolt of fabric, and although I try to avoid paying retail for my fabric, I couldn't resist a few gorgeous prints. I stopped in twice. I may go back. Look out St. Augustine, there's one slightly out of control fabric lover on the loose.

My favourite thing about this shop? I loved the quilted signs handing outside the store. So charming.

Love!

Now... back to the sun.

My favourite (old) project

There are a few reasons why I don't have many photos to share of new projects.

1. I am busy, busy with custom orders at the moment, and don't like to share images of custom orders until they've been delivered to their new home. In a week or two, I'll have lots to share. And trust me, there is LOTS to share. Exciting Dewdrop developments on the horizon- keep your hats on!

2. I am still sunning myself in Florida, and I find it awfully hard to tear myself away from the beach to sew. Can you blame me?

3. I'm more than a little obsessed with my new blog at the moment. Need to work on my sewing/blog balance. Will blog tomorrow about how that's going. Ha!

So, in light of the fact that I'm low on current intel, I thought I'd share some photos of one of my favourite projects to date. A special quilt for Heidi. I am still in love with this fabric- I don't recall who designed this, but it feels like something by Westminster Fibers, who create gorgeous designs. 

This quilt has a solid front, is filled with bamboo cotton blend batting (as are all of my quilts), and is backed with natural flannel. This has been the most amazing stroller quilt and has been used every day for tummy time. It's soft and warm. It's a basic quilt, but I love it. Maybe because of the baby. Really, isn't this the most adorable baby you've ever seen?