I've been busy with a few projects lately that I wanted to show you. I finally got around to taking and uploading these photos for you to enjoy. So far, I think they are all turning out really nice!

This first one I started out a while back, and actually may have already posted it, but here it is again, just in case not. It is really only 1 of 4 panels. There are 2 the same size and shape is this one-one being the shepherds, the other being the Wise Men. The 4th panel is the same size and shape as well, but is turned sideways and lays above the other 3- horizontally. It is a stunning angel carrying a banner and a trumpet. I looked for a very long time for a quilt pattern that told the Christmas story in it's entirety, but there are like NONE out there that I could find save this one. There are tons of teddy bears, and stars, and cutsey stuff like that, but none that had an elegant flair and mature theme like this one! I am so happy with it so far.

Most of you know I've been teaching a quilting class to some local women (5) for the last couple of months. I wanted to show you the blocks we've sewn so far- the last one for the empty spot will be a Sawtooth Star. For all of you quilters out there, they've learned all kinds of techniques like rotary cutting, measuring with the empirical system, Y-seams, chain stitching, hand applique, and the preciseness needed in sewing exact seams and matching up corners. We have 2 weeks left of piecing, then it's on to getting our blocks together and ready for quilting!! So far they are really looking lovely!

This one is for me! It's the first BIG hand-quilting project I've tackled. I have to be really honest here; I don't really like the quilting part of quilting! I love to work with those colors and textures and patterns and shapes, but oh, Lordy! Hand quilting takes FOREVER!

Here is a detail of the Dresden Plate Blocks that I did a medium meandering stitch with variagated thread on. I adore the colors I chose! I can really live with this wall hanging!

The plates are hand appliqued on and hand stitched together.

I also took a picture of the hand work on the white parts of the quilt. Each section takes about 2-3 hours, and there are 20 in all. 3 x 20= 60 hours.

I've named this one Flower and Garden Festival. For all of my Disney friends, you can appreciate this one. I love EPCOT; and I love me some F&G show!! We were there last year for it, and the park was absolutely stunning with millions of flowers everywhere! This quilt is completely hand appliqued except for the sashing. I have fallen in love with hand applique. I really, really like it. I think I love hand working applique, and can't stand hand quiliting, mostly because I can't wear a thimble-- and getting through 3 layers hurts like the dickens!! I've just never found one that fits me, and it's forever falling off. I hate that! So, it's wtih a naked middle finger that I spend hours sewing away.

Here it is in its entirety, but sideways. But you can get the picture, I think. I'm completely open to ideas for quilting this one. I'm really just not sure what to do with it, so am stalled out on it. If you have any quilting friends, please send them over!!! No, I don't mean to here; I mean over here to the blog! I need some inspiration here!

Well there you have it! An entire post about my little projects. You know, I'm actually thinking of selling one of these?? What do you think??

Until Next Time,

Your SteppeSister

Being over 40, and not of the "blogging generation", I thought I'd give it all a try. Let me introduce myself... I am married to The Water Guy, and have 5 WONDERFUL kids. We live on the Central Asian Steppe and live a pretty simple life as we do our development work. I can't think of too many kids- at least in the States who: regularly drink fermented horse's and camel's milk, know how to fluently speak another language, have eaten in a yurt, or have travelled to no less than 10 countries in their lives.

My passions are quilting, watching great classic movies, enjoying a good cup of coffee every day, spending time in Scripture with my good coffee, playing Settlers, listening to my daughters play guitar, and sleeping in on Saturdays. In summer, I grow a garden, have regular campfires with my family, and watch the stars with our telescope. In winter, I make hot cocoa, read a lot, and quilt more.

I am challenged by trying to cook good meals with the limited ingredients available here. I love everything about Thai food, homemade Mexican food and a good Margarita. I am also challenged as I try to keep up with my 4 students still at home homeschooling. I learn something new everyday, and that keeps me on my toes. My live is very full- I wouldn't change a thing!