Trying to sew, but life keeps getting in the way....

Life...., yes, it keeps getting in the way.

We buried my father-in-law, Jose, this afternoon.  He was 88 and died from what appears to be a slip and fall...outside....alone....in our frigid Michigan weather.  My poor husband found his dad, who lived alone,  last Thursday.  The only good thing is that he will be joining my mother-in-law who passed several years ago.

So we have been sorting through his household all this week.

Starting this weekend, we will be moving my daughter, her husband, three little boys, a dog and a cat into OUR house for a few weeks until their new home is ready for them to move in.  Thus...requiring another move.  That will be three moves in just a matter of a couple months. 

So, that brings me to my sewing....my sanity....my salvation.

Remember my saying that I was taking part in a birthday star block exchange?  Well, I have received MY first block (a little early, but the maker is going out of town and wanted to get  a months worth sent out).  I requested country reds and tans.

I had sent out a black and white one for a January birthday, but for the life of me, I couldn't find my picture so I copied this one from the the recipient of this one and she had it lying out in the sun (California) to take her picture.  Of course here in MI, I would have had to lay it out in the snow!  I am so jealous. 

I did make three for the month of February, but until I send them, I can only give you a little hint.

The first one requested blue/blue-violet.  I had to get the color wheel out to make sure I was using the right colored fabric. How'd I do?

This one requested green and ivory.

This  one requested country red and tan.

I am going to send these out this weekend and then in a few days I can post the pictures of the full stars.  I think they turned out pretty good.

Then there is the wedding quilt  (triple Irish chain).  I am getting to think that with the way life is going, I MAY be putting the binding on at the wedding.

Right now I am just making segments.

I need 84 of these and have 10 made.

I need 84 of these and have 16 made.

I need 42 of these and have 15. 

I need 84 and have 29.

I need 84 and have 13. 

I need 84 and have 44. 

I have all 42, 8" solid squares cut out; and I have a full four 20" blocks made.  Doesn't seem like much, but progress is progress whenever I find the time.

One last bit  on the Cherry Trees blocks.

I am three blocks behind, but this has had to be put on the back burner for right now, but I did trace out the last two blocks, #16 and #17.  #15 has all the fabric pieces cut out, so it's not forgotten, but once the wedding quilt is off to the quilter, I will have more applique time. 

Hope you are finding time to quilt.