Flower Basket Runner, Family Times, Quiltmania Blocks

 I guess the humidity and high temperatures are good for flowers. I've never had such huge blooms on the Hydrangeas...totally smothering flowers I've planted around them. I must make a note to move these in the fall. 

The wonderful Day Lilies are blooming. There are many scattered about. 

Tony turned 84 last week and we had a wonderful family celebration for him. He enjoyed the attention and especially the food. Bruschetta to start and then a steak and shrimp meal most of it barbequed by SIL, Brad, with sides by Beth, the cake maker. 

 He doesn't like to smile as he thinks his smile is goofy looking.

Beth's cake, a four layer chocolate, was delicious. Italian buttercream frosting.

I've been feeling productive in the garden and in the house too this summer. Keeping myself very, very busy. As mentioned before lots of sorting going on in the Sewing room as well- taking stock, as it were. And recently I treated myself to some stitchy mail, a fat quarter bundle of Sundance by Crystal Manning for Moda. 

Very flowery and to me an autumn look. A nice change from the reds and pinks of summer '23. It is excellent quality fabric too.

  I spent an enjoyable evening stitching quilting lines on this table topper. I debated how to arrange this basket and also use other of the smaller Solidarity blocks.

 Finally settled on this arrangement. I'm so pleased to use Tone Finnanger's, the talent behind the Tilda brand, smaller flower blocks on the sides.

I like her EPP flower block very much and would love to make a bigger project with it. With more practice now, I could do a better job of stitching the pieces- I think. 

Here is the link to the Quiltmania post which includes the templates to stitch all the blocks. The directions, etc. are all still available and it is fun to see what your favourite designer might have contributed. A whopping 80 of them participated.

I hope you all are equally engaged in enjoyable pastimes, ones that lift your spirits and help you cope with whatever life is throwing at you. "Oh yes, you will be tested," my grandfather used to say. 

So happy to share this post with So Scrappy. Also happy to share with Quilting is More Fun Than Housework, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, Songbird Designs and Kathy's Quilts.