This year's church auction quilt

As with previous year's I wanted to donate a quilt for the annual auction at my church, St. James Episcopal, Groveland, MA.  I've been doing this for quite a few years and have enjoyed the making of the items, the praise for my handiwork, and that my efforts brought in much needed funds.

In the past there have been some group projects and these were really a delight.  Then there were a number of years where I worked alone.  This year it was a joint project with my good friend, L.  She was most kind and generous, let me take the lead, make just about all the decisions, and was willing and capable to do what needed doing.

I have to say, I am very pleased with the final result.  I had seen a quilt pattern somewhere on FB and purchased it for, well under $2.00.  I had an assortment of fabrics for a baby quilt that I wanted to use.  

As we progressed this morphed from a baby quilt to something larger and, I like to think, better.  We added a couple of rows to make it larger.  Then some loops and buttons so it could be folded and fastened to become a sleep sack.  That inspired a matching pillow with a sham that could be laid flat for a teddy or pet blanket.  And it all rolled up nicely and fit into a matching duffel bag for easy transport to wherever.

Once the piecing was done I decided this was a great opportunity to try something I'd wanted to do for quite some time.  I have neither the space nor the funds for a long arm quilting machine, but I really wanted to try my hand at it.  There is is this great shop in Burlington MA, the Burlington Electric Quilt company where you can get lessons on using the machines and then book time to do your own.

I didn't have enough time to go that route, so I booked a block of time with individual tutoring to get it done.  That was great fun.  And I was so thrilled to find a baby elephant quilt pattern, it went so well with fabrics.

It was well received at the auction, the winning bidder was my dear friend C who has gifted it to a couple we both know who are expecting their second child.  I especially like that it has found a home with folks I know.