Exuberant Wanda - in person!

Last weekend, it was my pleasure to reconnect with a dear friend, Wanda Hanson of Exuberant Color.  Wanda and I were in a bee together years ago, and while we "see" each other in blogland, this was our first meeting in over 20 years! Where does the time go???

Wanda and I holding her beautiful zigzag quilt - done in Wanda's favorite scrap style, and with a touch of zebra - she loves everything zebra!  This zigzag pattern is by Sujata over at Root Connection.  

I think this pattern is called Soul Searching by Kathy Doughty (at Material Obsession).  I like how Wanda put the "color jars" closer to each other than in Kathy's desigh.

This photo - as with all the others, actually - does NOT do this quilt justice!  It is a stunning  collection of Kaffe and other fabrics - those yellow and pink prints are so sunny and happy, like the most gorgeous garden.

This quilt is called pluses, I think.  Another great scrap quilt! And check out another Kathy Doughty design in the background with the wedge shapes. 

I call this one Wonky Trip - great in the reds with grays.  Wanda truly understands color - how you need to balance values, and warm and cool colors.  

Another wonky trip - Wanda has an AMAZING stash, and  it really shows in her quilts.  

Another view of Wanda's zigzag - the end to a perfect visit!  Make sure to visit Wanda's blog to see what she's up to!

Two Finishes! Zigzag and Journey Through

Emily's Zig Zag! This is a gift to my daughter, Emily, on the achievement of her MBA from Boston University.  I am super happy with how this turned out! And Emily and her dad did a great job with the photography! I don't even mind the shadows on the quilt.
I wanted to make a scrap quilt, and Emily wanted a more modern look - so this is my compromise.  Machine quilted by Sue Pawlowski.

Quilting detail - love the pattern, and how the swirls contrast with the angular piecing. I used a cotton classic type batt, which is loftier than the thin, more popular types.  I like how the loft shows off the quilting.

Nice pose with Emily's beagle-Jack Russel mix, Cohen.  Pretty cute.

Not the best shot, but I had to give Emily's other dog equal time.  This is her new boxer puppy, Vinny.

This was made for Matthew, Emily's fiance, on the achievement of his MBA from Harvard University.  Matt traveled all over the country, to many cities - 10, I think - in order to land his current job in Austin, Texas.  This quilt represents that journey, and all of the cities he visited.  The design is a take-off on the "Greetings from Austin" sign, in Austin, Texas.

This was lots of fun to make, and took way longer than I expected! Isn't that always the way?

Where did 60 years go?

Yesterday was my - I can hardly believe it - 60th birthday! How did this happen? I'm not sad, or upset - just surprised, I guess!
My family threw me the best party ever!  Including a scratch-made coconut cake, yum!!!

Part of the decorations - a "looking back" poster, showing events from the year I was born.  So cute, thanks Hannah!

Another poster, with various photos through the years.

Baby me, 59 years ago! 

We had a PHOTO BOOTH at my birthday party! I love how they used a music stand as the tablet's tripod.  

They even had props, including the biggest floppy brimmed hat I've ever seen.  And as a perfect touch, they hung an antique quilt as a backdrop.  My grandma made this in 1944, as a wedding gift to my mom and dad.
Thanks for the great party!