Zigzag Quilt Decision; New Life; Best Garden Bargain Ever!

Finally getting somewhere on this project! I made a couple of changes, and I think I finally have something that both my daughter, Emily (the recipient) and I will like.  I added MORE fabrics (always a good choice, if you ask me), in warmer tones, and I also changed it to a scrappy, yet somewhat organized, layout. Someone told me once, when arranging flowers, you should always add yellow, to help the colors blend better. I think it holds true in quilting, too. Always add a little yellow.  And black.  And of course, lime green. Yay.

Someone new arrived this week! Meet Lena Mae, born to the lovely Kristin, who is the best friend of my daughter, Emily.  Kristin had told Emily about the birth right away, but swore her to secrecy until Kristin spread the news on facebook.  Well, Emily's excitement got the best of her, and she sent me an email yesterday, with the following subject line:  "Okay I cannot hold this in any longer".  (Don't worry, I didn't tell anyone else, and the news hit facebook later that same day) When I read what had happened, I burst into tears right there at my desk at work, happy tears. I have known Kristin for so long, and love her so.  Welcome, little Lena!

I just LOVE my newest hydrangeas! These three plants are all the "Bombshell" cultivar, somewhat similar to the "Incrediball", but smaller in stature.  Perfect size for the bed between my porch and the sidewalk.  I found the plants ON CLEARANCE at Lowe's late last year, for ....drum roll....$5.29 each!!!! I pounced on them!  Scott said, "how many do you want?" I got six!

Here's another Bombshell, by itself, in front of our bedroom window.  My window box has NEVER looked this good, the petunias are going to town! Geeves, the blue heron, is keeping watch.

Making progress!



Had a full free evening last night - which hasn't happened for a while!  Took advantage, and make some big strides in assembling my Color Challenge quilt top. 
The sewing itself is not difficult, but I created this quilt improvisationally.  The creating part was great fun, but fitting everything together proved challenging, even for a seasoned sewer as myself! (I won't even tell you how many years I've been sewing.)



Sorry this photo is blurry - I just wanted to give you a peek as to the progress on this quilt top, without showing the entire top.
Suffice it to say - I am very happy that I figured out how to make it all fit!
My final project will be creating corner blocks on this design.  Maybe I'll start on that tonight - I've got an idea at least!



This hydrangea is right next to my front sidewalk, where everyone walks by every day (we live very close to our downtown, so we have lots of foot traffic, plus all of our neighbors of course).  At first glance, it appears to be a prize-worthly blossom!




But as you can see, this seemingly giant blossom is actually many blossoms, all on the same main stem, but clustered close together.  It doesn't diminish it's beauty, though!



Garden Walk July 4th - Hydrangea Tour

I LOVE this hydrangea! I had read about this hybrid, called Incrediball - so-called, because of the HUGE blossoms, plus the stems are extra strong, to support the flowers. I found this at the local Home Depot, on clearance, last fall. I had to create a spot for it, on the spot - and loves it there. How about that?

Don't know the name of this one - I call it Cone-Shaped Hydrangea. We bought it at an awesome garden store in Chicago last fall. Remember the praying mantis that piggy-backed its way into our car? It was on this plant!

Hot pink hydrangea!

Last - but NOT least - our "crown jewel" - Oak Leaf Hydrangea. It is gorgeous! When it first bloomed, now, and into the fall. Hope you enjoyed my little tour!