A new painting and my talented son

I finally finished a floral painting I started awhile ago. Instead of tracing the photo, I sketched it and didn't paint in every leaf in the background, so this is a big different style for me. The other artwork here was created by my talented son, they are all based on the "long cat" Internet theme.

Back from Atlanta

Here's the cat quilt I showed you earlier, with Baby J! I just got back from a week in Atlanta to visit her. Such a cutie! I have more pics to share, but jet lag is catching up with me, time to retire for the night.

Cats in the window

This won't be much of a surprise if my son sees it, but I made this bright quilt to send to baby Jeannette. I used the "envelope" method of sewing the backing, batting, and top together and then turning it right-side out, so there is no binding needed. It still needs machine quilting and then I will pop it in the mail. I also finished the Mola Quilt that I had pieced together a few months ago.

First grand baby, first clothing design

I looked all over but could not find a christening gown that I liked. They were either way too elaborate (I had only a few weeks to make it) or too simple, like white play dresses. So I did what any thinking knitter would do, and designed one. Using creamy cashmere laceweight from my stash--I don't need a white lace shawl for myself, after all. Here it is! I am posting the pattern for sale on ravelry, and if you do not belong to ravelry, you can send me $5 via paypal and I'll send you the PDF pattern in exchange. Pictures of actual baby wearing the gown will be posted as soon as I have them.

I'm a grandma!

This little face is the reason I am now a grandma! My oldest son and his wife have been trying to adopt for a long time, and last week they were finally lucky enough to bring home this little charmer. Her name is Jeannette and I am now madly knitting a christening gown for her.

Marina rose in full bloom

I don't think this has ever happened--my Marina rose (that is its real name, the same as mine so of course I had to plant one in my garden) had four blooms at the same time! I waited a bit too long to take the pictures, so two of the flowers are falling apart, but you can still see their petals on the bush. The other picture is a wood sculpture garden that is along Main Street in Half Moon Bay, they are all made by the same artist. I can't remember his name right now, but he is a well-known local artist.

happy mother's day

This lovely bouquet just arrived, sent by my wonderful son and daughter in law who live far away in Atlanta. It came with a box of chocolates, too! What a wonderful day :-)