Freda's Hive

I've been off visiting family for a few days. We had so much fun visiting my sister Paula in southern Utah.  I went with my 2 daughters Shelbie and Whitney and we took my 2 granddaughters Allison and Eliza along with us.  It was  an amazing few days with my 2 nieces Tana and Tricia and their boys Maxx, Rex, Jens and Luke.

My sister and her husband Ken live very close to the mouth of Zions National Park.  Some of kids and adults went on hikes in the breathtaking canyon.

It was serious (second) cousin time for Jens and Allison.  They bonded from the first moment and they can't stop talking about each other.  I wish they lived closer.  It was so fun to see Allison play with Jens and the other boys.

This is Luke and Lizzie.  As 1 year-olds they enjoyed the typical floor time together.  It looks like Luke is pulling Lizzie's hair, but trust me, they got along so well.

It is back to business here with me working on binding my latest 6 quilts.  I am really proud of my red herringbone quilt.  I had Wendy quilt in an extra warm batting because this quilt will be used on a bed when the weather gets cool.

I pieced the backing.  After reorganizing my fabric, I realized I need to piece more quilt backs and use up some that fabric I keep "saving".  I realize the back looks kind of awkward so I'm going to work on putting those pieces together better next time.

This herringbone quilt is a scrap quilt from front to back and I am proud of that.  Scrap quilts speak to my heart.

There are 3 rows of herringbone strips with 6 sets across.  I'm going to make another herringbone quilt with light or neutral prints next.  I'm excited to think about using up all those prints and novelty fabrics with light backgrounds.

The binding is a black, white and red stripe.  I wanted a contrast binding and I really like how Rita at Red Pepper Quilts uses a strong back and white binding on many of her projects.  

When we pulled up to the house after driving home from southern Utah, I noticed how intensely green my yard seemed after being in the desert.  Zions Park is beautiful but it is nice to be home in my green yard and my house.  Thanks to my sister, brother-in-law, nieces and great nephews for a fantastic trip.  We can't wait to come back.

-nanette