hatching a winner

Would you like to see the project that kept me from blogging last week? Our recent snow storm literally forced my hand on this current quilt project. The power outage turned this machine applique quilt into a hand applique one and had me channeling my inner Ma Ingalls on the prarie with Sophie and Sadie in the supporting roles of Mary and Laura.

Long after the power was restored, I was still hand stitching, thimble on finger, finishing what I started. This sweet little quilt is for a school auction.

I've made many, many quilts for school auctions. The objective is to involve kids in the process and to end up with a quilt that all of them want for their very own. A bidding frenzy ensues. A win for the school and for one delighted kid.

Since these kids raise chickens at their school, this quilt is all about eggs. Every child embroidered an egg. Here's some of their handiwork. Kids don't over think the creative process. The result is magic. They have tons of fun. And they're invested in our project.

You'll see this chicken again.

Today, off to Deb, my master quilter and pal, so she can bring the quilt to life.

I'll post the finished quilt next week. In the meantime, have a great Monday.