Next 4

I've noticed the sidebar is looking a little full of itself. I've finished 4 of the next 4 (5) and that last one's pretty ambiguous. So, a new Next 4 seems to be in order.

#1. Though I really should move those cards up to first spot, they don't need to be done in any sort of hurry, so I'll push them off a bit. Instead, #1 goes to a mini (but not truly miniature) quilt for a private swap hosted by my online friend Alexis. I think there's only 6 of us participating, and the scuttlebutt is that I'm falling far in the back of the pack. I've heard the terms binding and sleeve tossed around, and I know they're not coming from me. That changes, fast. I have a plan, I just need to sit and execute it. I can't post pictures because most of the players read this, and it's supposed to be a surprise.

#2. I've committed to Kate's next ALQS, due mid November. I haven't been assigned a partner yet, so I can't even begin to foment a plan, though I did sign on for a traditional design, rather than an art quilt.

#3. I got a phone call yesterday from the kitchen manager at the elementary school. It seems her associate manager abruptly decided that she needed to retire. Now. Her husband has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, she's been thinking about retiring anyway, and with that message from the doctors, she decided now was the right time. Lisa (the manager who called) asked if the school's Sunshine Committee could commission a quilt (throw sized.) I'd be honoured. Because she's already left, there's no pressing deadline, but I think Thanksgiving is about as long as I'd like to go on this one. Louise likes traditional colours and designs - cranberry and green, gold and rust - easy enough to pull a bunch from my stash. I'm thinking Sawtooth or Hunters Stars or something. Can a Hunters Star be scrappy? Of course! Lisa asked if I was looking for a job, too, since you know, she's down a player. It's probably more work than I'm interested in right now, though. Then yesterday afternoon, the principal called and asked me. I'll have to give this some thought. If I choose not to apply, he asked me to be on the interview committee. Sheesh! What to do, what to do?

okay, back to the list.

#4. We'll make this one the cards. Two different Christmas designs, a dozen of each? Geeze that sounds ambitious. I have Timtex precut for 28, so maybe I'll do 10 of each, and a few extra no special occasion cards. Or something. This was the card I did 2 years ago - isn't she beautiful? I loved scribbling on her wings and robes.


and further out.... Do I dare start thinking about Tori's quilt? For NEXT Christmas? She's the only one turning 16 next year, and I might have to work on it on the sly if I want it to be a surprise. She knows she's getting one, but I'm not sure if she reads my blog. If so, I can't post progress, at least not pictures anyway. Of course, I could include her completely in the process - from colours to patterns to quilting motif. Hmmm. I've also been thinking I'd like a denim quilt to haul to parades and band concerts - something that's okay to get dirty and that will keep the damp off our bottoms when the grass is wet. Perhaps denim on the back, lined with something water resistent (nylon? plastic?) and something interesting on top.