Hand sewn projects in Bangkok, Thailand

So far the  trip has been wonderful.  It's hot and humid but that is to be expected in this area of the world.  I get to be where I grew up and be with my mother so it's all good.

One of the reason I came during this time of the year is because I get to go to my father's burial site.  It's about 4-5 hours drive from Bangkok.  It's such a beautiful area.  My husband and two children came here once in April of 1997, our first trip as a family back to Thailand.  According to Chinese tradition, during this time of every year children will go back to their ancestors' burial site to make food offerings and to pay respect. We brought food and paper goods for the ceremony. We cleaned up the surrounding and decorated the area with color ribbons, flower petals and a small wreath. Some family will bring small cans of red and green paint to repaint the lettering on the tomb stone. My sister had ordered the ground keepers to do that for us. At the end we lid fireworks. They were so loud and gave such a nice touch at the end.  It's a day of remembering and offering gratitude. I'm grateful for my parents for working hard all their lives to provide for us.

My father's burial site, such a beautiful location

For this trip I decided to try my hands on English Paper Piecing.  I chose the hexagon shape to start.  First I worked on 1 1/4" size, then moved to 3/4" size and now I'm working with 1/2" pieces.  To my surprise it's as addictive as other quilters said it would be.  I must have made close to 100 pieces so far.  I knew I wanted to make them in black and white color theme, but I have no idea what I'm going to use them for at this point.  I may use some for applique for my new iPad bag.  I'll write more about that.

Have a great week everyone!

The book projects are done

Finally, I finished the last quilt for the book project.  I'm sending everything off to the AQS on Monday.  I made 16 projects, 18 pieces in all.  What a relief!  The whole experience has been a satisfying one.  I love all the projects that I'll be sending to them

Yesterday, I made a baby quilt for my American niece who just had her first baby a few weeks ago.  She loves grey and yellow.  I've never used grey in my quilt before and I must say I'm so loving it.  Here's the picture:

I'm taking a trip back to Bangkok, Thailand to visit my 93-year old mother.  I'm looking forward to spending time with her, visiting with friends and eating lots of Thai food.  :)

Now I can start other projects that had been put on hold, can't wait.  I also would like to start working on some designs and ideas for my next book.  Working on this first book gives me a lot of ideas for the next one.  Have a blessed day!