Originally Posted by Maia B

So my kids are in Africa for pretty much the WHOLE summer, with family. I can't go, must work. I worry constantly about them and miss them too much already. We made Rockford sock monkeys together the day before they left. I had wanted to make I Spy quilts with/for them, but we ran out of time. My little boy took a small quilt I made him, with a built-in zipper pocket for treasures, but my older son didn't have a small quilt to take. But I found out at the last minute that a friend is going today. I stayed up all night making a 40" x 48" I Spy with 8" blocks. Backed with flannel only, no batting. Used the inside-out method, no binding. I didn't prewash, mixed different quality/texture fabrics, used unwashed FLANNEL (which I don't recommend), and quilted shadowing the seams (so 7.5" apart). I washed it with color catchers, which came out as white as when they went in, and dried it. I really expected a mess from not having washed the flannel, but it looks totally fine. No time for a label, wrote it with a laundry pen. So I broke all the usual rules to get it done, and am waiting for the friend to pick it up. Also sending some toys, treats, books, and comfort items, but I just know my big boy is going to be very pleased with it. Closest thing to a hug I can send. Thx for listening :)