Welcome from England .

Great job. Don't worry about the not having a machine. I have a couple and I still take a while to get things completed, rather from starting on another project, or trying to decide how to finish it or just life in general getting in the way. This year, I'm on a crusade to finish what I have started before starting anything new. I'm also not buying any fabric unless to complete a project. So far this year I've only bought just enough fabric to complete my monthly embroidery club class. I'm even making sure what ever is the class of the month gets done within the week after class. I'm doing the projects that take the smallest amount of time to finish first so that my pile goes down faster. I just finished two crib size quilts, one was started about a month before my DGD was born, she'll be two this week so you know what she's getting for her birthday. I even made sure to embroider a lable on the back of it. My next project to finish is the mesh beach bag that I started last yr for my DD, it's big to help taking the little ones to the beach. Then it's onto my son's quilt for his birthday in April. My priorities are smallest first unless it's needed for a special day like a birthday or summer coming. You are doing a great job and it's nice to see inspiration in any form. I commend all who do it by hand, its alot of work.

You do lovely work

Great job on both! Keep up the good work and you'll be a pro in no time.

I love your nature prints. With both quilts I feel like I'm looking through windows at the beautiful scenes on the fabric. Great job.

Hi Kif and to all who responded,

I am so overwhelmed. The Ocean quilt is based on the quilt named Geisha's. I made the Ocean for my friend Keiko and her husband Sat. The Window quilt ironically is called Keiko's garden windows. I have finished a quilt for a friend of my sister but I had a very hard time matching up the triangle pieces. To trained quilt eyes I am sure that my flaws show. Any suggestions on that? I do know how to use a machine. I just prefer quilting by hand. I usually sit on the couch and listen to the tv so hand quilting works for my life style. My new daughter-in-love wants me to join a quilting club, and we have several here in the city, but I am not at a place where I feel comfortable with a lot of "pro's" especially the ones who use machines. They are all so exacting and beautifully stitched.

I do google a lot and have found several places that offer free patterns, that's where I got these two..

Thanks for the vote of confidence

Debbie

Both are terrific! Nicely done!!

Hi Debbie

I am also a teddy-bear lady!!! My husband and I have been giving each other bears and other stuffed critters for years. Anyway, the clam shell is really quite easy if you get a good template. This is a handmade quilt usually. You baste the rounded edge and place them (starting at the top edge of your muslin). Pinning each as you go, drop to the next row and place the shells on top of the circular portion of each shell in the previous row. I usually pin the whole blanket (if a crib or smaller) and sew from the bottom up. When you have completed sewing them in place, you pull the basting and the little clams puff up. I will post one of my shell quilts for you to see. They are really easy once you get the hang of it and they are very mobile. You can take them with you and baste while you wait (say at the doctor's). Thank you for your vote of confidence. Debbie another teddy bear lady!

You have my admiration for quilting by hand. I would never get a quilt made. Your quilts are great!!!

Wow, great hand work!