Somebody’s 4

Miss Ava turned 4 years old this week.  Her party was tonight.  It just seem possible that it’s been four years ago already that Ava, our first grandchild, let alone a granddaughter, after having 3 boys was born.  I can’t begin to express how much joy she has brought to her Grandpa and I.  She is such a happy, loving child.  It so makes my heart melt when she comes running towards us for a hug when we see each her.   

I hadn’t talked about her gift here yet for two reasons,
1)I didn’t want her to know what the gift was before tonight (actually, I wanted it to be a surprise for Mommy too and Mommy is the one who reads me here) and
2) I didn’t have it completely finished until this afternoon!  I am usually not a procrastinator but life has just plain gotten in the way of alot of things lately.

I found the idea for her gift here @ Pie Plate patterns.  It’s called LuLu’s Yo-Yo’s.  I called my version Ava’s Flower Garden as I didn’t follow the pattern closely plus I wanted to personalize it for our Ava.  If you want to download the pattern, it’s FREE!  How fun is that?

This was also my first attempt at free-motion quilting.  So far not a fan but I understand it’s a practice makes almost perfect thing.  I will need alot of practice if this quilt is any indication.  ARGH!  I can’t believe I have hair left!

Here is my version of LuLu’s Yo-Yo’s – Ava’s Flower Garden.

Miss Ava loves her American Girl dolls so I made her a matching quilt for her doll as well. 
Ava didn’t have a bed for her dolls.  I happened to mention in conversation to my friend, Shelly that I was possibly looking for a doll bed.  I hadn’t found one I liked and thought it would have to come at a later time.  But, lo and behold, this past Monday, Shelly called and offered me the one she had when she was a little girl!  Wow, I was dumbfounded!  We went to work on it with a saw, paint and new bedding.  In rather quick order -- wallah, we have a bed for Ava’s dolls too!  You rock Shelly! 

Here’s praying you & your dollies sleep tight tonight!  We love you sweetpea!