A mini birthday quilt!

Before I start writing this post, I filled in a box of animal crackers and a cup of hot tea by me. I am not sure how long is this post going to be, but I know for sure I will want to pause and think if there's anything that I miss in the writing.

This mini quilt finished in October and has been shipped and received! It is a mini quilt to my dearest friend, Elnora aka {elnorac} on IG or Flickr. She has a birthday in November and I planned to make a mini quilt for her since her last birthday.

Oh boy, let me think the first time I "met" her! I think it was back when Flickr still a popular place {2012} for  quilters and crafters upload their photos and share comments. I've noticed that Elnora always wrote the nicest comments among many others then we started to chat, exchanged emails, then last year we met in {Jamestown, ND} for real!

Elnora is just what she sounded in her comments and emails ; sweet, honest, and kind!! We spent sometimes together walking  and talking a lot! We saw "white cloud" the rare white buffalo and S had a blast running around! We have so much fabric talk and things to catch up! It was so nice to meet Elnora in person and it does feel that we have been knowing each other for years!  I had wished that we could sew together and have longer visit, but the trip down to Jamestown is a little far away from the city we were. So, we had to leave before it gets too late!

Ever since our meeting, we keep good contact throughout the time! She became a very important friend to me us! While we were oversea, Elnora sent holiday and greeting cards to S, so it made S felt  she wasn't being forgotten by friends in the states. S and Elnora have great loves for animals, so they have many comments on helping and taking care of animals. You know, it makes her feel special that mama's friend is also my friend!

I especially appreciate her extended friendship and encouragement throughout my last many months down time! She has encouraged me in many ways! We have been on the phone for many times and she always tries to cheer me up with positive aspect! Words are hard to explain the gratitude I have on her friendship and kindness!

Since we both make pouches, I thought a little mini for her sewing studio would be great as a birthday gift! Once when we were on the phone I was  picking out fabric and I'd told her that I am working on a mini quilt! Then the next time we spoke again, I would told her I am almost finished hand-quilting part. Then when the time come closer to November, I asked her if she likes some homemade caramel corns, so I can send them on her way with the birthday mini quilt.

When picking out fabrics for this mini quilt, I knew that something fresh and retro! Sometime that's about Elnora! I worked on the fabrics for a few weeks before I start the cutting. I enjoyed working on the piecing a log for this mini! As I did some math on the measurement and the mock up turned out really successful on the first-try {It never happened for me before, since I always am between 1/8"-1/4" measurement}. Finding the backing is a bit challenging for this mini quilt! Then I finally decided on the IKEA text print, so I could make a quilt label in the back to indicate the information. I am so pleased how this mini turns out! I love hanging mini quilts on the wall. I think it makes a personal and memorable space for the quilter and quilter's friendships!!

I have always feel honored to meet people in any social medial forum. It is amazing how the world got smaller with all the social medial platforms and how we get to know each other a bit more even in a different time zone and speak different native languages! I do always think that sewing isn't just a skill, but a way to give and extended a different kind of friendships! I've met so many friends here and we share a little bit of family, kids, and fabric talk! Encourage each other in different ways!

Thank you my dear friend! For all your time, encouragement, and everything!

Happy Birthday, Elnora!!  Let's plan a sewing day soon!

xxc