Good Trip to Guatemala!

Warning: We just got back from a trip so this might be long-winded and picture-heavy! 

It had been 1.5 years since Little S and I had seen the family in Guatemala.  It is the country of her birth and the timing was right to celebrate her birthday there this year, so we went for a visit.  

Birthday lunch with her abuela!

Right before we left, I got a quilt made for my nephew and his wife who just found out they are expecting.  It was a quick quilt from a panel and coordinating fabrics.  I didn't know that their baby theme is bears, so that made this even more special.  They were very touched and that is what makes it worth it.

They loved it!

My MIL and I share a love of all things fabric!  When we moved from Guatemala to Florida she was the recipient of my stash, which was considerable since we had an outreach within our church to teach women to sew while making baby quilts for children dedicated in the church.  

We helped organize her stash, since she doesn't let anyone else to touch it except me! Mostly that involved straightening the shelves and filling in the gaps with fabric from the boxes.  She is still sewing quite a bit at 81, but it is helpful to have things organized and with poor eyesight she appreciated us matching up fabrics that would work well together.  

We emptied 2 large boxes, which just made a small dent, but it is progress. I took enough fabric for myself and Grown Up R to nearly put us overweight on our return luggage!  We were also able to purge stuff that had accumulated on the shelves that had not purpose whatsoever. She ended up with a large pile of projects that are already finished that could be gifted or sold and also a pile of quilts that just need backing and finishing.  Some we were able to easily find a backing for.  I told her about the challenges in the US to finish projects and use up what you have.  She seemed interested, but time will tell, especially since she is recovering from eye surgery.  No matter what, it was time well spent on something we enjoy together. 

Little S and Cousin E

Little S took her embroidery to work on in the down times.  Her little cousin (7 yrs) was fascinated and wanted to start her own project.  Well, I knew where all the possible supplies were!  We got her a piece of scrap aida (much softer than what we have in the US), a big needle, and thread.  She sat beside Little S forever working away on her project of Xs and dashes.

Little S ended up giving Cousin E her project bag.  I need to make her a larger one, so this seemed like the perfect recipient for the small one. 

15 Minute Report

15 minute days/last two weeks = 9/14

15 minute days/June = 9/14

15 minute days/2025 = 164/183

Success Rate = 90%

Time to catch up on recent acquisitions!  

2025 Stash Totals

Used last week: 4.39 yards for baby bear panel quilt 

Used year to date: 66.73 yards

Acquired recently: 12.5 yards for bear panel and coordinating fabrics

Acquired year to date: 19.5 yards

Net used in 2025: 47.23 more yards used

Linking up to Life in Pieces to share progress.

Linking up to quiltpaintcreate to show stash movement.