Right around the time I went on maternity leave, at our friends of the library sale I picked up The Quilter's Apprentice. Not until I got to the end of the novel did I realize that it was the beginning of a 13-novel series! I was hooked and immediately started borrowing the follow-up novels from the library. I have been reading them in order and am currently on the 11th one. For the most part, I've loved all of the novels. They are about different women's lives and their families, some present day and some in the past, and they feature some really great characters with true heart that are centered around the art of quilting. I'm not a quilter, but I like crafts, and these novels have definitely developed my appreciation for quilting. I had thought that after reading so much about quilting that I would take a class and try my hand at it, but I recently saw a PBS program on quilting and quickly realized it's not something for me. I just really admire quilts and have been lucky to aquire some with Maggie making her way into the world. One of my favorites is this one.
This quilt is a hand-me-down from my family friend Jenny Engleson, quilted by her mother who has since passed. I keep it on our bed and admire it every day. I love the vintage rose pattern on the back and the stars on the front with all of the different fabrics. I am convinced the star pattern she chose has a formal name but I haven't figured that out yet.I also acquired a baby quilt from my friend Angela. It was given to her son Hank when he was born but she thought it would be better suited for a little girl, so I have it hanging on Maggie's wall in the nursery. 
I have two other baby quilts, one that we use as a play mat from my friend Sara that has cute insects all over it, and one put together by Michael's grandma and cousin in shades of white and green.
Last but not least is a knit baby blanket from my Stitch n' Bitch group. 11 knitters contributed to it and one of those knitters designed the pattern, choosing earth colors in a rainbow setting. It's made of washable wool (yea!) and I think it turned out so beautiful! Knitting a unique blanket for a pregnant knitter in the group has become tradition and I think we are embarking on the 6th one right now.
