Monday, December 29, 2014

"Yes, Virginia, sewing is and will be happening"

So I gave you all the familius  Now - a couple of sewing/quilting things.  Between other events, I have been working on:

1.  Bonnie Hunter's mystery
2.  Complete a dolly blanket and binding
3.  Make binding for a table runner
4.  Complete Block #6 for a Block-a-month that I bought ages ago.  All 1930's style fabrics.

5.  Cut the pieces for block #7 - here's a photo and my fabrics


It would seem I must be feeling guilty to list this all out for you.  But just in case I should run out of things to keep me amused over this traveling New Year's adventure, I found a couple of more things that really called my name.  We just had to stop by Carriage Country Quilts - one of my very most favorite quilt stores in the northwest, as we were in Des Moines.  Of course, they have rooms full of treasures (just ask Caro and Dieuwke and Willemijn) and a couple jumped into my basket.

String-in the Lights
Little birds holding a string of Christmas lights

Marked down Christmas merchandise.  This makes a 22" pillow.  Also some great fabric for a table-topper.

The border is a lovely grey.

And finally something I've never done before - just had a wild hair, I guess, I bought a block a month kit (12 patterns) with all the fabric.  I love it and will bring it with me over the New Year.


Each month's house is a different theme and bordered with a different color.  Confetti fabric sashing.  So cute!

So I guess I will have a few things to focus on, do ya think?

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Joyful holidays

Even spread out over several days, this has been a delightful holiday, all around.  So this will fill you in on my family events.  I have done lots of sewing for the holidays, which I couldn't show you before hand, so I shall try to show you what I have done or at least tell you.

Christmas Eve day was Christmas with my son, DIL and two little grand-girls.  The 20 month old didn't totally "get it" but enjoyed tearing lots of paper.  The 3 year old kind of was tuned in and could mostly read the names on the packages - if printed plainly.

New sleeping bag for our annual camping trip

A quick dip before a nap

Two little ladies in the center (white dress on the left and red dress/black sweater on right)  The girls decided that during the Family Church service they needed to go up to the front with some of the other children.  It is extremely relaxed and that was a fine decision.  You may notice that both Mary and Joseph are holding a "Baby Jesus" (Actually there were 6 babies (Jesi?) so it was decided that they all should participate.)  Y'all come - everyone is welcome.  Everyone enjoyed the service.

Christmas morning was quiet, just the two of us.  Very relaxed and peaceful.  I even also did a bit of sewing later in the afternoon.

Today, Dec. 28, was Christmas with my daughter and those three grandkids.  They had been out of town earlier.  It was also my grandson's 12th birthday.  So all the gang gathered, including my ex-husband and his wife, and son and his kids.  "Hail, Hail - the gang's all here".
3 y.o.

20 months

Looking "up" to older cousins

The "big" boy

8 y.o.

Oldest granddaughter made a "Lego" shaped birthday cake.  Yummy!

Last week we went to see The Nutcracker ballet, with friends.


Cooking with friend Diane.




Been working on 12 mug rugs.  We are going away for New Year's with friends and I've made them each a mug rug.  Working on the latest Bonnie Hunter Mystery quilt.  We are up to Step 4.

So there you are.  A very Happy New Year and excitedly looking forward to new adventures in 2015.