Don't know about other areas of the world, but locally it's the current "thing" to make pillow cases as gifts.  We thought it might be fun to make some for the grand kiddies for Christmas. 

 

The full collection - they were fun to make.

Came up with quick crazy quilt stockings to hold gift cards for two gifts.

Made a "thank you" card for a dear cousin, Chris, who makes me cards for every occasion. 
And on the day after Christmas had an impromptu invitation to the home of Lar's Aunt and Cousin - the Ritas.  It struck a real memory chord - the many, many days spent in that house....it was a really lovely day.

 

Needless to say, I've forgotten which quilts and projects I've posted over the years.  Just thought I'd post those items I did use to decorate for the holidays this year.

 

 

Our new Christmas Presents quilt - made for Christmas 2013.

Christmas Swan made in the 90's - Christmas tree skirt made around 2000

Christmas tree in the window - made in 90's

Poinsettia - begun in 90's, completed around 2012.

Log Cabin Tree - made in 90's.

So....I've Been Sewing!

There was a time when I used to sew clothing...for our kids, for myself.  Haven't done much of that in years.  But recently got the bug, so during one trip to JoAnn Fabrics found this (imho) gorgeous fabric called Greek Isles and had to have it!  After all, one of these days I will, indeed, be visiting the Greek Isles!

Once I'd made the skirt, I thought I'd need some shirts to go with.

First thing I did was alter a tee shirt I'd bought in Arizona...mainly to see how the alteration would go...I was using an old shirt I got from when our middle son was in school in AZ and which I've worn to pieces for the pattern.
Didn't realize how well it went with the Greek Isles skirt!
I was really pleased with the results, so got a new black tee to alter too.
I'd seen these shows where folks slash the shirts and add other fabrics, so tried that first.

That was really bad!  Old Miss America!  Yikes.
Soo added some more....

And still, too much!  So sewed the removed piece of tee back on, and cut into it, an I am happy with the result! 

 

Then  I decided to try my hand at a blouse.  This was a super easy pattern that I've owned for about 25 or 30 years...I like it!  These were all fun, easy projects, and left me willing to try some more. 

 

"Crawl Space" ? I think not!

When we bought this house, one of it's draws for me was the "crawl space."  While most people would see this area as a basement storage area, I saw it's potential as a place just made for me!  There are few who could stand/walk around in here....but I can!  And just as I anticipated, it has become the most multi-faceted room in the house. 
Certainly, one end and a lot of the sides of this subterranean room is dedicated to storage.
But most of it is my sewing/crafting area.

Poor Larry!  He loves being around quilting and all my little projects....but it's not easy being about a foot too tall for the room.  He has mostly learned to crouch in and get situated between beams...but sometimes....well, let's just say,  he gives his all to share my space.  I feel really fortunate to have so much room to spread out in and create. 

Hold It!

Project for next Love Apple Quilter's meeting, make a pot holder for a swap.
Have never made this kind of pot holder, but bought some insulating batting and whipped up what I think is a pretty cute pot holder....do you?

This is the "business side".... I actually had fun making it and might make a couple more.

Don't Catch This Falling Star!

On Saturday of this week, I participated in a workshop with my quilters' guild for "Home of the Brave."  This project, taking place in every state across the nation, is making quilts for the families of those lost in the war.  It's a noble cause and one I enjoyed being part of.
During the workshop I used my 1930's Singer Featherweight machine.  I haven't used it in several years.  Got it out of the case, plugged it in and off we went together, whipping up seams like nobody's business.  Even stitches, just humming along.

Yesterday I sat down to work at home on a project I am making as a surprise for hubby, for Christmas.  My White Quilter's Star - about 4 years old - and used fairly frequently - said "No."
I said, in a fairly loud tone, "GRRRR ARRRRGHHHH!"

One of the pretty habitual quirks this machine has is to absolutely eat, I mean bite big chunks, out of fabric.  And the more expensive the fabric, the bigger the chunks!
Sometimes it wishes simply to have its bobbin taken out and put back in.  Sometimes it doesn't like its needle and wants a new one.  Sometimes it isn't clear at all about what it wants or what it is mad about, it just says "no" and there's no arguing about it.
I went back to my sewing room today, full of resolve and ready to work out our differences.  I replaced the needle, reloaded the bobbin, cleaned out the bobbin area, and made nice.  We sewed about 8 or 10 pieces together and then - no more.  I left the room -  without growling - without any expletives - I simply slumped away.  Beaten.  
On a whim, I typed into my search engine "I hate my sewing machine."
I'm not alone. 
That doesn't help.  But I'm not alone.
Gotta ask yourself tho.  If they could make a fabulous machine about 90 years ago....and they still simply need to have a needle that carries a thread and go up and down - why can't they do it any more?
If you happen to go by my house some day and see a "falling star" flying by - don't be surprised if it's my sewing machine.
I kinda hate it!!

Keepin' Sew Busy!

Among other things, this has been a SEW busy summer!  I am still having trouble actually believing that I am able to simply start - do - and complete projects whenever I wish.  There are not very frequent demands upon my time - the occasional doctor visit - getting to the gym - but a great deal of the day I can do what I like.  Wow! What a concept!

Anyway - having had the opportunity to rejoin our local quilt guild - Love Apple Quilters - I am able, too, to once again participate in Charity Quilts - something that was always dear to my heart and this Tuesday I'll be turning in 3 sets of 10 each of Happy Blocks some of which are seen above - these will make 3 "happy" quilts for someone in need.
I was happy to also get the chance to learn to make "10 minute blocks" in a pack - by adding some of my own fabric I ended up with 16 of these blocks - one of which I experimented with - and was thrilled with the outcome.  By making a contribution of my time and thread (and a little fabric) I learned a new technique and am sure I'll do more of this in the future.

I don't think you are able to see that the center diamond in these blocks is dimensional - almost separate from the square - it can be stitched down, or rolled like a cathedral window - I didn't do either - I like the way they are - but may be asked to take them back and sew them - hope not!  The last picture is my experiment - I love it!  It has such dimension.

 Been hand quilting a quilt top my Aunt Martha had appliqued - very nearly done with it!

Working on a baby quilt for a neighbor.

And attempting to keep up with the on-line block of the month through Craftsy.com.  I've just completed August - and haven't even opened September as yet!

So, that's where I've been - and what I've been doing...how about you?

End of Another Year (68th ending for me!)

Our old electric fireplace wouldn't heat anymore, so we replaced it with a new one...making our family room, which is generally really cold, comfy and cozy.
Then we carried the old one up to the living room where it will lend a faux feel of warmth.

 I found some old log cabin squares I'd made a long time ago, put them together for a kitchen table runner for Christmas.

 We lit up our antique Christmas decorations,

 featured them below the newly completed wall hanging

 got another newly completed project onto the guest room bed

and Lar sat down to enjoy the ambiance in the living room.

 Kept putting off my baking - with exception of fruit cake, so just a couple of days before Christmas got some chocolate cookies and Welsh cakes made.  Our neighbors always enjoy the Welsh cakes.

 Christmas Day found us at oldest son's house - his wife courageously prepares dinner for us all - and it is always deeply appreciated!  Here Madelyn is exploring her new baby - "eyes".

 Julia and Madelyn posing for a beautiful picture.

 Our gift to Larry 4 - sweatshirt from his Pop Pop's alma mater seems to have gone over well!

 Isn't Larry and Colleen's tree gorgeous?  And it looks like Amy was taking a picture of it too!

 Delicious Christmas dinner.  Thanks Colleen and Larry!

 One of our gifts to Julia - creating a warm, comfy fleece throw for herself...she did a great job!

 She shared some of the warmth with her Pop Pop!

 And then, lo and behold, when we got to Virginia, Granddaughter Jessica had made a cover and pillow for Pop Pop so he has his own.

 She gave me a Nova sweatshirt (her swim team) so we would match nicely.

 It was a peaceful, relaxing visit - people taking time to sit and hug....

 to doze

and to learn to make a quilt.

Look at the precision of those matching seams!  I was very impressed by her first effort....even better than I sometimes do.  She made one square while we were there - and went on to make another while we were traveling home the next day.  I have to get to the store to buy some more fabric so she can continue.
Next time we are together - quilting!
It was a great Christmas - and I hope it was for you too.

 Our family tree (lots of ornaments with nostalgic history) and tons of lights!