Joy to you

This tree has no decorations but the snow, and for me, that is more lovely than a bunch of lights!

Tomorrow could be busy, so today I wish you a Merry Christmas, with blessings beyond count and joy in your hearts.

"When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son." Galatians 4:4

Sunshine Lap Quilt

This one is another UFO finish. It was made from the leftover blocks of a group quilt (see Dayspring...), It is about the right size to put across the knees on those days when this city is the second coldest city in the world! (Last weekend, -46 C)

I decided to use this one for quilting practice also, so quilted different motifs and filler patterns in each square. That was fun and a good idea because practice is helpful yet a six inch square is not too intimidating. It helped me know which motifs are fun and which ones I would rather never do again! Also, this produces a more useful result than practicing on muslin, and uses up orphans and scraps!

Giveaway

Green Fairy Quilts is giving away a layer cake, jellyroll and a really cool pattern. Click the link to check it out and see photos!

My Christmas Gift?

Just realized that I'd promised pictures of the new floor, but hadn't delivered. Here are a few. The wood was set on the diagonal. Cost more and took longer, but my DH wanted it so that is what was done. It is dull outside today, so a couple of these seem darker than normal.

Our main floor is very open concept. The U-shaped kitchen has the dining area on the north, living room on the west. The hallway goes to the south and the front door. One of these views is from the front door in, with my sunflower quilt on the wall beside the door to DH's den and the arch to the kit/LR and dining. Turn left there to a bathroom and the door to our walkout, and a few steps down to the laundry and garage door. Clear as mud? 

Anyway, it had been lino in the kitchen/dining and carpet in the halls and LR. The difference in my allergies has been astounding and worth the mess of doing it and cleaning up afterward. It is darker that before, so we are adjusting to that. If anyone is contemplating hardwood, it gets my vote! 

Roosters on the Beach & Monkeying Around in the Leaves

About a week ago, someone gave me a germ that proceeded to clean out my insides - thoroughly. I spent several days either sleeping or... well, no one needs the details. After a few days, I sat around a lot so had occasion to finish two projects, small ones.

They were both leftovers from a charm pack that I used to make a floral top using disappearing nine patch blocks. That one is not quilted yet, but I did some practice designs on these two smaller table mats.

The first one is a combo of rooster and beach fabric. I had quilting thread that was black, red and gold, one of those combos that you wonder why you bought it, but it was perfect for this one. I kind of like the results.

The second was monkeys and leaves. I tried a few fillers that I just made up as suggested by the designs on the fabric or my deranged mind. The border shows up the best, and it was a make it up as I go design too. The bindings are done, the labels are on, and as soon as I feel up to it, I'll finish the floral one, which is larger and not quite as quirky in fabric combination.

Paint Chip Challenge

Grad Club, the group that meets every month at my LQS, had the "Paint Chip Challenge" windup yesterday with everyone displaying their creations. What fun. Every size of quilt on display, plus a hat and a basket made in the colors each selected to match the initials of their name. 

After we oohed and awed over them, we were given voting slips so each one in the group could pick their favorite. 


I was really surprised when the winner was announced... my Paint Chip Pony! On the right is a picture of the prize for the challenge (after I took everything out of the fancy wrapping). The group that meets in the evening repeated the process so there is two winners, but I've not seen the second one yet. This was a lot of fun and the quilts were fabulous.

Strips that Sizzle - I have a copy!

A cousin that I seldom see or talk with emailed me last week. She saw my "trade a book" request and sent me her brand new copy of Strips that Sizzle. She took a class with Margaret Miller but isn't using the book. She didn't want to trade either, just wanted me to have it. Isn't that neat! I also found that her and her hubby will be in the same area where we are taking our winter vacation. Her husband golfs too, so maybe the two of us can to some quilty things while they are on the links.