in the hoop

just finished quilting a small quilt that is waiting for binding, so pulled out next in line to get started....a nap yesterday afternoon tempted me to pull an all-nighter to get a serious head start, but finally caved around midnight.

it's a blue and white, mostly indigo prints, just right for winter quilting....i love blue and blue/white quilts....antique ones especially....but even the crispness of stark white makes me swoon every time...this is a bed size with a poly batt, so easy to quilt with no special design, just quarter inch inside seams free form....a perfect cold weather project to start off 2020....the official UFO list is at 35 with almost half wall quilts, so hoping to make a serious dent in projects waiting for quilting.   ***  last year our guild presented a Quilt of Valor to a WWII vet in his early 90s....he was frail but able to come and receive his award in person....a couple of weeks ago he passed away, a distinguished veteran and true patriot....i am so thankful we chose him for an award...well deserved.

addendum....

now i can show this placemat that was gifted to my mother....pattern came from quiltmaker last year....a bit more fussy to make than some of my small quilts but the end result was good and she loves it, of course!

and the box at my door?   it was this handy and adorable tote from a quilty pal!

it's over??

yes...just like that, christmas 2019 is history...hope your celebration was as wonderful as mine...my son-in-law had to work--he's healthcare support--but daughter and i winged it all day with chat, a scrumptious dinner, gifts and catching up with the crawleys....LOL...we re-watched the 'downton abbey' movie (we are a serious fans).   the dinner was flawless and the 2-year wait for some juicy rib roast did not disappoint.  before the DAY, another UFO bit the dust....

had sewn this up with some scraps and have to say didn't like it until the binding was on....really pulled it all together....and it's my habit to cut binding by sight....sometimes i do actually measure but often not....and this was my early christmas present...

yes this was the leftover after pinning the binding on....i just cut a bunch of strips and hoped for the best....is that spooky or what????   anyway, it's off the 2020 UFO list and another, smaller wall quilt is nearing completion....*** arrived back at the village only to be suffocated when opening apartment door by disgusting perfume cloud....somebody is always screaming about "their rights" and "no respect"...i've experienced time after time that too many of the other residents are uber-selfish and have total disregard and respect for other tenants while demanding it for themselves.  receiving some of the respect and rights they demand would make my life less miserable, but their selfishness trumps any degree of courtesy.   after 4 years of fighting with management this is unlikely to change i'm afraid, since their attitude has trickled down to longtime residents who feel entitled to do as they please.  hoping for positive changes that would make all our lives here better. 

'tis the season.....

Hark the herald angels sing!!!  

it's the day before Christmas Eve and my heart--the new and improved one--is overflowing with joy and thankfulness.  at this stage of my life, it isn't about a pile of presents under the tree, but rather the gifts that come my way so many times throughout any year....the love of my family, expert medical care, the kindness of friends, the warmth and coziness of a handmade quilt, the service and sacrifice of American heroes, a full cupboard and the long ago gift of a Savior.   Wishing you the same and a blessed Christmas....