one done

first, OMG, is tomorrow really december 1st?  like, how did THAT happen?  really fast, i'd say.  today, though, i've been sewing away on a few things.  i got the first entire block done of the scrappy indigo quilt; there are 12 of these in all.  so far i like it, a lot.  blue and white is so crisp and classic.  next, i've been working on a cover for my ottoman.  finally got tired of seeing it in the used state (it was a freebie) and so got it nearly complete today, just needs to be hemmed.  it isn't anything fancy, i don't really do slipcovers at all, but it works and looks fresh and new and matches my chair.  those were all my requirements.  then i've been quilting on the scrappy christmas quilt because, as i mentioned, tomorrow IS december and i hope to finish it before the end of the month/year.  so, what are you doing? 

save the date

someone decided the time has come to promote the LQS or local quilt shop.  a date has been proclaimed, january 24, and so i am happy to do my part.  now for those of you (er, us) who might have possibly overindulged in 2012, a whole new year is starting soon, clean slate!  so, help the economy and visit your LQS on january 24th, or maybe 2-3 of them?  i patronize a few for different reasons and it's difficult for me to choose just ONE, but rest assured, i will rise to the challenge.  for more details visit here.  it's the right thing to do.

times have changed

whereas in past decades i swooned over crooners and hunk types, now this makes me feel faint and go weak in the knees....paisley!  these are from edyta sitar's "dancing in the rain" line, just in at my fave repro gathering place, BUSY THIMBLE of litchfield, maine.  i've had them a couple of weeks now and can't get enough of looking at them and wondering what luscious project awaits for them.  and whereas in past years i have gifted myself with something particular at christmas, i think i've taken care of that already this year, what with my Lancaster trip and now these.  and i say, who better to choose a gift for me than me? 

more merry sewing

not having any christmas sewing deadlines looming, i have the freedom to sew for christmas fun.  since those ornaments were just so darn cute, decided to make a few more.  thinking about my christmas fabric stash and what might work prompted me.  these are almost done, just have to sew down the binding on 2 sides and loop the ribbon through for a hanger.  **** in addition to these, been quilting on my christmas ribbons scrappy, hoping for a december finish.  this project, plus the ottoman and more scrappy indigo units are on the sewing table this week.  finished the flannel pants for the cool nights.....priceless!

busted!

first task this morning was to tidy up the thread box AND fill those many empty bobbins.  they made the bobbin box look so forlorn!  my thread spools are kept in a plastic container with a lid and it is imperative that they all fit.  so, when it gets a bit crowded and the bobbins are empty, a winding session is needed.  like most, some thread goes back to the 1980s or 1990s, just a few, but it really needs to be used.  i mostly use white or cream for piecing but pull out the colors for scrappy piecing.  and i've a new spool of masterpiece yet to try.  any testimonials out there?  anyway, 9 spools got moved from spool to bobbin.  just a bit of sew housekeeping.....

next!

took this UFO to PA but never got started on it; it's a scrappy indigo quilt that i am hoping to get to the flimsy stage this month.  it will be on next year's UFO list too, but it is progress. *** also been working on some "just takes 2" squares inbetween AND quilting on the christmas ribbons scrappy too.  *** today, though, i'm concentrating on deleting all those cyber-Monday quilt shop and fabric sales.  the one that was most painful so far was from cherrywood fabrics, luscious solids that i've used before, a 2-for-1 deal on their scrap bags, that required a steely resolve to ignore.  and with a new year looming, my resolution (again!) is to ONLY shop my stash as possible in 2013. 

martha stewart not!

my daughter has long been a fan of anne taintor's calendars.  i tried getting one last year but they were sold out, gone.  so, this year i ordered it early, even before it was available, and it arrived last week.  the photos and captions in this calendar are the complete antithesis of martha's mantra(s).  for those of us who remember the 1950s, the pages bring a chuckle and not a small amount of irony.  while i don't consider myself a feminist, i do realize there are men still out there who think a woman should stay home, barefoot and pregnant.  i was never one of those women and even less so since i've been single for 28 years.  perhaps one of the reasons i've never remarried or even dated is that i'm just too independent, not an altogether bad thing. **** a wonderful thanksgiving meal with family.  our turkey just over 9 pounds so after dinner and doling out some leftovers, we have only a little left.  cut off the drums and wings prior to cooking and plopped them in the freezer for another time as we were afraid of having too much left over.  soup is all made as well.  so guess we'll be having fish for dinner very soon!

counting blessings

The message of Thanksgiving is for each and every day despite world woes and personal cares and struggles. 

elf duties complete!

just returned from P.O. where this package got sent off to some quilter in Australia!  i know, doesn't look like much but there are 6 small gifts in the smaller package that i hope the recipient will enjoy.  i was mindful of the weight since it would be traveling airmail, but i sent things i would like to receive myself so i hope it works out.  now sit back and wait for the mystery girl to open it up!

another finish

another UFO can be crossed off the list; these are my rail fence placemats.  they are ideal to showcase my blueberry stoneware plates and bowls made right here in maine at union pottery.  yes, i'll use them and they will get dirty and then washed.  if they wear out, i'll make more.  almost certain i can find more fabric someplace.  **** and a pat on the back to joann's for closing their stores on Thanksgiving.  i am boycotting any store that chooses greed over celebration this holiday.