Monday, December 23, 2013

Creative Year In Review 2013




































































































































































































It has been a busy and productive year.  Sometimes you don't realize all that you've accomplished until you go back and look at it.  Here are a few of the highlights of this past year.  I have been asked what I do with all the quilts and various other things I make.  Out of the 14 pictures I've shown you, 6 of those items have been given away.  It brings me extreme joy to create for others.  I am taking the rest of the week off from blogging to fully participate in all the Christmas cheer.  I want to thank you for all the inspiration, learning, and friendship you have shown me.  Thank you for all your support and prayers through our move this summer.  This post marks the 1000 post I have written since starting this blog in 2009.  I'm looking forward to our continued journey together in 2014.  Have a very Merry and blessed Christmas dear friends! 

Thanking the Lord for you today!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Our Christmas Home








































































































































































































Christmas is in full swing in my little corner of the world.  Kids are home from school and I've been enjoying family time with them.  Almost all of the shopping is done.  I thought you might want to see the decorating that has been going on here.  I still have lots I haven't put up.  This house is smaller than the one we were in last Christmas so I didn't put up all the trees I normally do.  It has been fun shuffling the decorations around, seeing where they look "just right".  Some points of interest ~

* The dancing ladies and gentlemen garland was made by my Mom several years ago from a Martha Stewart pattern.

* Details on the "Fresh Forest" quilt can be viewed here.

* My Mom crosstitched the sweet stocking for me as well as the nativity set.

* Details on the "Stockings Were Hung" pillow can be viewed here.

* I wish I could remember the pattern I used for the Log Cabin Christmas quilt, as I have been asked many times, but alas it is gone from my memory.  There are many log cabin patterns out there that would produce the same effect.  What makes this one so pretty is the use of thin strips and plenty of scrappy fabric.

I hope this answers some of your questions.  In all the craziness, take time to sit still, drink something warm and yummy and ponder the birth of Jesus.  He is the reason for this blessed Christmas season.

Love,

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Sunday Scripture



"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home
as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the
Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to 
give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people
from their sins."  Matthew 2:20-21

With Joy,

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Sweet Christmas Surprise



























































































































































































I have met some of the most wonderful people on my blogging journey.  All of you are so kind, talented and ready to offer words of encouragement daily.  I am blessed beyond measure through this little blog and enjoy learning from you and walking through this life with you.  I received a wonderful package in the mail from sweet Heather of Vintage Grey.  I know that you are familiar with her work and the incredible talent that she has been given.  I asked Heather to crochet some glass shorts for me and that she did, as well as fill the package with all kinds of wonderful goodies.  From the packaging, with all the attention to detail, to the special little gifts - it brought tears to my eyes.  The little deer ornament is perfect for my tree and look how the coasters match my china.  The sweet candy canes with their trim make me smile whenever I walk by them.  Thank you so much, Heather!  You have touched my heart.  Blessings!

Hugs,

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Holiday Pillow Talk Swap








































I received the most wonderful box in the mail yesterday all the way from Australia!  It came from Amy of Nellie & Dot.  She had my name for the Holiday Pillow Talk Swap.  I am thrilled with my pillow. It is the same fabric that I am using in my quilt that I'm making with Trish.  I wish you could see the wonderful embroidery on each envelope and postcard, it is fabulous!  Amy sent along some wonderful goodies.  I am overwhelmed by her generosity.  The swap has been a lot of fun!  Thank you so much Amy!

Smiles,

Monday, December 9, 2013

Christmas Pretties



December keeps moving along at record pace.  My sewing to-do list seems to be growing and not shrinking.  I need to purposefully slow it down a bit.  I did manage to get most of the decorating done. It was quite the task locating the Christmas decorations in the multitude of moving boxes I have yet to unpack.  If I think about the basement too long I get anxious so I will just focus on the pretty lights and colors and head back to my sewing room.  Have a blessed day!

Smiles,

Sunday, December 8, 2013