Merry Christmas!

I pray that as Christmas Day quickly approaches, you're spending it with loved ones in warm and happy surroundings.

This year more than any other though, I'm reminded that this season can be a hard one for some people.  If that's you, I pray for God's peace to rest on you and help you through it.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)

Gracie's Quilt...

Several weeks ago, I shared a picture of the quilt my mom made for my nephew (and that I helped quilt.)  This is the slightly smaller purple version she made for my niece.  (I know it looks kind of blue in the picture, but it's ALL purple.)

This one is only about 70" x 87", because she has a smaller bed.  My goal was to have it quilted by Thanksgiving when they came to visit.  Although I'm only now getting around to sharing pictures, I did have it finished in time!

I used a new pantograph on this one.  It was very labor intensive, but I love how it looks on this quilt.  Unfortunately, I don't know the name of it or where I got it from.  (It's been sitting in my drawer for a long time and there's no writing on it so I can't remember the details!)

Once my mom finishes sewing the binding to the back, my niece will have a new quilt for her bed - and in her favorite color!

Moses kept me company while I worked on Gracie's quilt.  (You can see it on the frame in the background.)  She's lying on a stack of quilts still waiting their turn to be quilted.  Every time I'd come down to that end of the quilt, she'd rub up against me, begging to be petted.  It made for some slow going!

Moses - My sewing buddy

Until later...

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. 

Colossians 3:23 (TEV)

Going smaller...

When I went on our annual quilt retreat last month to Williamsburg, I really struggled with which projects to work on.  There's a king-size patriotic one I'm in the middle of and I also need to paper piece a Lone Star quilt.  However, this time I decided to go smaller.  Instead of spending all of my time on one large project, I'd work on a bunch of little ones and get more instant gratification.  It was definitely the right call this trip!

This is one of those projects.  It will either be a table topper or a small wallhanging and is around 30" square.    The whole project only took one charm pack, sashing and border fabric, and an afternoon to piece together.  The fabric is Collections For a Cause - Hope by Howard Marcus and the pattern is Dora by Me & My Sister Designs.

I've already prepared the backing for this as well so it's ready for me to quilt (as soon as I find the time.)  Because this only took an afternoon, I was able to work on a bunch more projects while I was away.  I'll try to share some more of them soon.

Until later...

Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. 

Isaiah 26:4 (NLT)

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's been a day of good food spent with friends and family.  I'm thankful for so many things and hopeful you also had a blessed day! 

I managed to finish these table runners/hot pads last night - just in time to use for the Thanksgiving meal.  Not only were they festive, but because they were insulated, practical as well.

New table runner and pot holders

 Due to an unfortunate coffee spill, I already know they wash up really well too!

Until later...

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
To him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever. 

Psalm 136:1-4 (NIV) 

Robbie's Quilt...

Earlier this summer, my mom made two quilts, a blue one for my nephew and purple for my niece.  Since they're fairly large quilts, I offered to help her quilt them.  I've already finished with my nephew Robbie's quilt...

It was hard to get a good picture of it because it's almost 90" square.  I used the Square Spiral Pantograph by Keryn Emmerson.  (That's definitely my go to pantograph.)

Square Spiral Pantograph by Keryn Emmerson

I'm in the middle of quilting my niece's quilt right now and hope to finish it before Thanksgiving.  I'm using a much more time consuming (but very pretty) pantograph on it.

I'm sure my niece and nephew are going to love the new quilts that Grandma made them!

Until later...

Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. 

Proverbs 26:20 (NLT)

I is for Icicles...

Still alive here.  I've even written a dozen blog entries in my head.  Unfortunately someone hasn't yet invented the technology to transport them directly from my thoughts to the computer!

However, I'm happy to report that during my long absence I've been spending quite a bit of time in my sewing room.  I also got to spend 5 days with some really lovely women at a quilt retreat in Williamsburg, Va.  Fortunately, the retreat fell the week before Hurricane Sandy decided to make her visit to the East Coast.  (I'm still praying for all those recovering from her aftermath as well as the Nor'easter that followed.)

That means I've got lots of quilty goodness to share, so I'll start with the next Snowmen A to ZZZZ block.  (These patterns are by Crabapple Hill Studios and is an ongoing project that both my mom and I are working on - although she's much further ahead!)

I is for Icicles

There are a total of 21 embroidery blocks in this quilt and this is number 8.  So really, I'm almost halfway done.

Closeup of Block I

When I was packing for the recent quilt retreat, I think David wanted to go with me.  He's my sewing buddy and probably thought I'd need his help!  (He's considerate like that.)

David in my suitcase

Until later...

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

H is for Holly Berries...

So I've finished another Christmas embroidery.  These seem to be stitching up so quickly (much faster than hand applique).

Another 'Snowmen A to ZZZZ' Block

I'm really enjoying working on these while watching the new slate of fall TV shows.  Our favorites right now are Last Resort, Revolution and Ben & Kate.  We've also been watching the local and presidential debates, but not a lot of stitching goes on during those!  We're too busy 'discussing' them to concentrate on anything else.

Closeup of 'H' Block

Moses, on the other hand, has no interest in TV or politics.  She turns her attention to more important things, such as finding the best napping spot.  Recently, she's been hanging out in the dirty clothes basket.  She wasn't too pleased to be disturbed from her slumber for pictures though...

Moses napping in the laundry

I hope you have a wonderful weekend wherever you are!  I'm hoping to spend a good bit of mine sewing.

Until later...

So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 

1 Timothy 6:8 (NLT)