Star Block Exchange

I'm back from a long Thanksgiving week out of town visiting friends and family. I hope you all had a great time with family enjoying your thanksgiving feast...we sure did.

I wanted to share with you all the fabulous blocks I received from the star block exchange I told you about several weeks ago. I just got them and each and everyone of them is unique!

The exchange was from the quilting class I take at the local college. Many of these ladies are so talented and put together some really lovely quilts every week. I can't wait to put these blocks together into a nice Christmas quilt for next year. Each block is 12x12 and I received 19 blocks so it's going to either be a really big quilt or a couple of lap quilts.

Several of the ladies have put together their blocks from last years exchange and boy are they beautiful. I didn't have my camera on the day they bought them in so I don't have a photo to share of their finished quilts which were so lovely -- you'd really have to see them to know what I mean. The fancy borders and the sashing they used really did accent each of the blocks.

I hope you enjoy them I much as I do. I wonder do you have a favorite? My favorite is the gold one with the maroon star (top left on the third photo).

Preparing for the Holidays

Nearing the holidays just makes us all so busy making plans, decorating, cooking and, of course, making our holiday gifts. The CGQC half-pint quilt along is one of the things I've been working on and haven't posted my latest results so here is a picture of the finished quilt top I don't think I'm going to get it finished soon though.

Here's a photo of a finished pillow sham I made from the project idea posted on cluck cluck sew.

I've got a lot of other projects that are gifts so I can't put the photos up and I'm still working on my queen sized Trip quilt that I'll post a photo on next week.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!! Enjoy your family and the great Thanksgiving feast. God Bless!!

Origami Drawstring Bag

I thought I'd share this photo of these two little origami drawstring bags. Aren't they cute!! They are so easy and fun to make and make wonderful gifts. They are also great to make for weddings and special occasions when you need a small coordinating handbag. Depending on the fabric you select they can look really elegant and dressy.

I make them to use for my embroidery supplies, or to tote threads, scissors, presser feet, etc. to class or to sewing group get togethers.

They require two pieces of fabric 18" x 18" and are quick to make. If you
are interested in the how to instructions, just leave me a note in the comments and I'll be happy to send them to you.

They'd be great in Christmas fabric too...filled with a little treat or surprise.

Thank Those Who Have Served Our Country

Many of us have the day off today to honor those who have served in the military to protect our country. Today, I am remembering family and friends who have given of themselves to protect us, our country, and our safety.

Both by Dad and my Brother served in the Army and have since passed, nonetheless, they are in my heart today. Both were strong believers in supporting our country at whatever cost. They set the example; I have four other family members serving in the Army and in the Navy that I want to also recognize and give thanks to them for their service.

Take a moment today to honor those around you who have served to protect this country. Without them, our freedom would be compromised.

Have a great Veteran's Day and may God bless and take care of all those who serve and protect us.

Anniversary Giveaway

Pinelands Patches and beadscapes is having an Anniversary Giveaway to celebrate her 1 year anniversary of blogging. Click here to enter. Giveaways are so much fun!!! Go check out her blog, she has some really great stuff.

Autumn Jack Arrived

I've been waiting with anticipation for this "Autumn Jack" mini-quilt to arrive. I was so excited to find it in my mail box today. What a surprise it was to open and finally see it. It's a really cute 12" x 12" mini just perfect to display for the season.



All of us participating in the exchange through the CGQC have been anxious for the end of the month to get here so we could see our exchange quilt and all the others that were done.



Thank you Susan, my anticpation was worth the wait. The "mini" is really cute.