Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Merry Christmas to All

I really haven't fallen off the face of the earth.  I have actually been trying to catch up on things that need to be done around here


One thing that I am thrilled to have been able to accomplish is some sewing.  I had purchased some of the wonderful laminate fabrics before I broke my arm.  It has been in my sewing room and I was expecting that I would not get to the gifts until after Christmas.  My arm was freed up last Friday and the machine has been smoking since. 

Accomplished.....four raincoats.  Actually they are fully lined in flannel so there are really EIGHT coats!!!!  



Sewing on the laminate was a breeze.  I was really worried about it, but it went well.  The first one I used clips to hold my seams (per the directions) which were awkward, but I quickly learned that pins do not leave holes and the rest were made using pins to hold the seams.  These are Amy Butler patterns and made up easily, but I did make a few changes to the instructions when I felt I like another technique better.

We have been enjoying the Christmas season and all the fun preparations with the grandchildren.   Cookie making is always exciting especially when it appears a flour bomb has exploded in the kitchen.


We had our semi annual quilt giveaway at our December guild meeting.  Look at the stack of quilts on the table that were given to our different charities - 344 total.  As well we had stacks and stacks of pillow cases, burp cloths and bibs that went out.


We enjoyed a Christmas brunch with our son and his family last weekend. 


 As well, we have been celebrating birthdays.   We have three grandchildren with birthdays in December - one on Christmas Day. 

The buddy is asleep on it's back!!!!



I received some wonderful mail lately.  Maria sent me this darling fabric from her little corner of the world.  She does the hexie flowers each week and I think I may have to join so I can use this cute fabric in one.  Thank you so much, Maria. 



I also received a lovely star ornament kit from Paper Pieces through the Christmas Quilt Show from Sew Cal Gal.  I think these will be beautiful hanging on the tree next year. 



Connie had a giveaway of a handmade ruler holder that I won.  This was made by her husband, Builder Bob, and he did such a wonderful job on it.  It is made out of red oak and is such a nice addition to my cutting table.  I really needed one to keep my many rulers controlled.  Thank you, Connie.



I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a new year filled with blessings.

31 comments:

  1. Your jackets turned out AMAZING!! I love them. Looks like you have been busy with family and friends. Have a Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The raincoats look wonderful. I bet you were so happy to get back to the sewing machine. How fun to make cookies with the grandkids. I'm sure you made dozens and dozens with that many grandkids.
    Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, Mary!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am so glad you have your arm back. I'm tired of this boot and it's only been a week!

    The girls are going to love those raincoats! So cute. I especially love the red polka dot one!

    Have a great time with your family over these next few days!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow! You've been so busy and have accomplished so much, broken arm and all! The raincoats are beautiful, as are all those give-away quilts. What a beautiful family you have. Enjoy the Christmas season!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love the red polka dot raincoat too! Honestly, they just can't hold you back!! :) You've been a busy bee. I envy your skill both sewing and quilting and those ornaments will be so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your raincoats are gorgeous...perfect to cheer you up on a rainy day.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm so happy to read the cast is off! :-) The rain jackets look wonderful and I'm sure they will be appreciated. Love the photo of the cookie maker! :-)

    Have a very Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Glad your arm is back in working order again. You have really accomplished a lot! I have some laminate fabric and haven't used it yet.

    Cute Christmas fabric!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love the raincoats!

    Happy Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  10. They are going to be the envy of all their friends with these one of a kind rain jackets! I'm so glad that cast is gone and your back!!!
    By chance did Connie mention where she got the holiday card? Cute!! Enjoy family time...I see you've already started!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I LOVE those raincoats!!! I love catching up with you on all you have been doing. I did read about your broken arm but haven't read how you did it yet. So glad you are better.

    ReplyDelete
  12. My Christmas wish for you, my friend
    Is not a simple one
    For I wish you hope and joy and peace
    Days filled with warmth and sun

    I wish you love and friendship too
    Throughout the coming year
    Lots of laughter and happiness
    To fill your world with cheer

    May you count your blessings, one by one
    And when totaled by the lot
    May you find all you've been given
    To be more than what you sought

    May your journeys be short, your burdens light
    May your spirit never grow old
    May all your clouds have silver linings
    And your rainbows pots of gold

    I wish this all and so much more
    May all your dreams come true
    May you have a Merry Christmas friend
    And a happy New Year, too .. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  13. Those coats are amazing...well done!! And such lovely family photo's too. Have a wonderful Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Those are lovely rain coats, I'm sure they will be enjoyed on many a rainy day. Congratulations on getting the cast off, now you can really enjoy the Holidays. Wishing you and your family a very enjoyable Christmas and all the best for the New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I bet you are delighted to be able to stitch again. Love the raincoats you made.
    I really enjoy seeing your family having fun. The little guy helping with the cookies is cute.
    What sort of pet is Buddy. A Lizard???
    Have a fun filled Christmas with all you lovely family.
    Hugz
    Maria XXX

    ReplyDelete
  16. those rain coats are amazing.....wow...I can't sew clothes....that animal asleep on it's back....ewwww...lol

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm so glad that you're catching up. The raincoats are really nice. Thanks for the nice post and wishing you a Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  18. May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a truly blessed year in 2012. The raincoats are TERRIFIC! I'm glad your arm is "free" now. :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Those raincoats are too cute and colorful. I love them.
    So happy that you are back to sewing. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    ReplyDelete
  20. What beautiful raincoats and thanks for the tip about being able to put pins in it! I have some laminate I haven't used yet. Glad you are enjoying the ruler board that Builder Bob made!

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a fantastic job on the raincoats! I bet your machine will be smoking for a while since you got the cast off! I can't to see what you will tackle over the next few months!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Good thing your arm got freed up, and seems to be working fine!! The jackets are wonderful!!

    Looks like you've been having lots of family fun! ;)

    Wow! 344 donated quilts!?! That is awesome!

    Am I seeing this photo correctly? Your son has 11 children?

    Wonderful mailbox goodies you've received! Lucky you!

    Have a great Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Stopped by from Island Life Quilts blog to enjoy your blog. Those raincoats are so cute. and your Christmas Cactus quilt is s-p-l-e-n-d-i-d! Gorgeous pattern and work. Have a happy stitching holiday!
    best from Tunisia,
    nadia

    ReplyDelete
  24. Merry Christmas! I'm glad to hear that your arm is much better :-) Such cute raincoats!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Those rain coats are just beautiful. What a great job you did with them...a seamstress huh? I love the picture of your grandson making cookies...too cute.

    I know it's late, but hope you had a wonderful Christmas. I am sure it was a blast with all those kids running around.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oh my goodness... I wish I lived close to you so I could learn to make a coat like those. They are absolutely amazing! Every one of them are as cute as can be. I loved all the family photos... looks like you are having a wonderful and blessed holiday! xxoo

    ReplyDelete
  27. Love the rain coats! Adorable fabrics

    ReplyDelete
  28. LOVE the raincoats. I've been so tempted to sew with laminated cotton...perhaps a bag???

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love the raincoats... they are amazing!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I think those raincoats are my favorite handmade gift I've seen in blogland this year. THEY are so cute. Where they hard?

    ReplyDelete
  31. Those raincoats are absolutely GORGEOUS -- and you're so brave to work with that fabric! I don't think I'd have the nerve to even try.

    ReplyDelete