Rainy Day Session

It is a rainy day session for us and it is forecast to continue through next Wednesday.  It is actually nice to be getting the rain and it isn’t too chilly outside.  They call this a “Pineapple Express” in our area, meaning we get lots of rain with milder temperatures.


Our oldest son and his family happen to be up in the Sierras where it is forecast to receive 12 to 18 feet of snow through next Wednesday.  They received three feet overnight last night.  We may not see them again until spring at this rate.  LOL



Thursday DH took the day off of work as he needed to drive into L.A. to pick up some wine for Christmas.  He asked if I would like to accompany him and stop off at the fabric district.  He did not need to ask twice as I had jumped at the thought.  It was a fabulous day with fabric stores for blocks filled with luscious fabrics, trims, laces, buttons, patterns, beads, feathers and anything you could imagine.  It really is a great place to visit if you do clothing construction as most of our fabric stores cater to quilters and have a very limited amount of fabrics for clothing.  I was in heaven and could have spent many hours there.  We met up for lunch at the famous Coles and enjoyed a beef dip sandwich.  YUM!!!





Today I was able to spend some time sewing and playing around a bit.  It actually felt really good to be all caught up and have some free time.  I got the last border on my Christmas Cactus quilt and I really LOVE it.  Thanks, Sandi, for sharing your fabulous pattern with us.





I recently read on someone's blog about making your own spray starch.  I wish I could remember who wrote it so I could give them credit, but, sadly, I cannot.  It called for two cups of water, 1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch and 2 drops of lavender essence oil.  Since I an not a fan of lavender I found some "fresh linen" at Mich*aels and used that.  Not only does the mixture work well, it smells utterly fantastic.  I am sold on it.

As well, I made a few Christmas pinwheel ornaments from this tutorial.  They went up so quickly and were fun to make.  They will be super cute on the tree or on top of packages.







Two of our grandsons had birthdays this week so we were able to celebrate with their family.  Mr. B turn 8 on Thursday and Mr. T is 13 today – a big teenager now. 







This evening we are going to another son’s home for our annual Christmas dinner with his family.  We enjoy a great meal followed by a trip around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights.  It should be interesting in the pouring rain tonight.


I received my pincushion from the swap that I participated in at Pigtales and Quilts.  It is a lovely pincushion in the shape of a watermelon with lots of beading.  The workmanship is fabulous on it.  As well, Thearica enclosed an ornament for our tree.  Thank you so much, it was a fun swap to participate in.





I recently won a giveaway from Talin with lots of wonderful trims.  I know that these will come in so handy with the sewing that I do for my grandchildren.  They are beautiful and will be the perfect accent to little girl’s dresses.  Look at the fabulous pincushion she enclosed.  I LOVE her fabric choices and the cute flower on top.  Thank you, Talin.






Tomorrow we light our last advent candle which means that Christmas is right around the corner.  My, but the year has flown past.  I am sure that I will be tied up with lots of preparation for our big Christmas Eve party so I would like to take a moment and wish everyone a very blessed Christmas.  It has been my joy to visit all of your wonderful blogs this year and to have you stop by for a visit to mine as well.  Blogging friends are really special.