The Calm

This always seems like such a calm time of the year.  The cooking and parties are behind us and it is such a wonderful time of the year to pause and reflect on Christmas. 

We had a wonderful, wonderful Christmas.  I am still trying to dig out and have not located my camera with the Christmas pictures on it yet, but I am sure after a few more rooms are cleaned it will appear.  I am not worried YET!!!!   Meanwhile I do have a few pictures from another camera that I happened to grab. 



Before....




Getting ready to open gifts.




Opening gifts.




Enjoying the excitement.




Ohhhh.....a new seat in the house!!!



Christmas Day brunch on the patio.  Please pardon the lattice stripes!

I have been thinking that I should grab my keys and head to Las Vegas.  Like many of you, I signed up for different giveaways on the recent Blog Hop Party and I actually won.  In fact, I won several of them.  I guess it makes up for years past when I did not. 

A wonderful package arrived from Cherry.   I am actually quite excited about starting another Christmas themed quilt and she has me off to a good start with the Flurry jelly roll.   I don't know if you remember seeing the incredible Accuquilt Christmas tree tutorial that she did - the red one, but you must check it out.  She has put kits together to sell due to the huge response from her readers.  That is another project on my list for next year. 

From Scott at Blue Nickel Quilts I won some wonderful spring fabrics.  These too will be so much fun to incorporate into my sewing next year.   I guess it is never too early to start thinking about spring!!  That's my way of thinking as well.

Marlene at Kissed Quilts chose me as her winner of her ombre fabrics.  I LOVE these fabrics.  They feel fabulous and the shading is spectacular.  These will really make up nicely and be beautiful when finished.

From Because I'm Me I won some lovely coasters.  Don't the colors remind you of a tropical vacation with crystal blue waters?   They do me.  I also LOVED the little card that was enclosed with them.  It is so sweet with the button flowers, but it also has the instructions for care of the item on the back.  It is such a fabulous idea and I think I will start doing that on gifts that I make and give.

 

I did have a chance to do a little sewing with my granddaughter who wanted to make a small quilt for her parents.  She did an incredible job on it and did the FMQ by herself.  I sewed the binding on for her, but she chose the fabrics and sewed them all together on her own.  I see a budding quilter here!!!

2011 has been a great year around our home and I am looking forward to ringing in the new year with all that it has to offer.  My wish is for a very happy and blessed 2012 to each of you.