Monday, December 30, 2013

End of the Year

Another year is rapidly coming to a close.  It seems inpossible that we are saying goodbye to 2013 already. 

The last month has been so busy and we are now left with great memories.  It was hard to find time for stitching of any sort and my cutting table was in sorry shape.  Everything got dumped on top of it when I was rushing around.  Yesterday was a day for cleaning it up and getting ready for new and old projects. 

Christmas was fabulous!  This was a shot of a very full room as gift opening started. 



Nedra had showed the cutest napkin folding technique on her blog so I used it for our Christmas dinner setting.  It was quite the hit.



I did manage to finish up the newest Christmas stocking for the grandbaby born this year.



The weather for Christmas was amazing and provided us with fun outdoor entertaining.  One flower that grows really well in our area is the poinsettia.  They are all in full bloom right now and this one is at my neice's home.



I received a stunning gift from a dear friend of mine.  She is an accomplished artist and you will see her artwork in many places - LAX and cruise ships to name a few.  This is a new project that she has taken on in her journey.  These are large fabric beads (about 3" across) and can be strung on ribbons, leather or chains.  This one she put on a hand dyed silk ribbon.  She has started an Etsy shop to sell them if anyone is interested.  I cannot tell you how many compliments I have received when I have worn it. 



The little sewing that I have accomplished here has included my mini quilt for the ALQS8 swap coming up next month.  It's not too late to participate if you are interested.  I LOVE the way this swap is run and have participated in the last 4 or 5 of them.





I also completed a couple of wonky houses for Beth's annual Neighborhood Party - one for the party and one for a charity quilt she will make with them.




A couple of fun squishy packages have recently found their way into my mailbox.  These were wins from the most recent Blog Hop Party.  First off was this package of beautiful charms from Kristin at goobadesigns.



Then I received these wonderful mini metal barn quilt designs from Barbara at Cat Patches.  These have little holes so they can be attached with needle and thread if you desire to do so.  They will be fun. 



I wish all of you a wonderful upcoming year.  I will look forward to another year of amazing creativity and inspiration from all of you.   





30 comments:

  1. What a full house indeed!! Sweet mini and love the houses for Beth's neighborhood - I can't wait to see them all laid out.

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  2. Your home full of family makes for good memories. What a blessing. Your mini and house blocks are great! And I love all the nativities in the previous post.

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  3. Wowzers, you sure had a crowd for Christmas!! I counted 27 heads but I could have missed a few. You are SO Blessed to be surrounded by all your beautiful family.

    Looks like you had a wonderful year...loved seeing your chevron mini quilt & stocking for Sally. Very nicely done!

    Thank you for your sweet comments on my Christmas quilt. Next, I'm hoping to get one done for Valentines Day.

    Wishing you a SEW Happy New Year!!

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  4. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Mary. Indeed, looking forward to another year of creativity and sharing. I just love the scene in your living room on Christmas day. That cute stocking for Sally is gorgeous, what a lucky girl!
    Hugs
    Nat

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  5. What an interesting post. Loved that family photo of Christmas gift opening , how special . Wonderful projects too , you do lovely work and I look forward to seeing more in the new year , Happy new Year !

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  6. This year has just *flown* by ... Todd and I were just talking about that this morning. Crazy!! Mary, that poinsettia is gorgeous -- I've never seen one like that before. Just beautiful!!! Love all your family fun -- that's what it's all about, girlfriend!! Your mini quilt is very sweet! Love the prints you've used in the borders, especially!! The way you've framed it looks very much like a framed print. Nice!! :)

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  7. Looks like you had a great family celebration as usual Mary. Lovely to see your family enjoying their gift opening. Your little quilt is gorgeous. It will def be on my list. That is, if I ever get mine made. Christmas has been so busy I haven't even started. Love your wonky houses too. Best Wishes for New Year 2014.

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  8. A house full of joyful noises! :o) Happy and Healthy New Year to one and all.

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  9. Your elf shoes look great in fabric plaids! (so glad your family liked them, too :) It looks like you had a great Christmas with family.

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  10. Wow, what a lovely scene of such excitement and celebration!Sounds like you enjoyed your Christmas! Love the little swap quilt and congratulations on your wins and gifts. Happy New Year!!

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  11. That poinsettia looks like a bush or tree. I have never seen them any way except as a small plant.

    I love the folded napkin.

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  12. Mary! I guess there's no "taking turns" to open presents where one person would open the present while the rest of the family watch, eh? :) What happy times you have with your family.

    I love love love Sally's stocking (and want it too!) I just saw a Bucilla felt kit of cookies and candies wreath project. It is so cute.

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  13. Everything looks fantastic Mary,
    Wishing you continued blessings in the New Year!!!

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  14. Love that folded napkin and the new Christmas stocking.

    Happy New Year.

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  15. That full house looks like our family celebration from Saturday. It looks like a great time was had by all.

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  16. There is nothing better than a room filled with loved ones. What a great Christmas photo.

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  17. Happy New Year, Mary! If you have any more for Christmas next year you'll need a bigger house! What fun you must have had! The necklace is beautiful and your little quilt so cheery!
    Cheers!

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  18. happy New Year....!!!!

    Love your mini also!!

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  19. What a fun gathering you had! The new stocking you made is amazing! What a lucky girl :-) Happy New Year!

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  20. How wonderful as usual. You have a quilt on the back of a chair on the right exactly the same design and colour of a quilt I used to have on a bed. I gave it away when I changed colour scheme but also because it was quite thick when it came to washing it.

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  21. That photo of the family opening Christmas presents looks like our family on Christmas Eve, which has been spent at my Mom and Dad's for as long as I can remember....unless a child is being born in another city! Love your wonky houses....I hope I can still get a block to Beth for one of the charity quilts....Happy New Year!

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  22. Your full house looks like so much fun! Have a wonderful New Year!

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  23. You look like you have been very busy indeed! What a full house for Christmas, I bet you were loving every minute of it! Congratulations on your wins! I look forward to seeing what you create in 2014, I bet they will be just as marvelous as you!

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  24. Sounds like a lovely Christmas. Australia is a place where poinsettia grows at Christmas time too. The one in the photo looks beautiful. Interestingly, today it is warmer in LA in winter than it is in Adelaide in summer! But we have had some hot days recently and more to come I'm sure.

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  25. Wonderful to have all your gorgeous family together opening their gifts.
    Sally stocking is lovely. Great "wonky house" blocks.

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  26. Happy New Year! I love the photo of your entire family together opening gifts... wow; you are blessed!

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  27. Looks like a fun holiday with family and what a beautiful necklace. I did not know that Poinsettias grew like that!

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