Goodbye 2017

It's hard to believe that we are saying farewell to 2017 already.  It sounds like many in the states are sending it off in a deep freeze.  The snowy pictures have looked beautiful, but I am not envious of the temperatures.  They would, however, add a new dimension to my Temperature Quilt project.

I love this quiet time after all of the holiday entertaining.  The house is all decorated and there is no preparation that I should be doing.  I can look around and enjoy this Christmas season completely guiltless.

This week has been a lot of clean up from Christmas and houseguests, but I have been determined to try to stay on track with my Bonnie Hunter QAL.  It has taken me the full week to get the clue done this week, but here they are - with 11 to spare!

I think we should soon be assembling all of these parts and I am looking forward to seeing them all come together.


We had another wild and wonderful Christmas with everyone here.  There was not a lot of time for pictures as it is rather chaotic, but I will share one picture that I took mid-room as we were gathering to open gifts.  I know crowds like this are not for everyone, but it is a joyful part of our life.

I wish for an exciting, fun and blessed 2018 for everyone.  I'm looking forward to following along with all of you in the upcoming year.  You are each so inspiring and never cease to amaze me with your creativity.  Thank you so much.

Winter Solstice

December 21st.....winter solstice.  Not being a winter lover, I love this day as I know my days will now be getting longer.  I know there is still lots of winter days ahead, but it is reassuring that summer will be here before we know it.

As with others, the week has been super busy as we prepare for the arrival of Christmas.  The wrapping is finished and the baking has started.

With stolen minutes here and there throughout the week, I have managed to finish Clue #4 and am ready for the next one.

A few small gifts were also made this week.

Little boxy bags for carrying little items.

A couple of Crazy Cat potholders.  Pattern by Made By Marney.

With guests arriving tomorrow, I doubt that I will be back on the computer until next week.  I wish all of you a blessed Christmas.  I hope you can enjoy the time spent with family and friends in peace and love.

Sew All Around

Over the last few months, Gosia from Quilts My Way has been sharing patterns and tutorials for some circular quilting.  Initially, the circles were intimidating, but with her tutorials they became much more comfortable.

This week is the time to link up our finishes.  There were three different designs to stitch.  I managed to get the first two done, but busyness through the holidays did not allow time to get to the last one.  I did, however, keep the pattern instructions and hope to add the last one once life is quieter after the new year.

This was the first design with quarter circles.

This was the second one with half circles.

The third project is for full circles inserted into pieced backgrounds.  You can see other completed pieces at the LINKY post.

Mid December Stitching

Life seems to be settling down a bit from the crazy pace of the last few months.  The days are drawing closer and I'm finding a few spare moments here and there for some stitching.  There is something relaxing about the time spent sewing.

I still have a few small projects to finish before Christmas, but I hope to get those done in the next few days.  Meanwhile, sewing a few minutes at a time helps to get the clues to the Bonnie Hunter Quiltville Mystery, On Ringo Lake, done.  I have managed to keep up - so far.  Clue #4 came out today and I had to give it a try.  I love these pieces - both the design and the colors.

The last few weeks have used the salmon color so I was happy to move away from that color.

A friend of mine had started a lovely quilt for her newest grandson.  She did such a nice job on the applique and was in the process of hand quilting it, but has been knocked down a bit by some medical problems.  Knowing she was not going to be able to complete it for Christmas, she asked if I would machine quilt the borders for her to finish it off.  I wish that I had the time to hand quilt it to complement her work, but the quilt is now finished and ready to be gifted.

It's hard to believe that the year is almost over and my Temperature Quilt is now in its final days.  November was a colorful one with some record breaking temperatures.  December has been exceptionally warm too.  I don't know why my one blue is showing up so dark in the photos, but I'll try to capture the whole year when the lighting is better.  It surely looks different from my sister's geese since she lives in Alaska.  You can see hers at IG alaskanquilter.

Puppy time is also consuming a lot of my free time.  One of us is definitely getting trained.  This little guy is such a love and wants to be wherever I am at all times.  Writing my Christmas cards, he was right there with a nose on my knee.

Sewing.....he sleeps in his bed right next to the sewing machine.

Computer time??? lol  It's tough to use the keyboard when he is sleeping on my wrist.

I'd say he is adjusting to his new home quite well.

The Thomas fire is still burning in our area with nearly 1000 structures now burned down and two deaths - one of a young firefighter yesterday.  Full containment is not expected until January 7th.  Our quilt guild and many others are joining the Ventura Modern Quilt Guild in making blocks for quilts for the victims.  It is an easy block to make if anyone is interested in participating.  This is from their website.

Make it STOP!

I'm so ready for the winds to stop and the fires in the area to get under control.  It has been a couple of wild days around here.

The home that was my parents for many years burned to the ground yesterday in Ventura.  The heroic efforts of firefighters stood no chance with the incredible winds we were experiencing.  So many memories are now left in our minds and in the ashes.

I am just so grateful for the fact that my mom chose to move closer to my sister and myself.  To get that middle of the night phone call to evacuate would have been terrifying.

Tonight is suppose to be even worse as far as the winds go.  I am praying for the safety of the firefighters and for all of those who have lost their homes, including my niece and nephew.

Needless to say, sewing has taken a back seat this week with all that has been going on here.  I did, however, play around a bit with some geese and nine patches.  I was just trying to see what another colorway in Bonnie Hunter's mystery would look like.