Thanksgiving Week

I know many of you are either deep into Thanksgiving preparations or getting ready to travel for Thanksgiving tomorrow, but I would like to wish all of my U.S. followers a very happy Thanksgiving. 

In between trying to get organized for Thanksgiving here, which we celebrate on Saturday, I have managed to find a little time to slip in some sewing.  I'm trying to keep up with my Just Takes 2 blocks - especially with the holiday entertaining sneaking up on us.  These are blocks 98-95.

   

I met my mom, sister and SIL for lunch and I wanted to make them a few of those cute little coin purses.  I told you that they were addicting!

During the UR Priceless I won a giveaway hosted by Sue at http://suebeesworld.blogspot.com and it arrived in the mail this week.  Look at all of the wonderful goodies - lots of great Christmas fabrics, adorable Santa panel blocks and some fantastic gift bags that Sue made.  I can tell that I am going to have to make a few more of these.  They will really dress up the Christmas gifts this year.  Thanks so much, Sue. 

The mail also brought my swap mini quilt from the ALQS7.  My mini came all the way from Alaska and I just love the wonderful job that Natalie did on it.  I love the bright colors and her application of beads and little "eyes" on the swirls.  Brilliant idea!! 

In the evenings I am working away on my cross stitch stocking for the newest granddaughter.  I'm not sure it will be finished by Christmas of 2012, but I doubt that she will care this year.

Our son, DIL and three little ones will be down for the weekend so there will be no sewing.  Instead we will be enjoying family time with them.  The weather is forecast to be around 80* which is perfect when there are a lot of little ones who want to play outside. 

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Well Into August

Here we are well into August already.  The days are getting noticeably shorter and the grandchildren return to school on Monday.  It's hard to believe another summer is quickly coming to an end.

The summer chores continue.  I tried something new this year and am quite pleased with the results.  We have a couple of pinot noir grape vines growing over a structure and it is loaded with grapes this year.    What's a gal to do?  Make wine????  Nah...I'm not good at stomping and getting my toes purple.  How about jelly????  I can do that!!  It made the prettiest jelly - a rosy color and it tastes great.

In about a week we are going to have three little ones with us while their mommy and daddy buzz off to Hawaii for a little getaway.  I decided to make them a couple of soft fleece blankets to give them a little comfort.  They were easy and fast projects, but fun nonetheless.

During the wonderful Christmas Hop that was recently showcased I won a darling Christmas mini from Joan at Moose Stash Quilting blog.  I just love it and she did such an amazing job on it.  I know the little ones will get a thrill when they see it hanging during the holidays.  If you have ever wanted to see an amazing scrap quilt, you need to go visit her blog.  Trust me....it will blow you away and it is reversible!!!

I am officially all caught up on my Just Takes 2 blocks with these last two applique blocks.  The newest ones will keep me busy with MORE applique.  Oh dear!!  I think I have tried every type of applique known now and I am not sure it is getting much better.

I also finished my mini quilt for the ALQS7 swap.  I really liked the aqua fabric in this one.  I wish I had more of it for other things. 

#6 star from the Temecula Summer Star QAL is now added to the bunch.

The newest little one is home and doing great.  She is such a good baby - sleeps well and is so mellow.  I think the other children think of her as a doll meant to be dressed up!

I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy a wonderful weekend ahead.

Taking Advantage of Time

We are on baby watch for our newest grandbaby this week so I am taking advantage of time spent close to the phone.  I've tried to keep the week cleared of schedules so it has been a productive week around the house.  Cupboards have been sorted out,  lots of deep cleaning, a little gardening and some solid hours of sewing for mending and fun.  It all feels great.

Summer temperatures have finally arrived - at least warmer temps than what we have had so far this summer.  The air conditioning has yet to click on, but it feels toasty warm outside. 

My hummers are still at the feeders all day long, but we also have our orioles making appearances to share their food.  We always enjoy their cackling sound which is so distinctive.  They arrive in March and will migrate back in late August or early September. 

I'm continuing to plug away on my Just Takes 2 blocks. 

I made a quilt for the new baby.  I still need to put a label on it, but I always add a photo label with one of the first pictures of the new baby.  I love this jelly roll for a child's quilt.....such cute fabrics, so bright and cheery.

Minky was used on the back of this quilt.  I really like the look of the quilting with the minky fabrics. 

The 5th star is added to the Summer Star QAL at Temecula Quilt Co.

I've started my swap quilt for the ALQS7 swap.  I have mentioned before that I just love this swap.  It is done perfectly in the fact that you must have a completed quilt to enter.  You then get to view the completed quilts and choose your favorites from which you will then receive one of them.  The quilts I have received in the past have all been gorgeous!!!  A sneak peak.....

It's been fun to sit and hand stitch in the evenings while watching the Olympics.  I am going to be sorry to see them close.