How many quilt tops will fit in a Tyvek envelope . . .

Hmmm, well it depends.

If they range in size of around 50" wide and 60" long.

 and there are 2 of these,

 Six of these,

 and 10 of these . . .. (sorry for the fuzzies)

 Don't you just love the border fabric!

 With the fabric nicely starched, they fold up evenly.  No wrinkles.

 Of course it helps to have a BIG envelope.

You've got it.  18 divided by 3 is 6.

Yup, 6 tops for each. Isn't that amazing!

As Flip Wilson would say, "Well ring my chimes."

Of course some of us only get excited when there's food around.

Whew, now I need to flag down the post man.

Happy New Year everyone!

How many of you have found time to sew?

Or are you still recovering from the hustle and bustle of Christmas?

Last  night I managed to sew some borders on the last of the QOV tops.  

By delving into my 2-1/2" strip box and reducing it by half, I managed to assemble 5 more large, couch-size nap quilts.  Or perhaps I should name them rest and recovery quilts, which has a much more health-related ring.  And isn't that what QOV's are all about, healing?

Dolly and I would like to wish you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Up on the rooftop reindeer pause . . .

 Santa cannot come down my chimney this year, it's a bit too warm.  However, you'll notice that I finally made and filled Dolly's stocking.

Cannot recall how long I've had this fabric, probably since 1994.  There's a Saint Bernard in the middle.

 This year's mantle showcase includes many Santas and sleighs.  The small sleigh on the far right was made by my father.  Most of the Santas I've made throughout the years.  A few were purchased.

 Including this wee fellow who is hand-carved and hand-painted by a local artist.

Hand-crocheted by my mom around 1980, this poor Santa lost his nose.

When she first handed it to me, I thought it was the ugliest Santa I'd ever seen, but now I wouldn't trade it for the world.  After all, she made it with love.

And isn't that what this season is all about.

Wherever you are this Christmas and whomever you're with,

may you enjoy the spirit of Peace and Joy this holiday represents.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Well, the weather outside is frightful . . .

So I set up the pinning table and got to work.

 It's splendiforously wonderful to have a view of the tree while I pin.

Just a small table topper.  Can't recall when I started it.

However, I also pinned a small blue and yellow top, as well as an Xmas table runner.  And this one. . .

which was begun about 14 years ago.  It's one of my favorites and I look forward to getting it done. 

How are your Christmas projects coming along?

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . 

Spread the "warmth" and joy of the holiday season

 I've decided to sell my recently completed 9-patch quilt.

 If you'd like a very special gift for yourself or someone you love,

please e-mail me.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

If you live in or near Kentucky

and have room in your home and heart for a Saint Bernard.  Please rescue this poor pup through

http://saintbernard.rescueme.org/Kentucky

As you know, Dolly was a rescue and we went through some rough times getting through puppy hood.  However, Saints are the most loyal friends you'll ever have.   In every way that counts.

Big dogs need a fenced in yard, extra EXTRA love and attention, as well as firm guidelines.  Food is a great motivator with Saints.  They are great with kids, will guard their fence line, and even have a sense of approaching storms.  They tend to bond with one person, but that bond is bone deep.

Thanks for listening.

Update:  I'm happy to report that Zeus has been adopted.  However, there are other Saints available through the Saint Bernard Rescue site.  If you're looking for a different breed, do check out the rescue sites for that type of dog.  Most specific breeds have rescue sites, especially if you're near a major city.  

Getting ready

 After all of this cleaning and moving of furniture, I expect a call from BH&G any time now.  Surely they'll want to feature my living room in their next December issue.  LOL

 The tree is not showing up very well, so I'll showcase some ornaments.

Helen is a local carver who does santas beautifully.

 A resident wood turner from the folk school made this one about 12 years ago.

 My bestest buddy in high school gave me snoopy holding skis.  Ahhh yes, memories.

 Inlaid wood of a favorite quilt pattern.

These are just a few of many ornaments I've collected over the years and throughout my travels.  I try to write the date and place on each ornament, but this year I'll take a more serious photographic survey so they're covered by home insurance.

Sweet Dolly, waiting for company.

Wishing you all the very best this holiday season has to offer.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Tis the season

 The Christmas quilts are up.

 The first counted cross stitch project I started in college.

 My lovely Christmas house made by a dear friend.

 My father's stained glass angels on my mom's pressed glass cake plate.

And ahh yes, the tree.

May I add, a very heavy plantable tree.  Dear friends helped me haul it in.

Next up, decorations.

Now where did I put my Christmas music CDs.  Can't decorate a tree without the right music.

How are your decorations coming along?

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Oh happy day,

It's raining!

After watching the news feeds on the terrible fire over in Gatlinburg, Tennessee last night, I can only hope that it's raining even more over there.  

If you're not familiar with one-lane roads off of mountainous areas, then it's hard to imagine what those folks were going through.  Around here, twisty, single lane, gravel roads are the norm.  The trees are very close together and most all the leaves have fallen.  We're all concerned, so any and all rain is a true blessing.

On a lighter note, last night I trimmed up more pieces for QOV tops.  I'm bound and determined to meet my goal by Christmas.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

It's time to be amazed.

Some sewing, yes actual sewing, got done for Quilts of Valor.

The 2-piece orchard ladder is now done!  Can we get an Amen from the balcony choir on this one please.  It was a chore to get that sealant on correctly.

Now that the holiday hoopla is upon us, Dolly asked me to remind everyone if you're driving long distances to please keep an emergency kit in the car.  You know the drill, anything you need to stay warm, hydrated, etc. etc., in case you're stuck on the side of the road for any reason.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

I walked into Lowe's last night . ..

to return a few items and the customer service reps were talking politics.  There's a phrase used in the South, "hepped up."  Not sure where the slang originated, but it perfectly describes the mood around here lately.  Loosely, it interprets as being extra excited or incensed about.

What would happen if instead of turning on the TV, parents took their kids to a ball game or the park.

What would happen if everyone in the nation turned off their phones and facebook and took the dog for a walk.  (If you don't have a dog you can borrow Dolly.)

What would happen if we as a nation simply shut down all of this instant, and I must say often negative information, and let it go for a bit.

Thanks / giving is coming.  So I vote for giving and thanking.

How about you?

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Amen sister.

May I suggest you hop on over to read Susan Branch's blog today.  She's one very wise, insightful lady.  

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Information on fires in Western NC

Several friends have been asking about the nearby fires.  Here is one site which updates their information regularly.

http://ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/sit_report.htm

The smoke was so bad yesterday, we could not go outside until late afternoon.

Please pray for rain.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

The Land of the Free Because of the Brave

Thank you Veterans for the freedom to make choices every single day.

Where we worship, where we travel to, what we wear, and what we say . .  are just a few of the things we enjoy doing, all because of you.

So from the bottom of our hearts, Thank You.

Wordless Wednesday

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Blueeee, I'm so bluueeee . . .

What newly painted porch rockers sing about on quiet afternoons.

Two coats of primer, 3 coats of paint, and 1 coat of clear sprayed on.

Another check on the list, yeah!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Finally Finished!

Has this happened to you, a quilt sits around just waiting to be bound?

First seen on Finn's blog about 7 or 8 years ago, I really loved the color combination and had to have one.  

Using a wide variety of red and background prints always makes things interesting.

It took 2 years to get the binding on.  I think that's a new record for me.

However, other, more important things take precedence.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .