New year, new project.

 This idea was inspired by a left over section of an old project.

It hung on the design wall until I could get to it.  As you know, the holidays were excessively busy this year.

The green 2" strips residing in my closet have been waiting awhile to be cut into squares.  As have the yellows.  For some reason I find yellows difficult to collect.

Do you recognize the bright yellow stripe from the 1970s

Have you been looking for a good book to listen to?  Then I recommend this one.

A very slow pace, good for a frosty winter day while sewing.  If you're a long-time reader, you'll recognize some of the characters.  Slow books often bore me, but I really enjoyed this one.

You'll recognize these characters also.  All in new homes now.  I still miss them.

Temps are dipping down into the 20s tonight with a chance of snow this coming weekend.  It's time to find some new books.  If you listen to Overdrive Downloadable Books, do you have any recommendations?

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Hello, woof, is anyone out there?

 Please help.  I cannot find my momma.

 She cleaned for company and filled the sewing room with extra stuff.

I think she's buried in here somewhere.

I heard the sewing machine humming.  She mentioned fabric therapy . . .having to sew 25 patches.  Many 25 patches.

If you hear from her, let her know I want my supper with beef gravy please.

Woof!  Dolly

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' . . .