Break out the bells,

and ring in the news . . .

The binding is finally sewn on!

How old is this project . . . I believe 17 or 18 years.

Some of you even have this book to make your very own.

Although, I'm sure yours will get done faster even without Dolly's help.

We had a very quiet Christmas this year, as I came down with a touch of the flu Sunday night.  At least I get to look at quilting books while recovering.

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

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Just popping in . . .

to wish you all a joyous holiday.

 Very little decorating was accomplished last week.

However, all the furniture was moved.  The floor and baseboards finally got cleaned.

Today the log cabin top was finished with Dolly's help.  It's been washed in order to remove that nasty blue pen, which has a tendency to set on me.  Edges were zigzagged and when it dries, I'll work on the binding.

The pie has been made, as I have to work tomorrow.  Like you, I'm looking forward to sitting down with friends on Monday and simply enjoying the day.

Wherever you are and whomever you're with, Dolly and I would like to wish you the peace and joy of the season.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Plan A versus Plan B

Originally, I was not going to spend time decorating for Christmas . . . Choosing instead to focus on the yard, mowing, mulching, hauling in manure, planting trees, cleaning up briars  . . . you get the idea.

 Mother Nature has interrupted my plans.

 This storm really caught me by surprise.  Power was out for 30 hours and I could not get out of my driveway to get to work.

 Thankfully there were quilts to keep us warm and food to tide us over.  Some folks still did not have power yesterday. 

 I've stocked up on de-icer for the driveway, matches, bottled water, and kitty litter to put under stuck tires. 

And today we'll be cleaning, rearranging furniture and figuring out where to put the tree.  Evidently, the garden must wait.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

It's midnight Sunday, a new week is beginning.

 Get a cuppa, let's chat and catch up shall we!

Recently, the problem-child quilt top was finally fixed.  Several lines of quilting were removed, the turned block was corrected, the top unpinned, and new lines were drawn on.  Now it's re-pinned and I'm ready to try again.  (Note to self:  Sometimes the free hand method is NOT the way to go).

 The Butterball was finally roasted today.  It's been in the freezer for a year, so I figured it was time.

 Has anyone ever used this particular seasoning?  It looked interesting to me.

Certainly not the prettiest bird on the table, but the oven bag method was used.  Next time we'll try the brown bag baking method with butter.  My pal Paul does his that way and it's always tasty and browned to perfection.  This one will make great soup later in the week.

Marcie, this photo is for you.  I remembered to put a pan under the strainer when transferring the gravy from the roaster.

Awhile back, Marcie Patch told the story of making gravy during a busy family holiday meal.  In order to remove the lumps, the gravy was poured through the strainer sitting over the sink.  However, someone forgot to put a bowl under it, and there went the gravy.  I still laugh every time I stir gravy, so thank you Marcie.

 Here's Dolly lying directly behind me as I carved the turkey, patiently waiting for "her share".

After discovering that dear friends had a baby girl, I pulled out one of my "seed cans" and put this top together.

Seed cans are tins I've had for years which hold various pieces that can be assembled quickly.  In this case, 2" pink and light squares.  Perfect for 9 patches.

The child's last name is Rose, so a tiny rosebud print was found.

There's the recap in a blink.  Now we're off to join the holiday rush!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Wishing you all the good food and family fun

our wonderful American holiday has to offer.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .