i sewed something!
i'm making a pillow with the fabrics i posted yesterday.
don't know if this heart will make the final pillow,
but at least i started : )

wordless wednesday

wordless wednesday

wordless wednesday

ready for the new year

These are my completed sewing and quilting projects of 2011. Not very impressive. I did however finish a lot of quilt bee blocks - over 50! Between homeschooling and my husband's health issues this past year [he's recovering nicely!], sewing wasn't a high priority.

But this year should be better! I am participating in NO bees this year. First time in several years. While I will miss the interactions, I look forward to focusing all my sewing energy into making exactly what I want to make.

week in review

i went to our annual homeschool group's moms' christmas brunch.
i always enjoy making something for our white elephant gift exchange.
this year, i just made something that was simple and quick.
then i packed up my sewing machine and put it all away.
i was sick off all the clutter.
trying to decide if i want to set up a better sewing space in my bedroom.
i know. i know. i just moved it all out in the family room,
but now my sewing space is too small.




we visited my sil and her family for our nephew's birthday.
brought free gifts from our citrus trees.




received some mail goodies.
more on that in another post.
hopefully.




marguerite and i spent the day with friends
dipping things in chocolate
yum!
then marguerite spent the night there
and zach stayed home with my mil
and billy and i went to dinner to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary!




marguerite spent friday throwing up.
and it was quiet awhile before i had a shower ; )
plus i'm gearing up for 52fridays
which is weekly self portrait challenge on flickr
helps me get over my disdain of seeing pictures of myself




some books i've finished lately.
click on the picture to take you to flickr
if you would like to see my very brief reviews.
or you can just take my word for it that i like all three of these.

let the crafting begin!

alternate title: our fall/winter vacation has begun

a few months ago, while we were in the thick of homeschooling, i finished up the sewing for my free piecing swap for molly and also my bee ff blocks. then i packed away my sewing machine. when it was sitting out all ready to go, i was feeling the pull [sometimes the guilty pull] to sew when i knew that i didn't have time for it.

but this week started our break from school until the new year, and my sewing table is finally cleared off of all non sewing stuff. i am ready to get going! maybe today.




each year my dear friend katie and i make christmas cards. it's such a joy to spend an evening each week having dinner at her house and then working on cards together. lots of laughter and even a few tears are shared between us. and while we work on our cards, our friendship deepens.

i haven't made my card list yet, but i made 39 cards. i know some will cherish them and some will think it's a waste. some will realize how much effort goes into making them and some will chuck it into the garbage after the holidays are over without a thought. but i make them for me. the act of making them gives me pleasure. those who love what i make are the icing on the cake.