Vintage Valentine #2

The joy of staying home and catching up on projects though my poor garden is begging me to work it.Last week it was warm and I worked half of the garden.
This week is completely froze. We have had temps in the low 30"s with a hard frost and all the lovely plants I took care of are now frozen. The joy of gardening never ends.At least I can quilt when I can't be outside.

Let's get a jump start on Christmas gifts 2010

OK, every month I will do a post or 2 on Christmas gifts.
I make gifts throughout the year. I kind of stock pile them and then make them into sets keeping in retrospect the taste and style of the person I make them for. I am not generating new ideas. These gifts have been made over and over again by many. They work for me and helps me keep my gift stash up to date.
I work on gifts a few times a month so that by the time December rolls around I have a nice pile. Now sometimes I do have to make a few extras for last minute items but that is just the way it is.
Often times, I make multiples. For example, when I make coasters I make several sets at a time and chain piece them. I do not make just one set because it is really much easier to make a couple of sets.
I do the same thing when I make towels, and mats.

Today I am making confetti glass ornaments using fabric scraps. I made these at the end of the year and I liked them so much that I had to make more.
I even made a theme one- a John Deere one.
These are easy to make for yourself or gift.
I used up scraps , cut into tiny pieces and filled the glass ornaments with them.
p.s. Source: Michaels and Joann's fabrics. Also try a craft store.

Vintage Valentine

Well I started the new year with my first Vintage Valentine block.
I have been working on them since I have been off school so I am hoping to have a few almost done.
I needle turned this one except the edges of the heart. I used the decorative stitches on my machine for that . I purchased a wonderful book by Diane Guadynski where she encourages a smaller needle , size 60 and silk thread. I have been using her technique and I love it.

A Woman's Work is Never done

Finally, finally finished another block from the Lori Holt quilt I have been working on. I wanted to make one before the end of year.
Not too many more to go.

It did not last

well keeping the new sewing room tidy did not last.
I love being in one room of the house only. Love it.
I got a stool for my husband to come visit and sit a spell, and a new coaster for his beer when he comes by. ( You know refreshments keep them visiting longer)

My 2010 project

Finally , after 2 years of owning this pattern I am going to start it. Some of the applique is tiny so I will be machine stitching those down. I am going to combine machine embroidery with needle turn on this one. Many of the hearts have a ridge going all around and I will be using the machine for the hearts.
I did a practice run on the machine with the leaves in this block and I do not like how they look so I am starting them over and using the needle turn technique.

Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad to all the wonderful friends I have made blogging.
As a told a dear friend recently, blogging is better than reading a book. So much more is learned and experienced.
My best wishes to all.
This is what I woke up too. A remodeled swing room courtesy of my husband.
If only it would stay this neat.

One more day...

Tomorrow is our last school day and then I will have 12 glorious days to do what I want. Usually on Christmas break I catch up and start new projects for the new year so I am hoping for a good head start.
I finally finished this runner for the school secretary.
I was hoping to finish it sooner so she could enjoy it longer but I got caught up in other projects.
These are the blocks from the ornament swap I hosted last year with many cyber friends with which I am still blogging with.I had already made 2 other runners with these blocks and these were the last four I had left.
I do still have the blue ones though...
Will have to think of something for the blue ornament blocks.

My baby's 1st tree

Gift set #3 complete

This one is going to a lovely couple in Ohio who treat my daughter with so much graciousness and hospitality when she visits. It is more like a Thank you gift.
I do hope I am not boring my blogger friends with these sets. I am hoping that by sharing ideas we can all create great gifts.