Monday vibes

November 28, 2023

BOM (2022 edition) from A Quilting Life is nearing completion. Participating in a BOM this year was one of my goals, but I didn’t like any of the BOM programs available at my LQS. This BOM popped up on my IG feed late last year. Loved the sample quilt so much I chose to make this 2022 BOM quilt as my DIY BOM program in 2023. Even better? In March, I decided to add the current 2023 BOM project, too. Waiting on the December block and finishing instructions to drop on December 5th!

Below are some random photos from today’s enrichment class. Buc-cee’s was a popular topic today as we shared what we’d done over Thanksgiving break.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas

November 26, 2023

My only criteria for the gift: it must be useful and the supplies preferably already in my stash.

Quick & Easy:
Potholders
Drink coasters
Oversize potholders to use as trivets
Jar openers
Bookmarks
Pen holders with elastic band for journaling/notetaking
Hair scrunchies

A little more involved:
Placemats
Shopping tote
Casserole carrier
Apron
Table runner
Zipper pouch
Drawstring bag (jewelry holder or shoes for travel)
Travel pillow case for the littles
READ pillow for the littles + newest book from their favorite author
Journal cover

Holiday ornaments and decorations are also fine, but it really depends on the recipient. Items on the above list can be made and gifted throughout the year – not merely reserved for Christmas. For me, quilts are way too involved to be a Christmas present unless it’s for a VIP or special event and I’ve had a lot of advanced notice.

Any other ideas to add to the list?


Photo by Felicity Tai on Pexels.com


Happy Thanksgiving

November 24, 2023

Hope you’re having a wonderful Turkey Day celebrating the way that is most meaningful to you. Thanksgiving has certainly looked very different for us each of the last four years due to the pandemic, health issues and family dynamics. I’m very thankful to finally have had a relatively normal Thanksgiving this year. It did my soul a world of good.

A couple of weeks ago, I made a Dresden plate spool pin doily from a kit that was part of a major swag bag I’d received at a retreat. It brought back memories of how I’d opened an email from The Featherweight Shop/JK Quilts on Thanksgiving Day 2018 about a retreat that would take place the following June. By nightfall, I’d registered for the retreat and purchased my airline ticket. That retreat sparked my obsession with vintage sewing machines and introduced to me to the world that is Lori Holt. My new-found interests definitely kept me sane through our health issues, teaching during COVID, lockdowns, general pandemic craziness and adjusting to early retirement. I’m so thankful for that.

As 2024 approaches, I’m excited (and thankful) to see quilt retreats, travel opportunities and full class/club schedules from my local quilt shops return to my inbox once again. I’m also thankful that my SUV is finally fixed so I can feel confident driving it to local quilting activities again.