Snow in New Mexico

Well, we went up to Denver, Colorado for the holidays and no snow.  We come home and uh huh, snow.  1-2 inches of snow doesn't seem like much to those who may live in higher elevations, but to us here in the south end of New Mexico, it is a novelty.  Our dogs loved it and it was perfect for that winter snowman we used to make when we were kids.

It was also a perfect day to stay inside, knit by the fire and just enjoy it.  I'm looking forward to the new year and what it may hold.  The New quilts I hope to be making, and more new patterns to find and make.  I'm trying to finish a Lone Star quilt now and will post when it is finished. 
Happy New Year everyone and enjoy it wherever you are.   

Christmas Bag

I finished this bag this morning for a friend for Christmas.  She loves oriental fabrics and this just suited her perfectly.  I used three different fabrics (pockets on the inside are third fabric) and put the brown handles on  using tabs.  I quilted over the geisha girls with gold metallic thread and also used gold metallic thread along the top edge where the fabics change from brown to gold and to topstitch the top edge.  The directions were a bit challenging to follow, but I think it came out nice and know that she will like it.  Now, on to another Christmas gift.  Whew!  It's really busy around here - must be Christmas.

Bible Totes

I made this first little tote recently for a friend's daughter.  Another friend saw it and asked me to make one for her granddaughter.  They both loved them.  They are simple, easy to make and can be personalized with embroidery.   I found them so much fun to make that I made one for myself in Christmas fabrics.  Of course, I couldn't just make a simple bag. Instead I elected to embroider each of them, but I think it adds a special touch to them and those pre-teens just love these.

These little totes are just the right size for your bible and the outside pockets allow you to carry small items, like cell phones, etc.  I found the pattern in my latest Better Homes and Gardens Creative Collection, American Patchwork & Quilting magazine, "More Fast & Fabulous Quilting Ideas."  I challenge you to make one - bet you can't do just one! 

If you click on the pictures, you will be able to see the details.

Quilt Retreat

What a great time we had at our recent Guild Retreat.  We spent four days in the beautiful mountains above Cloudcroft and sewed and sewed.  It was a wonderful get-away.  We laughed, ate, shared stories, laughed some more, ate and occasionally we even got some sleep.  I think the best part was the sharing of ideas, seeing other quilts come together and no phones, no t.v.    The registration blocks were fun to see all together and a mulligan stew that was also a give-away.  The secret gift was such a surprise and let's not forget that Friday night mugging.  How fun was that!  The tops that got fnished were out of this world.  I will post pictures  Two major events this month have both energized and exhausted me.  My mind races to the next project, while my body screams - rest!  I can't wait to get started on the next quilt. 

Sew Many Visions

I know, I know, it has been months since I last posted, but now that I'm back on my feet again, it's time to get back to keeping up to date on things and moving forward.

This weekend has been one of fun, sharing and learning, as our Guild sponsored a Trunk Show and Class with Vicki Arnold of Sew Many Visions. It was such a delight to have her as our guest and the project was so much fun. If you're looking for easy and fun patterns, visit her web page at http://sewmanyvisons.com She had so many great patterns to offer, I have to be honest, it was hard to decide which one to buy first and which one to make first. I'm currently working on the "Four Seasons" Fall version (the class we took this weekend) and when complete will post a picture.

Meeting Vicki Arnold is like catching up with an old girlfriend. She's down to earth, funny and such a great teacher. She also sponsors quilt retreats for those looking for a great place to just get away in the mountains of New Mexico. You can get more information on the retreats she offers at http://piecefulpines.com/