Last Glimpse of Autumn

This table runner was in its beginning stages when I left for Dallas a few weeks ago. I had pieced the background from an old group of fat quarters from a collection called "apple cider" something and then realized I had cut up most of my fall-colored prints for the pioneer braids I was making. (I keep calling them "prairie" braids, but they are really named "pioneer" braids.) Anyway, I thought that would keep me focused in the Dallas shops--just look for leaf fabrics!

I did find some beauties there--plus a lot of other stuff! I came right home and started appliqueing leaves. You can't see, but I also embroidered stems on all of the leaves. I plan to put this away until late next summer and will quilt it then.

Do you see the cluster of five brown leaves in the bottom half? That fabric is the "dirt" fabric left over from "Away in the Manger".

If you ever really want to put your applique skills to the test, make some oak leaves! LOL

Snowy Days = Sewing Days

Winter has blasted through the Midwest this past week, and there were two days when we just stayed in--perfect for sewing! I finally assembled the top of my Prairie Braid quilt for DH and started hand quilting it during the "Survivor" finale last night. It's going to be a very generous throw, with enough length to pull up to the chin and tuck around the toes.

I also started a bag for myself with scraps from the braids and also using some of the fabric I bought in Dallas two weeks ago. I also got the pattern there, "Isabella" by Sew Unique Creations. So far this bag has been fun and easy to make. I can imagine having one for every season. The next one I'd make would be in blue and green batiks!

Christmas Decorations

We've been slow in getting our Christmas decorations up this year. I enjoy decorating for fall a lot and took those things down after Thanksgiving but until today, we really didn't have much up for Christmas. That had to change, though, because tiny granddaughter, Avery, is coming over on Tuesday, and Pawpaw and Mawmaw have to dazzle her! I love to see little kids' eyes when they see holiday lights!

The floating shelves are holding some of my collection of gingerbread men, women, and children. Many others are in the kitchen. I also have several made of fabrics, including a 2-foot tall gingerbread girl with long braids that sings when you squeeze her hand. I hope Avery likes her!

I wanted my friend Debi in Texas to see that I like snowmen, too! These are some of my snowmen on the mantle. The old gun is up there all of the time, as is the clock. The gun is from my husband's family and is very old.

The tree is up and 12-inch lighted snowflakes are hanging in the front windows. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Long Time, No Blog

Oops! I almost forgot I had a blog! First I was busy getting ready to go to Dallas, then I was in Dallas, and then I was catching up from going to Dallas! I had the adventure of flying down to Big D to meet quilting friends from all over that I had met through the Quilting Passion Forum. I was warmly welcomed by the DFW Gang, especially Debi who met us at the airport, drove us safely all over the DFW area, and stayed with me in the motel. Thanks again, Debi, for making this weekend so enjoyable for me.

We visited five fabulous quilt shops, saw the Mustangs sculpture in Irving, and enjoyed an all-day "sew in" at yet another shop. I bought some wonderful fabric and patterns, which made my bag weigh about a ton! Best of all, I got to meet these great people in person. It was very memorable and just the lift I needed.

During the big "sew in", I demonstrated the applique method I use, which I learned from the wonderful teacher, Nancy Pearson. Six of us worked together to make the heart blocks for this quilt top, which Debi will quilt and bind and donated to Project Linus in North Texas. I call it "Warm Texas Hearts".

Now I am back home in St. Louis, which is coated with ice, and more is on the way. It's a good time to dig into that new fabric!