Merry Crimbo, Happy Holidays and another sneak peak!

Papier mache Santas that I made almost 20 years ago

Happy holidays everyone! Life here is still not back to normal after the ice storm on Saturday night. My Mom is staying with us until her electricity is back on. We are having fun sewing, chatting and eating but I know she would rather be in her own home. Fingers crossed the power is back on by the weekend!

Today we had a lovely Christmas surprise. Mom and I were each given a seam ripper for Christmas. My brother made them for us!

You hold the gold tube at the end and pull. Out comes the seam ripper and you just slip the tube into the wooden handle.

He turned these on his lathe and used different burls. Look at the beautiful figuring and colouration on Mom's! The burl used for mine is very fine grain so it didn't photograph well but it is gorgeous and I love it!

Such a lovely, thoughtful gift that will be put to good use but hopefully not too much use. I mean after all, who wants to do a lot of reverse sewing? I would rather get it right the first time! I told my brother he should make seam rippers to sell; I'm sure that quilters would love them. I will cherish mine for sure!

Speaking of reverse sewing, I am working on my quilt along (QAL) quilt and pattern and have decided to do a little reverse sewing. Darn! At least I have the perfect new tool for that! The reverse sewing is just to make at adjustment to the size of a border so it isn't a catastrophe. Here is another of the fabrics I am using! It is great for fussy cutting. All I ever had was a fat quarter and I use it judiciously....sure wish I had more of it!

So this is what I've done with the fabric but it might be a little "dull"!

How about this? Any better? Maybe! Guess you'll just have to wait and see which version I go with and what I'm going to do with it!

Yesterday afternoon the sky was blue and the ice on the poor, beat-up willow looked like tinsel!

Today it is grey and big, fat fluffy flakes are falling. We have snow for Christmas! Now all we need is some electricity!

May all your days (and especially today) be merry and bright. Until I post again, happy sewing!

Work "bench", a treasure, a "mega" quilt (maybe) and loosestrife then and now

It is a mixed bag today so here I go! My Mom likes to set a tray on her lap with her sewing necessaries. When she is done she can pick it up and set it aside so that everything stays put. Our friend Babs brought over a lightweight tray that she uses and the man in the house promptly made one for  Mom.

Mom is already thinking of refinements such as a small lip at the top edge to prevent spools from rolling off and a small magnetized area to hold pins and needles. Mom and I will provide input to the craftsman and then he will consider how to accommodate any modifications. He is partial to the slim size makes because it means it is easy to tuck the tray away in a closet when not in use.

I have this little treasure that I found in the thrift store a couple of years ago. I love the images and colours and thought this is great inspiration for a quilt. This egg is papier mache and it was made in Mexico.

There are all kinds of interesting critters like these owls painted over the surface. There are parrots, alpacas, a donkey, rabbits, butterflies and snails! And there are some wild and colourful plants as well!

I can see a really fun applique quilt in these designs.

And speaking of applique quilts have any of you seen Esther Aliu's Love Entwined: 1790 Marriage Coverlet? Esther has drafted a pattern for this quilt which is heavily appliqued. The pattern is available free-of-charge and each month for 18 months another part of the quilt will be released. To participate you simply apply to join her Yahoo group.

I've never tried applique that is this detailed or complex but I've seen the work of others who are participating. I've been following Bunny's progress and am sorely tempted to give this quilt a go! I applied to Esther to join her group and my application has been approved. The first part of the pattern was released in June so I am five months behind and would have some catching up to do should I decide to make this quilt. I'll be sure to keep you posted.

Finally a word about loosestrife. You may recall seeing a picture I posted in July of this pretty little plant. That was then.

And this is now. The cold weather, winds and insects have worked their magic and transformed the loosestrife into a colourful lacy delight for the eyes. It is still very pretty I think!

 Until I post again, happy sewing!