Merry Christmas 2009

So happy and lucky to have our family with us this year. Lots of laughter and fun for all - wish everyone a happy new year.

Back in Business

Thanks to my dear husband, am so excited that he was able to install a new belt on my Singer treadle sewing machine. It was thrilling to finally be able to use the machine that I purchased over 35 years ago from an elderly neighbor when I was a teenager. I had a brief moment of panic when the machine got stuck, but he patiently explained that you have to use the wheel on the machine to get it going again. He started cracking up when I told him how green the sewing will be since I won't have to use electricity, and I can get a little leg workout at the same time! I still need to clean and oil the machine and figure out what kind of needles to use. Thankfully, I still have the owner's manual, cute little oil can and a box full of neato attachments to try out.

My personal challenge during 2010 is to use the treadle to sew some little antique looking quilts from Remembering Adelia by Kathleen Tracy, and eventually the Gone to Texas quilt by Betsy Chutchian. Just love both of these books, and the stories that are included. Anyone else up for a treadle challenge? I would love some company on this adventure!

Oak Leaves and a Pineapple

This week I received two more wonderful applique blocks - this time from Julie in Tennessee! Julie's blocks are so charming and will find their way into a sampler quilt that I will always treasure. The applique swap has been so much fun - now I need to get busy on Julie's block for November!

A Hearse and a Haunted Mansion

Tonight we went to the old California Governor's Mansion for a special Halloween tour. The mansion was completely decorated for Halloween inside. The mansion was built in 1877 and was home to California Governors and their families throughout the 20th century. Governor Ronald Reagan and his family were the last to live in the mansion during the late 1960s. Also couldn't resist taking a picture of a cool hearse in front of a local costume shop. Hail Halloween everyone!

Fall Exchanges

This week I have been the lucky recipient of beautiful quilt blocks and a darling Halloween ornament. The gorgeous appliqued block is all the way from Ady in Israel, as it was my turn to receive a block from her this month. Ady's appliquing is just exquisite and I will include this beautiful block in a special piece - perhaps the center of a medallion quilt?

The sweet cake stand blocks are from a Jo Morton swap in which I participated. Just love that they come from all over the US and around the world. They are about 4 inches in size and are as cute as can be!

The darling owl ornament is from a Prairie Schooler cross stitch swap, and has surely got me in the mood for a little Halloween decorating. The ornament finishing on this piece is just lovely!

Christmas or Not?

Here is the Christmas or Not quilt all sewn together. I put it on my bed to see how big to make the borders. Thinking about what kind of borders to add... Suggestions are welcome!

Quilts Amongst the Oaks

Today we visited Alder Lane Nursery in Livermore, California. They had the most amazing quilt show where they hung quilts from the heritage oaks in the nursery. Just love the pomegranate quilt made by Alex Anderson. The gnarly old, bent over oak really caught my eye and framed the little house behind it perfectly. We purchased raffle tickets for the red basket quilt - hope we win!