Quilting, Losing and Tea

The adults in my family started drawing names just 4 years ago.  Then we started playing the dice game for little gifts instead.   It is very fun and has taken a lot of pressure out of the holiday season.

Because I am divorced, I don't get many gifts.  My Dad is very generous every year, and since I am close to my Aunt and Uncle, we still exchange.

So I was very surprised when we arrived at my Brother's for Christmas.  My daughter drew my attention to a very large box in front of the tree, and it had my name on it!  It was from my brother and SIL, Aunt and Uncle, and my Dad.  I had no clue what it could be, and I was like a little kid waiting for gift opening time.  My son guessed it was a sewing machine, but I didn't really think that would be the case.

So, I was totally shocked when I ripped the paper off and saw a picture of this on the box:

I have been in happy shock ever since.  I really can't believe I have a brand new machine to use after struggling with a couple of old Kenmore machines since I started quilting seriously last year.

So I have a toy to play with this year!

So far so good - it is all set up, and I have tested the line for a 1/4" seam.  It is perfect.  The machine is quieter than I am used to, and threading it is so easy.

I am so fortunate to have such a thoughtful family.  My brother the bargain hunter found it (and also bought one for my partner in crime - my SIL Chellie).

I pray that you had a wonderful Christmas Day.  It was good to reflect on the reason we celebrate this day when I was preparing this morning.  My Savior Jesus was born over 2,000 years ago and because of that and His sacrifice on the cross, I can confess my sins and be washed clean.  I can have an intimate relationship with Creator God.

Drum roll, please.

The winner of the Traveling Stash is #5

I had a great time hearing about the weather all over the States, Provinces, and World!
Most of us are in the throes of winter, but there were a few lucky folks who are having warm weather.

Our U.S./Canada winner is Sallie in Texas!

I have sent each of them an email and hope to send their packages out early this week.

Don't forget about the Traveling Stash!  I have extended the comment deadline to be the lucky recipient to Tuesday at 5:00.  I will be adding picture of the items I am adding to the box in the morning - I was delayed in doing it due to sickness and wanted people to take a look for one last chance.

On the health front, I met with my Rheumatologist this past week.
The first drug didn't have much effect, so we are now moving on to the strong stuff.
If insurance approves, we will be trying Enbrel for my Psoriatic Arthritis - just like Phil Mickelson.  :)
It is a blessing that Pfizer has a copay help program that should keep my cost to $10.00 a month.
I would appreciate prayers that I am approved for it and receive the copay help - and then that it works.
I can't even imagine what it will be like to not be tired all the time, and to be able to do my rotary cutting without major pain!  I am looking forward to it!

I did a little bit of sewing among bouts of fever and dizziness due to either a bad Flu or Pneumonia
Immunization reaction or some type of virus.  I can't show a picture of what I made yet though.
It is that time of year when there are secrets all around!
My project was this month's 'Schnibble' - Morsel.  A cute little pincushion that will go in the mail to Montreal
tomorrow to my wonderful blog friend Izzy of Dizzy Quilts.  We are doing a private swap.
We both did the monthly Schnibble all year long, and started together last January.
Has it really been a year already?

I have decided at the last minute to make 3 Christmas gifts - pillowcases.
If I feel better, I am off to Joann's tomorrow with 50% off coupons in hand.

I had to add a Christmas picture - my little twister tree.  ;0

UPDATE:  Comments now open until Tuesday at 3:00 CST.

Last Saturday, I received an envelope with fabric.  Yesterday, I received the rest of the Traveling Stash.  Yep, Lisa added so much to the box that it didn't all fit.  :)

It is so fun to open these boxes.  This one was different than the one I had a few months ago.  Much of the yardage is in cuts larger than a FQ.  And there are a lot of precuts!  Here are some pics of what was in the box:

Here is what I am going to keep for sure:

I love Amanda Murphy designs and have some of the fabric featured in this pattern!

Variety of prints - FQ or larger

If you would like to have this box come to visit you, please leave a comment below.  I will keep the giveaway open until Sunday night, and ship the box on Monday.

I have wanted to make and give away a quilt to someone who really needs it.

However, I have had to sew and quilt less than I used to because of my puffy, painful fingers.

Our company does the 'adopt a family' program each year.  My funds don't make it possible to purchase anything, but I found a wish for a 'colorful lap blanket' for a 57 yr old woman.  I used some pretty strips I won earlier this year and a pattern I saw on Sharon Vrooman's blog.  

I didn't have enough fabric to make the quilt as large as I wanted to.

I did add a border, but it still wasn't enough.  I also didn't have time to make a true quilt sandwich,

so I found a thin polar fleece blanket I had and used that as a combo backing, 'batting' and

ends to make the quilt larger.  A bit odd, but it worked.   I only have one picture that isn't the greatest.

Spruce trees all in a row!


The light pole was an interesting shape with the snow added.
It reminds me of the candle stick from Beauty and the Beast.

*** This giveaway is now closed ***

I love giveaway blog hops.  Both giving and receiving.  

Today I am excited to host a giveaway on my blog for Quilting Gallery's 5th Birthday Bash.


http://quiltinggallery.com/quilters-fun/quilters-blog-hop-party

I will have 2 different giveaways - one for the U.S./Canada and one for the rest of the world.

First up, the goodies for the U.S./Canada Giveaway:

1.  These 3 pretty FQ's that would be great for a Christmas gift - next year.  :)

2. One of these little 'granny squares' made into a pincushion or coaster - your choice!