Hopes, Dreams and Wishes

Last night as I watched the clock tick into the last day of 2011 I thought about "what's next?"  What changes are to come my way in 2012?  I still have some of the same hopes, dreams and wishes that I've had for years.  Some I can't control.  Some I can.

And I remembered that I had read somewhere that it always brings good luck to the new year if you start a new project on New Year's Day.  So that's what I'm doing.  In the past I've made a white wholecloth quilt for my bed.  I've never made one in a cream color.  So I'm starting with a linen as the center motif and designing my way around, through, and in it. 

It won't be a short affair - but a rather long one.  One in which I will sew and quilt my hopes and dreams and wishes throughout the year.

To all my readers and friends I wish you a happy new year.  May all your hopes, wishes and dreams come true. 

Hugs,

Karen

Quiet Thoughts

Sometimes I just look around and am thankful for beauty.

Hugs,

Karen

Merry Christmas Friends

May all your wishes and dreams come true.

Hugs,

Karen

A Christmas Tea

Today my husband and I took time for tea and cranberry bread.  It was delicious!

Hugs,

Karen

Celebrating Christmas with Lights!

Last night we went on a drive just as the snow was falling.  I wonder how long it took them to create this!  It was peaceful just to sit and see how many different things they did to this house.  Enjoy.

Hugs,

Karen

The Stockings Were Hung

We're getting closer to Christmas!

Christmas Past Challenge

Last Christmas my small quilt group had a challenge.  It involved paper-piecing.  I hate paper-piecing.  So I cheated.  The "block" that was supposed to be paper-pieced is the represented by the 4 areas of the quilt stitched in red thread that make up sort of a star.  I didn't paper-piece them but rather just stitched the resulting block design.  The center of the quilt is a Christmas doily I pulled from my stash.  For the berries I went one step further and glued red glitter on them.  It was a fun challenge and one that I can enjoy the results of year after year.

Inspiration

Cindy Needham, http://blog.cindyneedham.com/, has long been one of my inspirations and good friend.  We first met online and, I don't know about her, but I feel like we've known each other in other lifetimes.  She is a knowledgeable teacher speaking about threads, machine quilting and has her Linen Ladies Club which happens to be my favorite.  If you've never read her blog or been to her website and gallery I highly recommend you take a peek at her quilts.  Linens that have been discarded to antique and junk shops can be made into something new and amazing.  And she does all of this on her domestic sewing machine!  Simply amazing.  Simply inspiring!

I recently discovered one such linen in a local antique store and created this:

Thank you Cindy for your inspiration and friendship!  

Two Things I Need Today!

After having my car towed for the 2nd time in 10 days I decided I was in need of 2 things.  The first was something to chuckle about:

The second thing I needed was some beauty:

And now I guess I really need a third thing - a hot cup of coffee with some quiet time.  Hugs.

Are You Ready For Christmas?

Seems like I've been getting "ready" for a long time now.  I'll share some of what we are enjoying around our house.

The Anticipation of Christmas

This photo depicts my feelings of Christmas as the season approaches.  It is titled Christmas Eve, c1901, Osgood Co.  Courtesy of the Library of Congress.