Resolution...

Can you believe I am still working on my book!? I really should be done by now, and I mostly am, but I have just let a few things drag out till the last (or way past last) minute. I think I have had a mental block about getting that last pattern written. I let it go too long, then it wasn't retrievable any more, (in the vast abyss that is my mind) so it was more work than it should have been, had I done it in a timely manner. But, almost nothing around here gets done in a "timely manner." Unfortunately.

That should be my New Years Resolution--not procrastinating! At least not so much. But since it is already January 6, that may even be a little ironic. Maybe next year....

So, to change the focus a little...(Hey Nonny, Nonny) the projects for the book turned out so great. I am really pleased. I just want to share one little sneak peak at one...this is a notebook cover, "Happy Endings" made of fabric selvages! (Get it?) It is so cute and so much fun just to look at. I made one for the book and liked it so much that I made 6 more for Christmas gifts. The pattern will of course be in the book, so now you have something to look forward to. Start saving your selvages!

A Merry Christmas

Well, it has been a long time since I have written. I was so busy getting my book done and then the quilt retreat, and then... Christmas! There was so much to do in such a short time. But we did have a wonderful time. I hope you had a joyous season also.

Here is a look at our gingerbread houses. We have a fun time every year making these creations. We have everything from Stonehenge to a Fairy Cottage. (I guess Seth was in a hurry, and Stonehenge doesn't need much embellishment...) Ben was obsessed with BYU's bowl game win, it seemed to slightly influence his gingerbread creation. Jesse and Caitie made a wonderful Candy store and Talia made a two story Christmas farmhouse. Schuyler's clock tower ended up being green because we ran out of other candies. Katie's Fairy cottage was delightful and included a flying fairy. Isaac and Landon arrived just in time to make a cute house and a road map! I made a peppermint cottage because I could only find red and white candies. Erin's shack was even complete with Santa on the roof. Randy helped Jordan with his house, but he mostly wanted to eat frosting. All in all, it turned out fine, even though we were rushed.

Here we are getting ready for the Christmas Eve dinner. It was yummy, as usual, and everyone helped get it prepared. I even made Zupfe bread in under 3 hours! (A new record) Anyway, I had a wonderful Christmas with my family who were all here. I hope you did, too! One holiday left to go, and we will be almost back to normal. (Whatever that is!)

CAR TROUBLE

It's nice that I know a good mechanic. But I think it is a bad thing that he is now on my speed dial and we are on a first-name basis. Out of the three cars we have, usually one is working. This can be frustrating when five licensed drivers are trying to go different places.

Good thing I work from home! I guess I will just stay holed up in my sewing room and "make do."

Yesterday I went to give a "Trunk Show" at my old quilt guild. It was so good to see everyone again! We had a wonderful lunch together and I shared some of my quilts. I started quilting with them back in 1995. I have moved three times since then, but I always think of my old friends at quilt group. I have learned so many things from these wonderful women. I just want to say thank you to all of them, and I hope I see them again soon.

The book is almost done. I finished the last quilt last night and took it to the quilter. I have a few bindings to do, and a little writing left. The photographer is coming next weekend to shoot everything. My family is coming and we are having a retreat to add to the book. (Why just talk about retreats, let's have one!) So there is still plenty to do, but I think it's doable.

That is, if the car works.

And the WINNER IS.....

OK, I didn't get this posted when I said I would, but Thanksgiving got in the way, and I was out of town, etc, etc. So this morning, we held our first prize drawing. The winner is....Beana. So Beana, if you are out there, email me your name and address so I can send this prize on to you!

The bag is stuffed with notions and patterns so you should have a fun time sewing up a storm. (It is the season for storms, after all.)

I would love to stay and chat, but I am still busy finishing my book. (Technically the deadline had past, so I really do need to get done!)

Have a great week everyone--stay tuned, we will do another drawing soon.

FREE STUFF

I want to give some fun stuff away. I think I will have a drawing and choose one of my followers to be the winner of $50.00 in merchandise. I have a gift basket here and I will post a photo of it tomorrow. Let's choose the winner next Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. So sign up as a "follower" to my blog and you will have a chance to win the prize.

I haven't posted for a while because I have been so busy writing for my new book. It is really going to be a fun one. Lots of good information and some great quilt patterns. I can't wait to share it with you.

Last night I gave a trunk show presentation at a local quilt guild. It was so much fun. I love meeting with quilters and hearing their stories. The "show and tell" they had was great. What a talented bunch of ladies! It is always inspirational to see what others are working on. Keep up the good work, everyone.

Don't forget to sign up!

Book Push

I have been working like crazy on my new book. The deadline is coming quickly. Everything is turning out great! One of the quilts came back from the quilter. Take a peek. Tori does a great job on the longarm!

Here is another quick look. This one is beautiful! And so simple.

Wow, I still have so much to do. If I were the worrying type, I would be worried right now. But that doesn't usually help much.

"Converting all your sounds of woe into Hey Nonny Nonny!"

Gotta go sew...

More of Market

I've loaded a few more Market photos, since I lost half of the ones I posted before, somehow. They must be out there in cyberspace somewhere.

Our booth from a corner view. Amy looks a little confused. I wonder how that happened! Could be due to lack of sleep.

Look at all the beautiful ribbons in the May Arts booth. This was across from us, so I was distracted quite often.

I just had to post this one of a quilt in the show. I LOVE all the little pieces. I am so attracted to the smallness of it all. (Just ask anyone in my family quilt retreat.) What a feast.

Moda dinner. You can't beat Moda for dinner. Hey-that should be a famous quote! (To be used when you are busy at your machine and your family is hungry.)

Here's a blurry shot of Sarah and I with elinor peace bailey. She is one very creative and fun person. I love to see her at the shows.

(Next to her, I look like I'm dead.)

So that's all for now. I need a nap.