Goodies for the Christmas season...

This simple table runner was another project that I started in November of 2011, and vowed to finish for the 2012 season.  The primary fabric is  Reindeer Games by Sandy Gervais for Moda, with a few other scraps of  Christmas prints that I found in my holiday fabric bin.  I used 3" paper tumblers and hand sewed 11 rows together.  I used white flannel instead of batting because I wanted to keep it smooth and flat, and backed it with a coordinate fabric, without any binding.  I haven't added any machine or hand quilting... I may just leave it as is... simple!

I'm making progress on the hexie ornaments for the grandchildren.  Just a night or two of hand stitching and they will be ready to tie onto their presents for our Christmas Eve get together. 

Last week when I was decorating for the holidays I pulled out a flannel throw that I made several years ago as a group project with my Threads group.  This was the second group project that we undertook, in our third year together.  I won't go into detail about how many times the "rules" on this project changed... you just wouldn't believe it!  I can't help but giggle when I recall the many conversations and discussions that took place regarding the ever changing decisions!

The quilt consist of 12 flannel log cabin blocks and 12 osnaburg blocks with embroidered motifs of nature and outdoor activities.  Each participant made their own flannel log cabin blocks.  I kept mine scrappy looking, rather than the half light, half dark look of a real log cabin block.

Do you see the embroidered log cabin in the picture above?  My task for the project was to embroider 10... 1 for me, and 9 for each of the other group members participating.  In return, I received one each of the other embroideries.  I added two embroidered blocks that I designed for my quilt alone, so I could personalize it.  I grew up in Wisconsin, and that meant winters were spent on the ski slopes, and spring skiing in Colorado was a treat!  I fashioned a block with skis, poles, and the names of the resorts where I left my mark... literally.  (I fell a lot!!!)  The other block is a bird's eye view of the lake in Wisconsin where I spent many a summer with my Mom and Dad, siblings, cousins, uncles, and aunts.  When I use this quilt to snuggle under on the cold Iowa nights, not only does in keep me warm, but it warms my heart with memories. 

I hope you are all enjoying the days leading up to Christmas by doing things you like to do, and spending time with family and friends.  While we busy ourselves with final preparations, may we take time to say a few prayers for the families in Newtown, Connecticut, who will struggle to find peace and happiness in this season of joy.  God Bless them.