Saturday, December 12, 2009

A very mellow Christmas...


A mellow Christmas...that is my goal for this year. I am taking the Holidays a bit slower. A few less decorations around the house, fewer party commitments, and a bit less baking. (Periodically I get a panicky feeling but it passes quickly...)

Last week I did go to my guild's two Christmas parties...both were wonderful. The evening group got together at a members house. She has the most amazing quilting studio. They took was was a two car garage and converted it so it has space for cutting tables, storage, a long arm, embroidery corner, and her sewing table.
You may recognize the quilt pattern on the longarm...yup, it is one of Bonnie Hunter's...Virginia Crossroads (I think?...)
The day group met at our usual place and did a covered dish...two days worth of calories in one sitting. These quilters can cook...curried chicken salad, derby pie, and this wonderful chocolate cake with cherries on it ....yikes. The little quilt on the top of this post was made by my friend Rachel who is part of the guild...she makes great little character quilt-lettes.

One of our older members also brought a stack of blocks she was given by a neighbor. How fun were these to look through! The hand stitching on them is so tiny and perfect. Since they have spent their lives wrapped up in some muslin the colors are still very fresh.Today was rainy and cold...really cold. I stayed in - made some bread and tried a new Christmas loaf/cake recipe. Smells good and makes the house feel warmer!

10 comments:

antique quilter said...

what a happy looking quilt room , would love to see more. I see a rack on the left of the picture with strips on it thats a great idea! Love the quilt on the machine too.
antique blocks are always fun to look at...
thanks for sharing.
the little quilt , first picture I couldn't believe it was a quilt I thought it was a box/wrapping for a present I had to go back and look!
yes taking it easier/less decorations are happening at our house too, I want to enjoy the season too
Kathie

Unknown said...

I love the first quilt made by your friend! What a character!
The blocks are lovely and it is nice to admire the skills and creativity of other artists.
I also enjoy baking on cold wintery days. It does make a house a home.

Tonya Ricucci said...

whee, Rachael is sooo talented. I have the companion piece to that little quilt, two takes on the same subject. glad you're slowing down some this year. Relax and enjoy!

Clare said...

I think we'll be taking Christmas easy too.

Wow a double garage converted into a sewing room. Every quilters wish!

Twisted Quilts said...

Good for you. I think we all sometimes miss the real meaning of Christmas by doing too much. I ordered two cakes Friday night so that should make my baking easier. The important part of Christmas is being with family and friends.

sewprimitive karen said...

Oh, everything looks lovely, the converted garage, the yummers cake,a and especially the old quilt blocks.

julieQ said...

I really love that quilt on the longarm! Very pretty Bonnie pattern. I too want a mellow, calm and happy Christmas...and love those antique blocks a lot!

*karendianne. said...

What a great quilt studio. Not nearly as nifty as my own workspace. You know the stove and counters make a great place for messing with scraps. GAWD!!! I lie. Love the blocks. Again, one of the things I love about your blog is getting to see all the wunnerful old bags, I mean blocks. I guess there's not a chance in he!! I'm ever getting any shipped loaf or cakes if I keep this up.

Elaine Adair said...

What a great garage/conversion quilt studio! Jealous here. I zeroed right into the Rocky Road to Kansas or whatever name it's called. Nice! So many goodies on your post today! 8-))

sewkalico said...

What a cake!!!!