it's been a busy holiday!

I'm finally back to blogging.  I have been so busy working on holiday gifts that I haven't taken the time to post.  Diana and I have been busy making candle wraps, notebook covers, planner covers, table runners, basket liners, curtains and the start of tree skirts for next year.  Yes I said NEXT YEAR!  I always start the year with the same new years resolution - not waiting until the last minute to make gifts.  And every year I do the same.  I wait until December and then sew for hours at a time to get things done.  I always think of things I wish I had time to make and vow that I will start early next year.  So here I am promising myself that I will not wait so long next year. Hence, the reason for beginning our tree skirts is to have them done BEFORE Christmas.  Diana and I will be making our own and will also make one to give to Jen for her birthday in October and one to Meagan and Ryan to give them at their wedding shower (they are getting married in October).

And now that the holidays are over, I decided to break away from the sewing machine just a bit and work on a couple hats.  Everyone knows that my favorite thing to knit is hats.  So I first made Addison a Banana Republic knock-off hat and it turned out so cute.  I then decided to knit the adult version of it for Jen.  You can see just how cute they both look in them.

So here's to a great and productive 2009!!!!  Happy New Year!

Addie is 9 months old!

Where has the time gone?  It seemed like only yesterday we were waiting for her to arrive and now she is 9 months old.  She is such a joy and more fun every day.  I hardly miss a day of seeing her - even if it's to just stop for a minute and give her a hug.  This is one of her Christmas pictures that Ryan took.  It's not a straight on shot but I just love the "action" shots.  This one makes her look like such a big girl.  I just love the beautiful dress and the bare feet!!  Little Addie will be celebrating her first Christmas very soon.  What fun to have a little one around again!!!

Diana's first quilt!

My daughter-in-law Diana wanted to learn how to quilt so we decided to have a sewing day and I would teach her the basics.  I made her appliqued table runners last Christmas and ever since she has wanted to know how to do it.  At first I thought we would start with a runner but then I wanted her to know the basic technique of patchwork first.  So I decided to teach her how to do a 3" square patchwork table centerpiece - just to let her get the feel of the 1/4" seam allowances and the importance of sewing straight and pressing well.  As you can see, she did a fantastic job.  By the time we were done she completed a 15"x18" table centerpiece to use for Christmas.  And when I say complete I mean complete.  She cut the fabric, sewed perfect 1/4" seams, sewed them back together, pinned it with the batting and backing, machine quilted it, sewed her binding on AND hand sewed the binding in place - all in one day!  Now she has the bug!  Really, really bad!!!  I knew it would happen.  I warned her!  The quilting bug bit me  about 22 years ago and I still feel it!!!  Great job Diana!!!