Saturday, December 31, 2011

New Year's Eve 2011....

Here is my December block for my Hop to it Quilt. It reminds me of Poinsettias. It was a tough block. With the holidays ---I count myself lucky to get it completed. I found clearance fabric to use on the borders. I can’t wait to get them started. We have two more blocks in this BOM project with Mary and Sue. I have gotten tons better at appliqué working through it. I have grown at choosing my own fabrics and colors. The biggest bonus is the friendship I have built with two great quilters.


I completed the binding on a piece last night. I have a quilt on my frame. I have blocks on the side of my sewing machine. So whether it’s handwork, piecing, or machine quilting, I’m set. With family close by for the holidays, I have done very little quilting. There will always be quilting--- having family close is a luxury.

We played this game with family over the Holidays.  The more people the better--- I highly recommend it for laughter....
My Mom and Mother-in-law hooked with special quilting stuff for Christmas. I want to make every project in this book.


The tree is coming down today. We have an evening with friends planned for tonight, but I guarantee we will be home before midnight. In my book---there’s nothing better than being home at the stroke of midnight at the beginning of a brand new year.

We’re getting all settled in for winter--- but remembering we are gaining about one minute of daylight a day at this point in the season. Soups for supper, Mittens in your coat pockets, that blanket and flashlight stashed in the Jeep for emergencies (a couple of quilt patterns in your purse in case you get held up somewhere). Life is about living—it’s what you make it. Not everyone lives in sunny 70 degree weather… but that doesn’t mean you stop living.

Resolutions for the new year--- Keeping it simple. Hoping for Lifestyle changes, not trendy ones. Daily exercise, eating balanced, reading more—less computer time and television, and of course Quilting….

Here’s hoping everyone in the New year can find ways to be grateful in all things…..



Happy New Year---From My Covered Porch…..

8 comments:

Gypsy Quilter said...

Sounds like you've had a busy, happy holiday and are all ready for the New Year. Here's wishing you a great one.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Your block looks wonderful, Melanie, and that is some really good advice. I believe it was Abraham Lincoln who said, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."

Colleen said...

The block is wonderful. Happy New Year!

Carolyn said...

Beautiful post, Melanie! I wish you and your family a happy new year!

Mrs. Sew and Sew - Karen said...

The block is beautiful. Happy New Year to you and yours! Karen

Saar said...

Happy New Year,
Here in Christchurch New Zealand we are losing daylight at the rate of a minute a day. In my car for emergencies are walking shoes, coat and torch, along with water bottles. We have had nearly 8000earthquakes and aftershocks since September 2009 and its not stopping yet, one never knows when or where the next one will be. However we live in the secure knowledge that God is in control and preach it to ourselves constantly. Beautiful summers day here and many more to come before we swap seasons. Have a very happy and blessed new year.
Sarah (who has no blog but reads yours occasionally) :-)

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

Your block is terrific; I am so far behind but am determined to finish these blocks and this top.

I saw that game in Walmart, and I wondered if it was good. I'll have to get this for when my gang is all together.

Happiest of new years to you and your family, friend.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year, Mel! I love the block... beautiful work and beautiful colors.