Surprise Finds in the Quilting Room

It probably won't come as a complete surprise to anyone that I accumulate way too much stuff. And because certain friends and family know of this tendency, I'm given important things to keep. I am ill-equipped to say no to this stuff. (Actually, I'm a push-over.)

For example, late summer '24, my cousin Sam gave me a couple of tubs of his mother's sewing and quilting items. I adored my Aunt Margaret (Aunt Maggie, as we later came to call her), and I was eager to see what treasures I would find in her little stash.

I've been through all her stuff, and I have dealt with one rather major quilt. I loved how Blue and White Ohio Stars came together - she had some of the blocks finished; I used her fabric to make the rest.

 Now to the present. On Tuesday when Sharon was here sewing with me, she caught sight of the corner of a project piled under my sewing table. Unfamiliar to her, she asked about it. I, too, was curious (I don't regularly sort these piles!) and so I pulled it out.

What a little treasure trove! This little tree has a decidedly 1980s vibe, wouldn't you agree?

 Margaret made several of these little wall hangings/table toppers. I have one; my mom has one. This was unfinished - only the bottom seam needed to be sewed up, and then I added some minimal top-stitching or quilting. While watching TV later that evening, I adorned it with red buttons. 

I am not sure where I will use this little treasure, but I will certainly find a place for it in my Christmas decor.  

This little tree is just one of several items in that pile of stuff. Here's a couple more of Aunt Margaret's goodies.

This holiday-themed Jacob's Ladder measures about 15" square. It was entirely finished, and again, I will attempt to incorporate it into my decor this year.

I just love this simple basket block. We must have had similar tastes, because I actually have some of the outer fabric in my stash. Aunt Margaret hand-pieced this block, and so I think I will hand-quilt it with big-stitch quilting. Here's a close-up of her stitches.

Never, ever will I finish every project that crosses my table or comes into my possession. Endless. That's the sewing list I have. Maybe all quilters have endless project lists. No complaints! I love keeping busy, but I fear I have far too many.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Jayne
 

A Long Absence and Christmas Sewing

No excuses here for why I've neglected the blogging as long as I have. My dedication to regular posting has suffered terribly, and no worthy reason exists.

Just not much of a priority lately, I reckon. I do like that I've blogged for as long as I have, and I want to continue, so I must regain my verve for writing and more regular posting. I will try.

I owe myself a recap of November highlights, and I also have a little Christmas something to share. Let's do last month's wrap-up first. 

 

As I look at these 9 highlight pictures, I can plainly see why I do so little blogging - I do so little quilting! My highlights are more grandbabies and family than quilts and sewing.

TOP ROW: Little Cate came to stay for a weekend; we had such a fun time entertaining her - or more accurately, being entertained by her. The first two pictures are both from that weekend, followed by a picture of Reagan entertaining us while we watched the OSU-Purdue game at her other grandparents' house.

MIDDLE ROW: My one notable sewing accomplishment was the adorable Tilda hexie flowers I stitched during my knee recovery. I must do a post in which I share more of this darling little quilt. The middle picture is the best of my attempts to photograph the Northern Lights when they were visible in south-central Ohio. This is looking out one of the upstairs bedroom windows. And last in this row, another Reagan picture - she too got to stay an overnight with us, and we had the best time. She has the wildest hair!

BOTTOM ROW: We had Thanksgiving at my brother Mark's house and our matriarch Mom got some snuggle time with her great-granddaughter,Reagan, the youngest member of the family. Later in the day, we gathered all 5 siblings around Mom for a picture. I am directly behind Mom. In the red is Sandy, and in the green is Carol. Alan and Mark are behind us. Five kids in six years! I am the oldest; Carol is the baby. The final picture is Grampa Kevin and Cate enjoying a Disney movie with all the essential "stuffies" for comfort.

I truly have done so very little in the sewing room, but today, I accomplished quite a bit as Sharon was here for a full day of stitching and catching up. I worked on a secret Christmas gift, so I will share what Sharon finished.

 She put the finishing touches on this Christmas Tree wall hanging and it looks just magical! It will truly enhance her holiday decorating. I did not take pictures of some of the other items she made - finishing off several table toppers that she intends to give to family; and some Tilda 9-patches that she'd worked on earlier in the fall.

We exchanged Christmas gifts, and had a merry time this afternoon. I have a wonderful new project to dream of - I received a lovely collection of fabric by Sherrie and Chelsi of Moda Fabrics. A granddaughter quilt is certainly in order! Sharon is ready to entertain with a full compliment of charcuterie items for her holiday table. I found a scrumptious array of yummy goodies that just seemed too good to pass on. Sharon has a talent for entertaining in style, so I hope these fill out her feast table.

 As we closed down for the day, I snapped this photo that seemed emblematic of a successful day of sewing and merriment. We really did have a productive day with plenty of cheer of the season.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Jayne