Some happy projects

December was the last month of Anne Sutton's A Tisket, A Tasket, 12 Months of Baskets Block-of-the-Month. Being a relatively new quilter, I had never done anything like this before...a BOM, an applique quilt, or been part of an online quilt group. And you know what? I loved everything about it. I met a great group of ladies, and it has been so nice to get feedback on my blocks. I also really appreciated getting to see everyone else's creations on the Bunny Hill Flickr group. Seeing how different people interpreted Anne's designs was really inspiring. And some of us are starting a new BOM this year, so the fun can continue!

Participating in a block-of-the-month quilt was great. Each month's pattern was published on the 5th. I really looked forward to logging on and seeing what cutie Anne had come up with. All the fabric I used was from my stash so it was fun to head to my fabric cabinet and do some coordinating. Here's the December block I made...

Last night I ordered some fabrics from Desperate Quilters for the sashing, borders, etc. I had used lots of different kinds of fabrics in the blocks...Lakehouse, 30s, Lecien, Fig Tree, brights, and even some primitives thrown in for good measure. What to use to tie them all together?  In the end I think I did good. Well, we'll see when the fabric gets here and it gets put together. But I'll show you when I get the top done.

I had embroidered a set of seven dish towels for my sister Kathleen for Christmas. I got the pattern from Aunt Martha's, and the flour sack towels from Target. Another awesomely fun project, that I worked on on-and-off for the past year. I love having time with my sewing machine, but there's also something to be said for sitting on the couch with your family, watching tv or whatever while stitching. It's nice to have handwork to do at all times. Anyway in my present-wrapping frenzy last month, I neglected to take pictures of the towels before I wrapped them. Kathleen graciously took pictures on her phone and sent them to me...voila!

As you can see, I trimmed the bottoms of the towels with rick-rack. Totally fun project!!

We're expecting even more snow tonight and tomorrow so I'm going to take advantage of the indoors-time and put away Christmas stuff. I hate taking the tree down but it's got to be done. Luckily I have three run-the-other-way eager helpers!

♥ Jen