Yesterday I taught my 5 year old son how to sew and it was marvelous! I've taught lots of kids to sew - I was a Home Ec teacher for a few years - and I taught my 2 older daughters. I just never expected to share sewing with my son. It was his idea and he liked it so much that today he finished his own pajama pants. He sure likes using the machine - the shirt is next! I don't know how long it will last but I'm loving it! :0)
Over the holidays we were away a lot so I made good progress handquilting on my 9 patch quilt. I was very pleased to receive some interesting quilt books for Christmas. These will fill my head with endless new project ideas. :0)
I also couldn't resist Lori's doll quilt quilt-a-long. I started my version yesterday and I hope to get the 1st 12 blocks finished soon. I also picked up a Dresden plate ruler that I'm eager to try out. A new year means new quilting projects right?? :0)
I have put a few stitches into this quilt in the last couple weeks - quilting these simple fans is SO FUN! I'm leaving the border unquilted for now. I might attempt feathers if I can get them to fit if not I'm thinking about a cable pattern.
I hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas! 
Over the weekend I had a birthday - a big number I wasn't looking forward to. So, my husband and sister planned a birthday party for me. I hadn't had one in years - December is always such a busy month. It was a really wonderful party and my friends and family spoiled me terribly. This was a very fun little card from a friend. Inside it says "me neither" Can you relate?
This is cute too - I set it near my sewing machine - do you suppose it will remind me to check my bobbin more often so I don't run out?
These were more lovely gifts. My friends and family know me well ... :0)
This next picture is the backing fabric I bought for my 9-patch quilt. I went to my LQS to buy backing fabric and to my delight - there was a sign on the door " Customer Appreciation Sale" All fabrics 30% off some even 40% off. Oh Happy Day! I usually shop for backing at the clearance table but not this time! I really like this beautiful red print.
Ok - so here is the ornament I referred to in the title. It's a chili pepper cowboy! My husband picked this Christmas tree ornament out - I guess he felt he needed something masculine along with all the pretty angels and snowflakes... Anyway my son just LOVES it and if anyone comes over he immediately ushers them over to see this amazing ornament. I find it rather amazing too but not in a good way.
Oh well - its a good lesson in compromise - I think... :0)
I started cutting little 2" squares from all the fabrics I was using as I worked on other projects. Then they slowly became 9 patches. That is what makes this quilt so special to me now. There's little bits from the Christmas stockings I made last Dec, there's bits from both crib quilts I made this year, bits from the quilts I haven't finished yet... you get the idea. :0) Just looking at this quilt I can remember all the projects I made and all the enjoyment I had quilting this past year. 
My parents were here visiting last week which is why I didn't get anything posted. My Mom bought me these beautiful roses which I am enjoying very much as the snow falls outside.
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