What's on the wall?

The quilt show is over.  The next challenge quilts aren't due until January and February.  So I can try to clean up the studio a bit.  So, here's what's in the works these days.

 This is the picture from Kim Schaefer's book of the last (FINALLY!) calendar quilt.   I decided to get this done right away instead of putting it off for the weekend after Thanksgiving.  I don't think I have any big Holiday plans, but who knows?  Besides, I really want to be done with these!  I'm glad I've done them, and I really like them.  But the "have to" that came with them was terrible at times!

 Over time, I decided those applique squares weren't as charming as I had originally thought.  So mine won't have them.  And I decorate my Christmas tree in blue, so mine will be more like this.



The holes are where the little presents will go.  Mine are sparkly.  (a big surprise, I'm sure!)


















These scrappy blocks have been tacked up on the design wall- under various other projects at times- for months!  I finally got them assembled last week.   This will be a donation quilt.  I may add another row onto it, so I haven't added the border yet.

 This is the only thing I had for sale in the Boutique at the quilt show that didn't sell.  I took a good look at it and decided it was kind of uninteresting.  So I added some sparkles.  Can't go wrong if it sparkles. 

I bought a kit for this at the show.  I forget which vendor, but the pattern is by Bloomin' Minds.  Called a "Half to Have" pattern.  They have LOTS of cute designs.  I'm going to have to see if I can find a few more of them!
I changed a couple of the fabrics.  I thought the black and white stripes were better for the socks!  Oh, and I have red glitter for the slippers.  (can't go wrong if it's sparkly!)

I just finished "reading" (is it still reading if it's an audiobook???) this book.  Short and an easy read, but it left me with some strong feelings.  It's about a 50 something woman who wakes up one day and finds she is invisible. Turns out she's not alone, and that many of the women were invisible long before they couldn't see themselves in the mirror!  I think others will find themselves nodding their heads and sharing the feeling.
I think this book can remind us all to find ways to let our inner lights shine more brightly more often!








Along those lines, I will announce to any who have not heard that my small art group, the ArtCGirlz, are showing our work at a GOArt!satellite gallery in Batavia for November and December.  Unfortunately the gallery is open only weekdays, but if you get a chance, it's a pretty great show!

For a green tip this time, I was looking at wrapping paper at the store today.  Then I asked myself if I really need any.  Wrapping presents is a fun idea.  But there are more earth friendly ways.  One pet peeve of mine is people who only use those little gift bags once.  Why throw them out? I even save the tissue paper if it isn't torn!  Here's an article that asks you to make your wrappings and decorations out of your junk mail!

I am grateful for:
My ArtCGirlz
Sunshine when we can get it
No pressure sewing time
The joy of the extra ten minutes cuddling under the quilts on a cold morning.
No more campaign ads/ calls/ rhetoric- for a few months anyway.