CHRISTMAS CHEER

Really, I don't deck the halls much any more because we always go to Arizona for Christmas. But I do have a few favorites that I like to get out. I LOVE my Santas! My dear and talented friend, Kathy, has made these for me over the years. When we lived in Seattle she made the Santa in the yellow slicker with the fishing pole and the fish. These are all hand made with paper mache. The Santa in the back holds all kinds of sewing objects, including a little sewing machine, scissors and fabric bundles on his back. His face is paper mache and his boots are furry, etc. The faces that Kathy makes are so detailed and beautiful! I hope these all click to open larger so you can see the detail.

I had to photograph the back of these guys as well. Look at the posture on the center Santa. It is so real! I have no idea where she comes up with all these little detail items, but she is a collector of grand scale, and finds things that many of us would pass right by.

Now as for little ol' me, I keep my activities quite simple. Last year my friend Kathy sent me a box of old wool blanket pieces. So now I am making these cute little woolly mittens. I was all over Michaels the other day looking for little things to stuff in these mittens. I found a few things, but I found the best stuff at home in a box of craft items from my mom's huge reservoir of things. I saved some of it after she passed away and now I wish I had saved more. All these little items are so old and forsaken. Chipped paint and discolored felt, etc. In other words, just perfect for all the shabby chic, primitive stuff we love!

THANKSGIVING

At this time of year some people like to bring up stories about how difficult relations were between the Indians and the Pilgrims, how Thanksgiving is just a big sham. Many historical accounts have survived that depict times when Indians and Whites lived together in harmony. So many times we focus on the negative. Thanksgiving offers us an occasion to focus on the things for which we are grateful. The First Thanksgiving gives us an example to aspire to, as people from two different cultures came together to share a meal and celebrate the harvest. Maybe the Thanksgiving story has reached mythical proportion, but isn’t it a wonderful story? If we could re-write history, wouldn’t we love to say, “And they lived happily ever after”?

There is an expression that I like and it is called THE LAW OF THE HARVEST. It seems especially relevant this time of year. Essentially it means, "We reap what we sow”. If it is our desire to live in peace among our fellow men, and even in our own family, what are the seeds we must sow?

Maybe that is something we could focus on for a while this Thanksgiving.

CHRISTMAS STITCHES

I stopped in at the LQS the other day, namely What's Your Stitch 'N Stuff. The shop is looking so good and decked out with all things Christmas. I asked if I could take some photos for my blog. I always love visiting quilt shops around the country via quilt blogs, so I thought I would share with you what my favorite shop looks like right now.

Pattern above: Christmas Sampler by Country Faces

They have projects and kits galore! I just had to buy that book from Primitive Gatherings with that wonderful sampler in it. And these stockings are the absolute cutest! They have patterns for six of them (from Under the Garden Moon) and they were all hanging off the fireplace mantle. There is no actual fireplace, but a year or so ago they brought in a mantle and it is always fun to see how it gets decorated. Now take a look at that Advent Santa! All wool of course!

That is it for now. Wishing you all a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!

MY QUILTING PORCH

This pretty little quilt comes to us from Eileen at My Quilting Porch. Actually, that is HER quilting porch, lest you become confused. Using only nine blocks, Eileen made this darling Sparkler, adding a border of trumpeting angels! Eileen makes wonderful quilts and her blog is full of those that she has made in the past, as well as her current work. She also does beautiful hand quilting. Such a talent! Thanks for participating in our Christmas Sparkler Extravaganza!

MORE SPARKLERS

Two more Christmas Sparklers have shown up in Blogland! (Are there any others I don't know about?) The one above was made by Dot at Rantala Rags. Check out the fabric Dot chose by clicking on the picture. It is always a delight to see what people decide to use. In this case Dot surprised me by using red and blue bandana prints! Does Dot have a certain cowboy in mind? I don't know, but this does not scream Christmas to me. Nor does it have to. The design is good for other seasons and events...like maybe a picnic! Thanks for sharing Dot. It's a winner!

Next we have a quilt with a bit more of a Christmas flair. Karen Diane, the Sparkler of LeeHaven, created this version. Karen likes those dark, rich colors that make the stars pop!

Be sure and check out the Sparkler Gallery and you can see all of the photos that have been sent to me. It is really fun to see the variety. Now I am waiting to see YOURS!

AT THE SPEED OF LIFE

Can you believe it is Thursday? I hate how fast my life is speeding past. You know how they say that your life flashes before your eyes just before you die? Maybe that is what's happening. My life is flashing by. Boring, but fast. Pretty soon I will be dead and this picture of me sitting at the computer in my bathrobe will flash before my eyes. Oh mercy!

Meanwhile, I have a few things in the works! I bought a yard or so of some dishtowel fabric made by MODA of all things! My LQS had it a while back. One of the designs that I ordered from Primitive Stitches fit perfectly in the center between the stripes. The Moda dishcloth is wonderful to embroider on. Of course it is, it's Moda!
Be sure and check out Primitive Stitches if you haven't been there before!

Also, I have another project I am preparing for a gift exchange. I made this earlier in the year for myself, and I love it, so hopefully someone else will love it also. I know that a few of you can recognize what this project is just from this photo! (Dawn-for sure!)

The holiday season has burst upon us, and not being much of a shopper any time of year, I avoid the stores as much as I can this time of year. I am not one of those that feels it is my patriotic duty to spend. Instead, my husband and I "throw money" at our grandchildren, and they spend it the way they want to. My gift ideas of socks, underwear and books just don't go over! LOL! But they do like the ornaments that I make for them every year, so those are in the works and I will show pictures of them soon. My contribution to making the season jolly!

MOVING RIGHT ALONG

Much to my delight, I received three entries on the Story Chain! Now if each of you will link back to the Story Chain here, maybe we will get even more participants! Scroll down to read the prior entries if you have missed them. By the way, I also will welcome pictures that go along...

...he knew not until he saw the sign and the lights! "The Wild Boar" ~ surely they would bow down to their new King, William the Conqueror. All he wanted, after all, was fresh bread and a tankard of ale. He knew he still had to do battle with the man from the Scottish Highlands over the wench. Pretty lass she was, too! (Karen Dianne Lee, the Mistress of LeeHaven)

Karen Dianne Lee said...

When he came to the table and gnawed his loaf, he listened to the man at the bar spouting out for all to hear. "Do you know, on the road here, I came me 'cross a great 'art 'arrying Lord Shedsalot? Dey was stuck in de muck dey was. Da wheel cracked hers shaft her did. The Scottish Highlander - Drummond Macgregor himself I did see. On his way to find William of Conquers he is.

Rebeccah Louise said... (adding to the above)

William moved closer to the bar, pulling his hood up to dispel any chance of recognition. "Did he look up to the fight?" He asked, deepening his voice. "How quickly do you think he can make it into town?" William was not eager to fight him, but would rather it happened sooner than later.

Wanda said...
What Ho! Who is this?? It is the squire from the castle of the Queen of Quilts. Does he recognise the King? And what is his mission for My lady?

YOU are next! Tell us a story!

THE PLOT THICKENS

Karen Dianne Lee, the Mistress of LeeHaven, added a few more lines to our continuing story. It's like pulling teeth, but I yanked out this from her:

...he knew not until he saw the sign and the lights! "The Wild Boar" ~ surely they would bow down to their new King William the Conqueror. All he wanted, after all, was fresh bread and a tankard of ale. He knew he still had to do battle with the man from the Scottish Highlands over the wench. Pretty lass she was, too!



I am laughing hysterically! Who knew her mind worked like that? Well, probably we all did, actually. Karen Diane always makes me laugh!


So who is next? Come on! Belly up to the bar and tell us a story!
(Am I the only one having fun here?)

LEAD BALLOON

Apparently my idea of a continuing story has gone over like the proverbial LEAD BALLOON! But, as I am not able to let go of this idea, I decided to add another verse myself. Heck, maybe I will write my own silly continuing story. Feel free to jump in at any time... You are all being much too shy.
This is where we last left off:

Far away, on a warm, tropical island, King William lay with his head in the lap of a long-haired, dark eyed beauty. What need had he of quilts in this perfect temperature? He found himself thinking less and less of the Royal Hearth, the kingdom he'd left behind, or the Queen of Quilts. Was it an enchantment? (Added by Susan-Desert Sky Quilting)

But alas, no, for he was already growing weary of the fair maiden. Beautiful to look at, lovely to touch, but other than that, she was really not much. Pushing his disappointment aside, the king rose and wandered further down the beach. Still searching for something, but what it was, he knew not. (added by mp)

Back to reality, I find that it is one month until I leave for Arizona for Christmas! EEEK! I have little ornies to make for my grandchildren, a gift for the LQS Christmas party exchange, Sparkler quilts for my daughters. Oh me, oh my! I have been working on a few things, however. Take a look at these cute little gingerbread men from Primitive Stitches! I just couldn't resist ordering the pattern and stitching up a little "bread cloth". There are so many darling things on that site! You will love it!

Christmas Sparklers are still in the works at my house. Everyone who has made this little quilt has found it to be fun and easy! Claire from Newport News, VA made this one. Claire added another blue to hers and don't the stars and snowballs just pop! Claire does not (yet) have a blog, but Claire, feel free to leave a comment any time! And thanks for sharing your quilt with us! All the quilt pictures that I have received thus far are on my website in the Sparkler Gallery.

THE REST OF THE STORY

I posted this the other day: Did you ever play that game where you start a story and then pass it along to the next person to continue, and so forth? Well, do I have any takers?

The thread of the story of the Queen of Quilts has been picked up by Liz and Susan. Will someone please take a shot at this and add another paragraph?! Post it on your blog with a link back. Let's see where it goes!

Far, far away in a distant land the Queen of Quilts was silently stitching. The cold wind blew outside her castle, but the queen, wrapped in her own handiwork, was warm and cozy before the glowing embers of the Royal Hearth. "Oh, I wonder where Sweet William is tonight?" She pondered.

"Sweet William. He had been away for so very long. There had been no word from him in all these long months." (Added by Liz-In Search of the Empty Nest)

Far away, on a warm, tropical island, King William lay with his head in the lap of a long-haired, dark eyed beauty. What need had he of quilts in this perfect temperature? He found himself thinking less and less of the Royal Hearth, the kingdom he'd left behind, or the Queen of Quilts. Was it an enchantment? (Added by Susan-Desert Sky Quilting)

Let the games begin!

SPARKLER GALLERY AND MORE!

Far, far away in a distant land the Queen of Quilts was silently stitching. The cold wind blew outside her castle, but the queen, wrapped in her own handiwork, was warm and cozy before the glowing embers of the Royal Hearth. "Oh, I wonder where Sweet William is tonight?" She pondered.

Did you ever play that game where you start as story and then pass it along to the next person to continue, and so forth? Well, do I have any takers?

I am excited to share three more little Sparkler quilts with you today. Yes I know, you see four. Well, Picasa doesn't make a grid for three, so the fourth one is mine again. And, here is another little game for you. I will give you the names and blog links, and you can go to their blog and see for yourself who made which quilt! Aren't they great? I love them!

Mary B. at Nana B Quilts in St. Michael, MN made one, and

Julie at Through the Barn Door, in California, made two!

Nice job ladies!

Also, for your viewing pleasure, I have added a link to the new Sparkler Gallery on my website! Also, you can find a link right under the Friendship Star block on my sidebar.

Ya'll come on back now, ya hear?

FRIENDLY LITTLE STARS

I am so happy to see that a few of you are making your little Christmas Sparkler quilt well ahead of the seasonal rush! This cutie was made by Mary at Quilt Hollow in North Carolina. She even has hers quilted and hanging on a quilt rack! Nice going Mary! And thanks for sharing with us.

Remember this basket? This was the logo I used when I first began blogging two and a half years ago. I have had a blast reading your blogs and getting to know so many quilters. When I first began I was so clueless about the whole thing. I had seen a few blogs and found them to be so interesting and I didn't want to be left out. I soon realized that many bloggers seemed to be good friends. Gifts were being exchanged, personal e-mails, etc. I kind of felt more left out, actually. But I kept blogging and making comments on other blogs. I asked questions on my blog, and got comments from very helpful bloggers. One of the comments said that I needed to open my e-mail so people could write me back directly! (Ever hear that one before?) So I very bravely added my e-mail address. I even opened a new g-mail account for this. Turns out it was no big deal! Lots of other advice came my way as well. I still have questions from time to time, and I know someone will come forward and help me out. AND, I have "met" some lovely ladies as I continue to blog and exchange ideas and inspiration. My sidebar contains a list of many of you, and there are many more out there. Many of you laugh along with me as I make my silly jokes. I appreciate that. As I told one friend the other day, laughing alone is no fun. So my whole point is this: all you quilt bloggers out there, I appreciate you and enjoy your friendship. Thanks for reading my humble blog and for leaving your nice comments. These Friendship Stars will always remind me of all of you!

MS. PATTERNS AT YOUR SERVICE

From the northern reaches of Alberta comes a Christmas Sparkler to warm the heart! Janet at Mrs. Sew 'n Sew created this little beauty. As you can see, Janet added a second blue instead of red. It is very pretty. I hope this picture enlarges so you can better see the lovely fabrics Janet chose.

I am happy to see these little quilts beginning to trickle in. Are you making one? Please share it with us if you are.

Also, I can finally show you the wool pillow that I made for my friend Joan. Her birthday was in October and we had trouble connecting. Joan loves acorns and anything pertaining to fall, so I knew she would love this pillow. If it looks familiar to you, perhaps you saw the larger quilt version by Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings, in the American Patchwork and Quilting magazine, October 2008 edition. Yes, I can see that it could have used a little more stuffing. Dang.

Running errands today I stopped at the bank and went in the drive-through to deposit checks in my Patchalot Patterns account. After sending me my receipt the teller said, "Thank you Ms. Patterns". Isn't that funny? I keep chuckling over that.

It is storming here in Virginia Beach again. I cut my running around short and came back to my warm home. I lit a vanilla candle and am now I am headed into my sewing room to work on Christmas Sparklers. You know all my kids expect their own and I aim to please!

P.S. Do you want to add the little Sparkler block to your sidebar on your blog? I would love it if you did. That way more people will notice it and news will spread. Here is my method.

Save a copy of the block picture from by blog onto your computer. Open a posting page in your blog. Add the picture of the block in the center position. click on the picture and reduce the size so you have a nice little picture like mine. Click on the picture and the link icon to link it to my website. (http://www.patchalotpatterns.com/)

You may also add words, as I did. Center them as well.

Now SAVE the draft, DO NOT publish. Next, click on the tab above that says Edit Html. Click on the mouse to hi-light the whole page of HTML. Right click and copy.

Click on the tab above that says Layout. Open the list of gadgets and select the one that says HTML. Paste the copied HTML in the box. Title it, save it, and you are all set.

It may sound complicated, but it is really easy. This way you only get a small block on your sidebar instead of a quilt size picture. Plus you have it all linked, as easy as can be!

SPARKLING FRIENDS

Oh goodie! Two of my blogging friends have made the Christmas Sparkler quilt and shared it on their blog! The one above was made by Yvonne at Quilting Down the Stairs. She added a cute piano key border, which I think looks darling on it! Or maybe it is a quilty version of her stairs? LOL! Yvonne said she mostly used Cranberry Wishes and the stars are a Birchwood Lane fabric. I am always fascinated by the fabrics people choose because there are so many from which to choose

Good ol' Libby came through with a Christmas Sparkler as well. Libby is A Simple Girl, and we can always count on her for a primitive or homespun slant to things. She did use a bit of homespun in this quilt, but not as much as I thought she might. Looks good Libby dear! Libby has Christmas stockings in the works at her home and I want to decorate my fence with them as she has! Go take a peek!

Remember, if you make this quilt I would love to see it. The pattern is offered free on my website. I will put a gallery page up soon to display quilts of all who participate!

Get the Christmas Sparkler Spirit right here!

Hope to hear from you!

MEOWALOT

Who is that sneaking through your neighborhood? Yeow! It's a cute little black kitty cat! Yes, it is my own dear little Plumpkin! This is one sassy little kitty, I can tell you that! Kids love to dress up, don't they? I hope they all have fun on Halloween!

I wonder what Rembrandt, Karen's kitty on the left, will be doing for Halloween? I had to post his picture because I thought he and Plumpkin look related. Maybe he will dress up as a little girl again!

I have never had anyone ring our bell on Halloween for as long as we have lived here. We don't have any children in our neighborhood. And NO, I don't live in a Senior Center--yet! I bought a big bag of candy at Sam's Club. My favorite kind, of course, because no one comes here to Trick or Treat. So it is mine, all mine! If you are thinking that I just might be a chocolate addict, you are so right!


Have a safe and spooky night!

SHE IS SEW PRIMITIVE!

You know that Karen is SEW PRIMITIVE, and she is also SEW CLEVER! She dove right into the Christmas Sparkler project (see previous post) and using homespuns, she created her version of the quilt. Her muted colors give it a totally different look! I love it! And I know it was a breeze for Karen to make after stomping and kicking on her Dear Jane blocks, which are so complex. In fact I bet she whipped this up in half the time a DJ block takes! Knowing Karen the way I do, it probably took effort on her part to attempt such a simple project. She loves complex projects. Which is why I was slightly surprised to see her design this next quilt.

I love house blocks, and Karen does too. This is one of her easier designs, I think (which explains why I made it!). She calls it Log Cabin Settlement. You can find the pattern on her blog on the sidebar. She cleverly used stripes going horizontally on her quilt to replicate the logs in the cabins. I had her pattern on my cutting table sitting next to a few FQs from Barbara Brackman's new line, Civil War Crossings, from Moda. I should have taken a picture of the fabric when I got it, but instead I cut it into log cabins and made my own little settlement. Somehow new fabic and new patterns call to each other. I was happy to find the fabric for the setting triangles in my stash and it coordinates well with the colors of this line.

Also in blogland I discovered that Kim is having another adventure with a wonderful tutorial on her blog. It is scrappy and really cute! Check out her Scrappy Stars!