The End of 2010

12/31/2010 by ·

How will you spend New Year’s Eve 2010?

  • Finishing a quilt project that you were determined to complete this year? I crocheted a baby blanket a few years ago with a goal (that I pulled out of thin air) to complete the blanket before the new year. I worked as fast as I could until a couple minutes after midnight, so didn’t quite make it, but it felt great to finish the project.
  • At a gathering with family/friends? Watching the ball drop at midnight?
  • Closing out year-end tax and financial records? Making files and labels for 2011? Yes, I need to do that, but it’s an easy task to procrastinate!
  • At an online party? I thought it would be interesting to check out Stitchin’ Heaven’s Twitter party. I’ve never followed a Twitter party but it sounds fun. The party starts at 8pm Pacific, and details are here.

What plans do you have for this evening?

Sherilyn

Filed Under: New Year's, Twitter, UFO's

Holiday Dinner

12/26/2010 by ·

Happy day after Christmas and Boxing Day! Is everyone enjoying their holidays so far? With the baking and last minute gift-making done (did the Elves stop by to help?), I wanted to show pictures from the SBQG Holiday Dinner on December 14th. Better late than never!

Our annual catered dinner, turkey with all the trimmings, was enjoyed with much conversation and friendship.The table decorations were donated by Guild members, and each diner received a box of See’s candy. Yum!Of course, Mr and Mrs Claus also joined us.Three auction quilts were submitted for the 2011 Quilt Show and were quietly resting on a table where I could quickly snap some photos.Handmade stockings were donated by Guild members and filled with toiletries for those in need.A couple of quilts were donated for the Read Me A Quilt program. For those unfamiliar with this project, Guild members donate a quilt and complementary book. The quilts and books are given to CASA, and then delivered to children in the foster care system. From the thank you notes written by the children and their advocates, the warmth of a handmade quilt of their own is very significant to the children.Dessert looked wonderful! (Can you ever go wrong with chocolate?) Chocolate cake and pumpkin pie were available in abundance.The last half of the evening was reserved for tying of charity quilts. We also had the pleasure of listening to Christmas music by Mary Ann and Walter Sereth. Here’s a look at the many busy hands making music and finishing quilts.Thank you to Mary Ann for all of her planning, and it looks like everyone enjoyed themselves!

Sherilyn

Filed Under: Christmas, Community Services, Quilt Shows, Read Me A Quilt

Hoffman International Tour

12/15/2010 by ·

Seeing the Pink Sand Beach Designs purses at the Holiday dinner made with the new Hoffman fabrics reminded me of how much I enjoyed touring the Hoffman factory a few years ago. Factory tours have always fascinated me because I get to see “behind the scenes” and learn how & why a product is created the way it is. I now understand how to identify the quality fabrics, and (Hoffman folks were right) it’s easy to spot the Hoffman on the shelf!

Thinking about the factory tour further reminds me that the Traveling Quilters has a Hoffman International Tour and Quilt Shop Hopping trip scheduled for September 2011. I bring this to the attention of anyone who has not had the privilege of touring their facility, and those who would like to go again! As the Traveling Quilters’ site mentions, you will see the design and manufacturing process up-close. The day trip also includes a visit to two Orange County quilt shops.

OK. I’ve talked myself into it. I’ll contact Sue and hope you will too!

Sherilyn

Filed Under: Fabric, Local quilt shops, Travel

12 Days of Christmas at Pink Sand Beach Designs

12/14/2010 by ·

During show-and-tell at tonight’s Holiday Dinner, Nancy Green of Pink Sand Beach Designs (PSBD) unveiled purse designs in beautiful new Hoffman fabrics. Nancy’s samples remind me how badly I want some sewing time to create with her patterns!

PSBD has also announced their first annual 12 Days of Christmas countdown, where they are randomly giving away items to those who post a comment on their Facebook page. (Twitter users can also follow PSBD at @Pink_Sand_Beach.)

So check out their website, Facebook, and Twitter. Spread the word. Participate in the comments. And hopefully you’ll be a lucky winner!

Sherilyn

Filed Under: Christmas, Contests, Local quilt shops

Quick Christmas Gifts (Part 2)

12/10/2010 by ·

This is part 2 of a number of quick holiday gift tutorials on the internet. Part 1 included gift bags and small purses. Today we have links for larger bags, sewing items, a couple of zipper techniques, and other miscellaneous gifts.

Medium Bags:

Large Bags:

For fun:

Techniques:

Sewing and Other Organizers:

Other:

Well, that will keep us busy! Happy crafting!

Sherilyn

Filed Under: Christmas, Patterns, Tutorials
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