Tuesday, December 18, 2007

A rosey Christmas?

Is anyone else finding themselves really busy this week? I thought I was organized this year but now I find myself rushed again finishing many things up. Tomorrow evening is our annual Christmas party for the quilt group I host. I am looking forward to it!


In the midst of these party preparations, I was able to finish up a quilt this past weekend. I still have to make a label for it but could not wait to share it with you. I had decided to freehand quilt holly leaves ~ 4 per square ~ between the red beads I sewed at each corner. I had three squares quilted and just was not happy with it. I finally asked Jos what he thought and he too did not like it. This is such a pretty series of fabric from Fig Tree Quilts and the quilting was taking away from the fabric. I UNquilted this quilt and left it with only the beads. I am happy with it now as it is a simple and old~fashioned looking quilt with vintage lace along the border.


Each year, I have to come up with a new theme for our gift exchange at the Christmas party. After all these years, it is not always easy to come up with a new idea. This year, I borrowed an idea from a Yahoo list I am on. They did a flower gift exchange and I thought that was a cute idea. I left everyone free to choose to buy or hand make a gift.

I love giving lots of small gifts so I came up with these ideas for the handmade part of the gift. Above it a thread holder I sewed. It is a little waste basket for while you are sewing, stitching or quilting.


I decided to make the wrapping a gift also. I sewed a pajama/unmentionables bag to hold all the small gifts. This bag is reversible also.


I love seeing it stuffed with all the small gifts wrapped in tissue inside!



6 comments:

Nancy said...

Oh Heidi, I agree, this is so cute
with the lace edging and beads.
I love your bags, I will have to feature one you made for me on my blog one day. I use it everytime I travel to keep my pills in. It is actually Christmas, but i don't care. Your Christmas quilt night is so much fun.
Wonder who will get the prize for finding the pickle on the tree?
Love you, Mom

Nancy said...

I love your little quilt Heidi! The fabrics are gorgeous, and I love the beads you have used for accent.

Beautiful bags too! Enjoy your quilt party, and I can't wait to hear about it and see photos.

Happy Holidays!

Anonymous said...

Your rose-quilt and bag are very pretty. I have made a very nice "Flower" present too and was glad I finished it last weekend as I am also very very busy this week! My job, visits at the hospital, singing my carols on two evenings, visit a kind of Christmasmarket but the best: the Christmasparty at your house. Lucky me! See you :)
Elly

Carolien said...

What a lovely rosey quilt you've made! These fabrics are so elegant and the colours so pretty ... my mouth fell open watching it (as often happens when I'm watching quilts, sorry). I love these beads on it as well; have never seen that before. I hope you will enjoy your quilt!!!
What an extraordinary idea, this thread holder. I like it again! A very playful design. And your bag is nicely 'rosey' too.
I will tell you about the ice skating etc. in my blog, but thanks for your nice comment!
I hope you will have a very enjoyable quilt party.

Greetings, Carolien

Ginny said...

I love the little wastebasket bag . . . is there a pattern for it?

Karen said...

YIKES Heidi - you've been a busy camper. I love your little quilt and those little beads are a sweet touch and that thread holder is just to dang cute. Is there a pattern somewhere for that :). Your bag is adorable and a great way to give a gift.

Have a wonderful quilt night with your peeps.

Hugs- Karen