Under the Wire

This year I joined two online UFO Challenge Groups.  It's the last day of the month and I'm "down to the wire" on this UFO. I did finish two UFO's this month, but only this one Christmas Lights was the "right number." I completed Nancy's challenge UFO #3, but didn't get to Judy's number. C'est la vie! I'm just thrilled to have completed two quilt tops this month. I purchased the border for Christmas Lights before  the quilt top was finished. I am really happy with how the colors are working together. Can't tell you how excited that I am to make some progress on my UFO list:)

Sewing

My special word for 2011 is SAVOR.

–verb 

.

to perceive by taste or smell, esp. with relish: to savor the garden's odors.

to give oneself to the enjoyment of: to savor the best in life.

 I originally planned for my word to be Celebrate. I do want to celebrate each day, each moment, but SAVORING each day, each person, each opportunity seemed to be the easiest way to Celebrate!

Sewing! Two days in a row I actually did some sewing. Yesterday, I spent a couple of hours with Pat in her "sewing tower". What a delightful time! I mostly prepared Scrappy Nines for the longarm quilter and pinned some components together, but it involved parts of the quilting process.

Today, I only had an hour and a half in my sewing room, but I enjoyed each minute. Adding borders to a quilt top is often the place that I abandon a project. At least a year ago, I put Christmas Lights in a plastic container to let it age. I'd love to have more Christmas quilts in our home next year. This project

is getting closer to being a "real" quilt. I measured and added the black inner border. I took it easy and enjoyed just doing that step. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a bit of time tomorrow to add the outer border. Thanks, Kelly and Kris for hosting the virtual sewing party. Let's do it again real soon!

An Unplanned Break

What a month! I totally did not plan to abandon my blog this month. January has just been different:) I feel very behind in my posts, but let's just jump in and begin. 

My first finish for 2011!!!!! 

I've been working on my black and white version of Scrappy Nines for months and months. This pattern is wonderful. Lots of nine patches, but a great project for lots of sewing while visiting with other quilters. I had planned to work on other projects on my UFO list, but this project was actually under the needle of my machine and all over my sewing room. I didn't complete the numbered quilts from Judy's UFO challenge (Saturday Sampler) or Nancy's challenge (Christmas Lights), but a finish is a finish:)  I have begun cleaning my sewing room. I'm trying to do major cleaning while sorting. I've located the projects on my UFO list and placed them where I can easily reach them. 


More later....   Have a wonderful Friday!

Snowy, Snowy Night

What a winter in Atlanta! First, there was actually snow on Christmas Day. The first time in over 100 years. Sunday night began a major snow storm. Well, major for us! Our weather folks are saying we've received 5 or 6 inches of snow.  We are praying that we don't lose power/electricity. As long as the electricity flows, we are in great shape. We began cooking on Friday preparing for "Snow 2011".

Beef/Vegetable soup is one of my very favorite things to eat. Friday, I actually did the cooking. I know my friends will be shocked. It's not that I can't cook. It's that I don't cook. DH is an awesome cook and likes handling the meals:)  Here is the pot of soup in our "natural refrigerator" - the table on our screened-in porch. The pot actually was icy today at noon:) Saturday, DH used his pressure cooker to make Jambalaya. I don't have photos of that meal, but it was superb. We were sad to see our New Orleans Saints eliminated in the NFL Play-offs. Bummer! Sunday was Gumbo time.  All three of these dishes get better tasting after a day or two.  DH is now making spaghetti. I also see some red beans soaking in a pot.We're all set for food!

Our backyard bird feeders were filled. The birds are set for food, too. Haven't seen any birds. They've probably let the state with all this cold and snow.

DH, DS, and DD (dear dog, of course) have been camped out in our family room. The gas logs have been a blessing. I brought down extra lap quilts. DH is using his LSU quilt, DS has our Autumn Ridge quilt and I'm encased in Crossed Paths in Sunshine. My little friend has found his spot, too.

The snow and ice on the ground has been a challenge in many ways for Rusty. He can't figure out where his grass has gone.

 He walks out the door and turns right around when the cold hits him. He was quite put out with his sweater. 

Here's hoping that you are keeping warm and comfortable wherever you are!

A New Year, New Beginnings

Happy Day, dear friends! Don't you just love the new beginnings, the new opportunities, the new goals for the New Year? In reflecting on 2010, the year provided many wonderful surprises and blessings. Wishing you much love, happiness, blessings and peace in 2011.