Design Wall Monday

Wow! It's been some time since I posted what was on my Design Wall. That could be because there was NOTHING on my design wall. There was not alot of action occuring in my sewing loft. Last week, I began working on my project for the Secret Santa Swap. I've actually been planning and plotting all along, but wasn't getting the right "feeling." I know you know what  I mean. I purchased a jelly roll and a bit of yardage of Kate Spain's, 12 Days of Christmas (it's Brenda's fault). I began a Christmas tree skirt. Somewhere in the haze of the pain medications following my surgery, I did have the clear thought that I'm not much of a machine quilter on a good day. What makes me think I'll do better post jaw surgery. So I changed my plan:) 

I'm making a Good to Go bag from Silver Thimble Company using the jelly roll strips (cut down the length). I do love string piecing and I've been successful with this bag in the past. Today, is SEWING DAY. The bag must be finished to bring to the post office tomorrow. The photo on my wall is of the 8 blocks that make the front and back of the bag. Back to the sewing room to finish! See other Design Wall projects on Judy L's blog Patchwork Times.

P.S. Thanks to all the kind words of encouragement about my jaw surgery. I followed doctor's orders and my two weeks of "self-imposed" sofa time is up. I'm completely off any pain medications. DH is turning the key each night on my jaw expander. I drove yesterday with success. I still don't have a complete day's energy, but breaks are scheduled. I still have some bruises on my face and neck, but it's definitely improved. 

Gone to the Dogs!

Do you remember the animated cartoon program staring "Deputy Dawg"? When I look in the mirror these days, Deputy Dan seems to be reflected back at me. A week ago, I had 3 teeth extracted AND jaw expansion surgery. As my "favorite" brother said, it's hard to imagine that Becky's mouth wasn't big enough:) I've put this surgery off for almost 30 years because I wasn't having any problems. About a year ago I began experiencing some pain from the situation. I'm spending most of my time with the elderly these days instead of my years with elementary kids. I want to be vital and lively in my 80's, so I scheduled my surgery, braces and all the other inconveniences to fix this problem. I don't want to say, I should have taken care of this, but it's too late when I get "OLD."

Wow! Did my face every swell and bruise. When I went for the check-up with my oral surgeon last week, he walked in and said, "A Bruiser." He got that right. Lots of blue, like George Rodrigues's Blue Dog (artist from my hometown of Lafayette, LA) , green, purple, black and yellow. Colors that would make a great quilt, but rather strange on a face and neck

But with prescription pain meds, I'm  as happy as Huckleberry Hound. I made the mistake of backing of the medications and doing too much. I crashed and burned this weekend. I did get some wonderful visiting time with my Silver Thimble friends, so it was worth it. I'm back on my meds, back on the couch with Dr. Rusty and trying not too talk too much (impossible). I guess when they said it would be a two week recovery period, they meant it:) C'est La Vie! I did take a photo of my face, but that photo dear friends is one that I won't post:) Just use your imagine!

Scraps Giveaway Winners

Thanks to all the kind words and comments about our string quilt project and scrap reduction project. The two winners of my scrap giveaway are Linda from Stray Stitches and Quilter Kathy from Kathy's Quilts. Thank you Jodie from Pleasant Home for organizing this fun event! It was wonderful meeting new bloggers and making new friends.  Linda and Kathy, your boxes are in the mail. Again, thanks to everyone who participated in this giveaway. It was great fun!

Christmas Quilt Show

Christmas quilts! What's not to love about a Christmas quilt! I have several holiday quilts started but only one that I've actually finished and used. This quilt is one of my all-time favorites. The red and white toile shows Santa and his sleigh flying over a village. The fabric is an older Moda line. The pattern is an early pattern from Pat Wys. It is an earlier version of her Star Gazy pattern. I used extra fabric to make matching pillowcases On Thanksgiving night, I place this quilt on our bed. It marks the beginning of the holiday season for my husband and me. One day, all our beds will have Christmas quilts. The quilts are already started. I just need to complete them. Merry Christmas, dear friends!

Head over to SewCalGal's blog to view other quilts in her Christmas Quilt Show! There are wonderful prizes from sponsors for those who make quilts and those who view all the quilts.

Merry Christmas, dear blogging friends!