Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Tree Turmoil

I spent last Friday at my LQS participating in Elf Day.  Just a fun day of sewing and socializing with an extra effort to get some projects completed before Christmas. While I was there I was lucky enough to meet a blog friend in person!  I had recognized Jackie's picture earlier in the year when she left a comment a blog that we both follow.  I realized we went to the same LQS and I got in touch with her through her blog, Jackie's Stitches.  We had a wonderful time on Friday working on projects, having lunch, and chatting about blogging!    

Blessings From the Hollow blocks with Lilac Hill fabric.

My Blessings From The Hollow blocks are now done!  This pattern is from the amazing book Scrap Basket Sensations by Kim Brackett. I'm so glad I took it to Elf Days and got started on it again!  I had put it aside to do some quilting earlier in the year and I'm so happy to be able to get it out and get back to it!  Now I need to work on piecing the border.  It will take some time, but I think the look will be totally worth it!  I've got all the pieces cut out and ready to go!


Lots of pieces in this border!
Auditioning inner borders.  What do you think, the green or the red?  I'm leaning towards green, but I want to like the red one better!

Maybe this border would be a good project to work on during the Friday Night Sew In this week.   Have you signed up?  There are two this month and I don't know about you, but with the busy holiday season I look forward to the extra reason to carve out some time only for sewing.......Like that will really happen here.  Not very realistic with the two boys, but I can try!  Ordering pizza and getting a movie for them might help me get that extra sewing time in this Friday night!  That sounds like a plan!


On the holiday decorating front, I have finally succeeded in getting the garland to stay put over the front door!  WooHoo!  The replacement part for the lights on our new tree was delivered and the lights finally worked again.....dramatic pause.....for a week. (Please insert a big sigh here)
 When I came back from a soccer practice the other night, I discovered that the tree lights were out again.  Very disappointing.  Replacement parts are again on the way, I hope, and soon our tree will be okay, maybe by the end of the season?  We are having a gathering of neighbors here next week to count out luminary bags for our neighborhood's annual luminary night and I'd really like my tree to look nice for that party.  I'll keep you posted.  Note that the luminary bags and candles have not arrived yet and I'm getting a little concerned.  Are you sensing a pattern here?  I think I'll call and check on that delivery right now to get one more thing off of my plate! Other than my that, all is well here. Just lots of shopping and baking to be done!  I've got lots more to blog about, but that will have to wait for another post. How are you dealing with the joyous but hectic holiday season?     

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love that quilt. I definitely like the red border better because it stand outs. The green sorta blends in.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Yes, the red border. I love that pattern.

Izzy said...

Beautiful quilt Michele - and I agree with the others, I love the red border... but the green is also very nice! :-) I really do like that fabric line, gorgeous colours.

Jackie's Stitches said...

I like both borders! What are you looking for? A pop or something more subtle?

It was so great to meet you! I can't believe it took so long for us to bump into each other - it really shows the difference in our schedules!

I've never heard of anyone having so much trouble with a brand new tree. I hope the replacements parts arrive quickly and work long term!

Linda said...

Gorgeous!!!! I'm leaning towards green too. :-)

Diana Schmitz / Quiltecke said...

That looks great... I like the green one
Have a nice day
Diana

AnnieO said...

Your Blessings in the Hollow is just beautiful! I have that quilt bookmarked too :) Congrats on getting to meet a fellow blogger and play and chat the time away!

We haven't gotten our tree yet--and I'm just remembering that I need to purchase new strands because so many lights were out last year. Hope you get your problems straightened out!

Rachel said...

Your Blessings quilt is gorgeous!

Sounds like a fun day at your LQS. I don't think I'd get much accomplished if I were to meet a fellow blogger for a sewing day - I'd spent too much time chatting ;)

Cheryl said...

Your Blessings quilt is a joy, but the Xmas tree saga makes me wince! Hope it is resolved in time for the party.
How do I deal?...going to the cabin where we have a little 2ft. tree we decorate on Christmas eve...done! I do make a lot of my gifts though, and that is starting to stress me out.

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

Fun to meet a bloggy friend in person! RED border. Looks fantastic. That's my pick. And your tree (even without working lights) and your front door look very festive! We finally have our tree up as well. I just need to spruce up the living room and take its picture.

Abby and Stephanie said...

I just love the name -- Elf Days. Your quilt is gorgeous!!! Well right now I'm enjoying seeing decorated houses for the holidays since I am totally not ready for Christmas.

em's scrapbag said...

Your quilt is gorgeous! I love the red inner border. So please lean that way. :) Your Christmas decor is lovely.

Anonymous said...

I'm with you...green for sure! So, now that you're done decorating the outside of your house, want to come do mine - LOL!

Needled Mom said...

Gorgeous quilt!!! I choose green too.

How frustrating to be dealing with the tree lights! You may have to use candles like they did in days long ago!!! Yikes...can you imagine? I hope all arrive in time for the party.

Anonymous said...

I just love that pattern "Blessings from the Hollow" and yours is beautiful!

corina said...

Red! Either way it's going to be a beauty when it's finished. Happy holidays!

Candace said...

Sounds like a fun day, and a new friend. I Love your "Blessings from the Hollow", it's so homey and cozy. Sorry about your Christmas tree and decorations dilemmas, but I guess they'll make good stories in years to come. Trying to see a bright side, lol.

Kim Brackett said...

It's so cool that you got to meet Jackie in person. And your Blessing from the Hollow quilt is coming along very nicely. Sorry about all those border pieces. :-)

Your Christmas decorations are just beautiful. Hope everything works out in time for the party. And I hope you and your family have a very merry Christmas!

Houseelf said...

What a pretty Blessings from the Hollow. I hadn't seen it before.

So sorry to hear about the lights. What a pain! Sometimes there comes a time when you say enough and return the item as "not fit for purpose" for a fullrefund. You need reliability.

I hope the luminary things arrive on time.

Donna said...

Oh my gosh! Your quilt is beautiful! Whatever you decide on the border, it will be lovely.