The Grand Finale!

Can you believe it?  A whole year has gone by and we are finally ready to reveal our completed versions of Comfort and Joy by Silver Thimble Quilt Co.

To refresh your memory, this is the pattern cover.

This is Sandy's (no blog) version.   She changed up a lot of the quilt blocks and also the applique on the borders.

This one is mine.  I added a third border and didn't put any applique on them.   I decided that the quilt was busy enough and I liked the idea of having a calmer border.

 Here are some closeups of a few of my favorite blocks.

I have some cute buttons to add to the gingerbread guys which I'll do after it comes back from the quilter.  

I think this snowman is my favorite.  I might even have to do him again into a pillow or something.

This was a really fun quilt-a-long and I want to thank everyone who joined in.   It kept me on track and I'm so glad it's finished in a timely manner.   I'm so proud of myself for making the entire quilt from my stash.   (oops, sorry, that's not true...I had to buy the outer border fabric but that doesn't really count, does it?)   Once I get it quilted and sew on some embellishments, I'll be sure and show you how it turned out.  

Now go over and take a look at the finished quilts from the wonderful gals who stitched along.   It's so fun to see everyone's version of the quilt.  

Nadine, Kim, Karen, Diane and Carrie.

Thanks again ladies for playing-a-long!

Hugs, Anne

Country Living

Where does the time go?   I actually woke up in the middle of the night and remembered that waybackwhen I said I'd show you pictures of my visit to Country Living in Amador City, CA when I went to CA for my "girls" Christmas party.  I then laid awake and wrote the blog post in my mind.  Well, now I can't remember what I "wrote", so I'm starting fresh.

I don't know what it is with me and blogging, but everyday I make myself a "to do" list, and every day I have "blog" on the list.  Well, most days, everything gets done on the list, but "blog" seems to carry over to the next day and the next day and the next.....   Anyone have any suggestions for me on how to make it a top priority?  ;)  Or at least, a higher priority?

On to the pictures.   I know they are all Christmas related, but I love Christmas and never get tired of seeing pictures and the inspiration they bring me.  Hopefully, you feel the same.   Oh, and at the end, I'll give you the recipe for that fabulous dessert Cathi made for us.

Country Living is owned by Sandy Jurisich and her hubby.   It's in a darling little building right on the main drag of Amador City in the heart of the California gold country.  

This is Sandy.  She spins her own wool.

There was so much eye candy.   

This candle came home with me. (Battery operated for my obsessive hubby)

See how cute it looks on my old wooden spool?

She has everything from prim to vintage and in between.  

Aren't these old cheese graters fabulous?   Now I wish I had bought one.

Patty kept eyeing this Santa Claus outfit.  I thought she was going to buy it and dress up for us at the party!

Isn't this a darling way to display your eating utensils at a place setting?

Prim goodies 

Isn't this a perfect lamp base for Sandy?    I love the shade.

Remember these trees in the 50's?

 These two little mini guys came home with me too.

This gives you an idea of how tiny they are right next to the star mini pillow.

If you happen to get to go there, be sure and continue up the road to Sutter Creek.  More cute shops and wonderful eateries.

And.....for me a trip to CA isn't complete without a visit to my favorite restaurant.   I always get the same thing, French Onion Soup with a baguette.   Oh so yummy!  (I sure wish Panera would open an establishment in Bend!)

A few people emailed me for the recipe for Cathi's dessert.   It's very low in calories, so feel free to eat as much as you want.   (wink wink)

Turtle Trifle

Hopefully I'll be back sooner rather than later.   I've been working on lots of projects to show you.

Hugs, Anne

Country Homecoming walk thru

It's time for the "walk thru" with the contractor to make sure everything is ready for move in next month.

The end is in sight and I'm liking what I see so far.   All the "pretty things" are being added and what a difference that has made for me.   I can't even begin to tell you what a struggle this quilt has been. The only thing that has kept me motivated is seeing pictures of the finished quilt.  

I think all of the neighbors are at about the same point in the construction, so take a look and see their almost-finished neighborhoods. 

Here's Sandy's.   She added her borders and then did the vines so she could get a good placement of her stars.   She'll be adding the leaves and berries in the next month.  

This one is mine.   I chose not to sew the borders onto the top until after I have all the applique finished.   I'll then add the corner stars.    I don't like doing hand applique with the bulk of the whole quilt in my lap.   Just my quirkiness!  So, I'll do the side borders and then sew them on so I can get a good placement of the vines in the corners.

     

Before I send you over to the other construction sites, I wanted to let you know that we have an injured neighbor.   Jocelyn fell and broke her wrist last month and had to have surgery.   It was an especially bad break and she hasn't been able to sew AT ALL!   Can you imagine?   I'd go nutzo!   So, head on over and wish her a speedy recovery.    Take care Jocelyn!

Paulette has some fun show and tell for you so don't miss her post.  

Shazy, Patti, Carrie, Deb and Sandy R have all been busy.  

And get this...Anna has said that she is going to catch up to us in time for the Grand Finale next month!  Do you believe that? Well, stay tuned!  Move in day is February 15th!

Hugs, Anne

Patty's house

I know, I know....Christmas is long gone and everyone is on to Valentine projects, but I promised you this post and one more post, and I want to keep my promises.

Decorations are finally down.  Mr. CnW and I were both so tired each day but we plodded through and now I'm back up in the Nest with lists and lists of things I want to accomplish in 2013.  Most of which will be UFOs or patterns and kits that I already have in my stash.  I'm back on the Fabric Diet!!!   Oh, and I can't forget...my word for this year is "self-discipline".   Remind me of that if I get sidetracked with new goodies!  :)

Anyway, on to Patty's.    She wasn't going to be home for Christmas so she kept her decorating to a minimum.  I think she told me she only put out what she had stored in the house in closets and nooks and crannies.   But.......next Christmas she's hosting our party, so hang on to your seats because she does a fabulous job of decorating.    Enough of my blabbing...on with the show!

This was above my bed when I arrived.  All together now.....awwwwww.

Every year she changes up this piece of furniture.   It's always fun to see what it ends up looking like.

Janet made these little framed snowmen for us a couple of years ago when she hosted the party.

I always love these little Charlie Brown trees.

And these re-purposed old windows.

Cute stackable snowmen.

Isn't this the cutest lamp?   I should have moved the greenery so you could see the adorable face on it.   And the homespun balls look just right sitting there next to it.

Uh oh!   Look what I found when I was admiring everything... a little bit of leftover fall decor.  We got a good laugh out of that.   How many times have we all left out a seasonal decoration, only to find it months later?  It IS cute tho.

And then we thought that Janet should have her cane decorated.  So, we decorated it like a "candy cane".   Haha

Doesn't she look good?   She's come a LONG way in a year.  It's been a really tough and challenging year for her but she has such strong determination and will.  She is very diligent about doing all her physical therapy and taking good care of herself.  AND....she's got stitching and shopping to do!  Love you M!

So, that's it for Patty's house, Christmas 2012.   Ha...I just mis-typed and put 2013.   Maybe Patty is now ready for NEXT Christmas.   Yikes!  Thanks Patty for always making me feel so welcome when I stay with you!

Hugs, Anne