Good grief

It’s been so long since I posted that I almost forgot how. I’ve been experiencing the January “blahs”. No blogging, very little blog reading, no sewing, little e-mailing etc. You get the picture? Anyway, I’ve been trying to pull myself out of this hole and I think I’ve finally done it. A couple of things have me lookin up!

First of all…some reorganizing. I realized that one of the things I’m unhappy with in my sewing room is the lack of comfortable seating. When I do my hand stitching, I only have a computer chair. So, I got to thinking…how about making room for a REAL chair.

I approached Mr. CnW about it and, you all know how much our hubbies LOVE to help rearrange everything? (especially the electronics) Well, his reaction wasn’t as bad as I expected, mainly because we were snowed in and he didn’t have anything else to do. LOL

Here’s the “before” picture of where I decided to put the chair.

and, here’s the “after”.

The chair used to be in our bedroom.

So, then…where should the computer and printers go? On the desk of course. (silly concept, I know).

“before”…

and “after”.

So, then I had to continue cleaning. Here’s the “before” of my sewing cabinet.

and “after”.

And here’s the view of the sitting area from my sewing machine.

See the cute little red TV? A Christmas gift from Mr CnW. It’s on a swivel arm, so I can see it from the sewing machine and also while in the sitting area. Oh my….I have a “sitting area”. LOL

And that cute cover for my sewing maching? A Christmas gift from my friend Nadine.

Here’s a closer look. The stitchery is a Bareroots design, but the way it’s put together is Nadine’s own creativity.

Nadine, Brenda (no blog) and I had gone out to lunch during the holidays and exchanged gifts. Brenda gave me this cute Santa.

Thanks girls! (So, I think I’m finished blogging about Christmas…finally!)

The second thing (I bet you forgot I said a “couple of things”) that has me lookin up is this…

Kaaren at The Painted Quilt has started a Wool Crazy Sew Along. I’ve loved this book since the moment I saw it on Primitive Gatherings website. I even thought of moving to Wisconsin to be able to join the ladies in the class.

Since that’s not gonna happen, this is the next best thing. How about joining in on the fun?

Till next time. I have some good news to share.

Hugs, Anne

More Christmas

I know…I know… Christmas was over more than a week ago and it’s now 2010, but I needed to share the gift exchanges from the party.

We always either make or buy the same gift for everyone.  We used to make them, but as we’ve gotten older busier we seem to take to local stores or the internet for our purchases. 

This is what I got for everyone.

Patty got each of us these adorable snowman pictures.

Cathi gave us each a treenware bowl with a berry ring and candle.   (you might want to click on the picture to get a better look)

Marsha MADE these adorable little quilts and also gave us the little wooden Christmas tree that I’m holding.

and lastly but not least, Janet gave us these ca-ute plates.

Hmm, looks like we have a smart aleck in the group.  Let’s try it again.

And how old is she?

Third times the charm.   By the way…that’s Patty, our resident comedian!

So, then it was on to our Secret Santa gifts.   We draw names earlier in the year and keep our eyes and ears open for hints from our “person”. 

Patty drew my name and made me this adorable snowman that she framed.   It was too big for me to get on the plane so I’ll have to pick it up the next time we drive to Calif.   I was so bummed because I really wanted to take it home!

Marsha got this gorgeous treenware bowl with berries and a candle from Cathi.

Janet got this wonderful snowman and quilt that Marsha made for her.   She was quite overcome with emotion. 

I gave Patty some spools, sheep, a wool penny rug kit, and a stitchery pillow that I got from Karen at Farmhouse Woolens.

Here’s a close up of the pillow. 

And Cathi got all this loot from Janet.   Janet made the darling gingerbread wall hanging.  (her own design).  

We also got stockings but I didn’t get a picture of them.   I think we were just so wound up that I forgot.  

The party lasted until the wee hours of the morning.  I think it broke up about 2:00am.   We have so much fun.  laughing, eating, sharing gifts, eating, playing games, eating… LOL   I think you get the picture.  

Thanks girls…I love you all!

Hugs, Anne

The occasional picture

I just had to share these pics of Emma and Mason with Santa.   

Emma wasn’t too excited about seeing Santa.  We finally had to tell her that Mrs Claus would deliver her gifts in order to get her to even talk about Christmas.  

When we walked into Santa Lane and saw that there wasn’t a line, we were hopeful that she’d sit on his lap.  

He was wonderful with her.  Took time to talk to her before having her get on his lap.   It was so cute when she asked him, “where’s Mrs. Claus”?  He said…”why back at the North Pole, of course”.  That seemed to be okay with Emma and she agreed to sit on his lap.   (that’s definitely a worried look on her face).  LOL

Here she is telling him that she’s “three”.

Wouldn’t you like to know what she’s thinking here?

As for Mason?   I know he’s saying…”what’s the problem”?  He’s so laid back and good natured all the time.    

Here’s the “official” picture.  

Thanks for indulging me with my “babies”.

Hugs, Anne