Makin' a list

Actually making many lists. I need them to stay focused. It feels so good to be able to cross things off the list too. Here are a few things I can cross off my list. Finished a few more gifts...

This is a wall hanging about 3 feet long and about 18 - 20 inches wide. Pattern and most fabrics from The Quilt Patch in Moose Jaw, Sask.

Jingle Jolly table runner. Free pattern from on-line. Fabric from a charm swap on-line.

The center block was a retreat mystery project from a few years back. I decided to make it large enough for a throw sized quilt...about 52" square. Hope to get it quilted today. Birthday gift for a grand daughter early in the new year.

This has been a banner week. I have gone out 2 days this week and have to make a trip to town again today. Caring for a 96 year old lady keeps me pretty close to home with little or no social outings in the last 6 weeks. I was able to make arrangements however so that I was able to attend a Christmas gathering of our Tuesday Quilting group.(this is the same group that had the fall retreat in October at a friends camp.) We have not been meeting to quilt as often as we usually do, but hope to remedy that in the New Year. We do however usually find time to squeeze in an evening of fun, food, gifts and even a bit of stitching during the Christmas season. I received some wonderful gifts from my friends this year. Now I fear I am treading on dangerous ground here , because I would hate to forget something, but here goes...

 I received some edibles...

There is pepper jelly, grape jelly and do you see that little white box? If you look hard you can see little brown crumbs in the bottom of the box...that is all that remains of a gift of home made maple cream filled home made chocolates. I said I would share them with Mr. O and I did...he got 1, and I got the rest. Hey! I shared...

Also received some do-ables

a little wool sewing bag kit, a wonderful reference/instruction book of embroidery stitches and a fat quarter to add to my stash.

I also received a wonderful assortment of use-ables

a bar of pure cocoa butter from Olivier

Orange Cantaloupe bubble bath in the cutest container...it is a christmas bulb!

One of the gals in our group is always teased because she gathers up our little scraps and says, " I can use that"...and true to her word she made all of us a zippered bag with some of the scraps! Clever huh?

Our artist in residence gave some of her art work in the form of water color note cards and gift tags. Also got some of the cutest little embroidery scissors.

I even received an early birthday gift!

Mr. O and I gave this little gift to all my friends. It was a bone folder attached to a fat quarter. I say Mr. O and I because Mr. O made all the bone folders in his magical workshop. I know a bone folder was originally made of bone, but these ones are made of aromatic cedar; all lovely and smooth and scented of cedar. I use mine all the time for finger pressing and turning points and corners inside out.

I received some wonderful gifts but the the best gift of all was being able to go out and spend an evening with my friends. We are the best group of gals. I really mean that. We have been a group for about 10 years now, and I mean how may times do you see a group of 12 women as close knit as ours, with no back biting and bickering at each other. Women who are there for you in every situation, who listen to your troubles and try to help carry the load. We are truly unique! Many of us would have never crossed paths had it not been for our interest in quilting. How blessed we are!

Thanks ladies.

p.s. I even had another meal prepared for me by one of my friends! I am really starting to get spoiled. Thanks Anne and Mr. D