Have I Lost It?

In my last post I talked about challenges. One challenge was dealing with a broken tooth. Although I have been to 2 different dentists; one of which is an Endodontist (root canal specialist) and I have gone through a round of antibiotics, the tooth remains the same. Apparently even though I only have 1/3 of the tooth remaining it is the opinion of both dentists that this tooth is worth saving. Actually it is worth almost $2500.00 to these guys! However if I take a 2 or 3 hour drive to Mexico it is only worth about $400.00. Although I have repeatedly said I have no interest in travelling to Mexico, I think I see a trip to Mexico in the near future. I have spoken to many many people who take the 3 hour drive to Mexico for both dental work and perscription eye glasses because it is about 1/6 th of the price and each and every one of them have been pleased with the price and the results, so Mexico here I come...Ole! 

Another challenge was making something with my challenge fabric. I had a plan (or three) and finally took the plunge and just did it. I think I am pleased so far. It needs to be finished by the end of January and that should not be a problem. Everything is pieced, it is sandwiched and about 1/3 of it is quilted.

Here is a sneak peak...

I have worked on a few other projects as well. I made 7 baby quilts for a local charity called Arizona Quilts For Kids. One is complete...quilted and bound and the other 6 are just tops right now. Hopefully the quilting will get done before month end.

I pieced and quilted a kit I purchased at The Quilt Sampler while in Wisconsin. 

This pattern is called Prints Charming by Em & Me Designs

I know it looks a bit wobbly but that is just because I had it all folded up. 

Another project I am currently working on is a handwork piece in Wool applique. It's always nice to have hand work to pick up while watching a movie.

This is a pattern called Cold Days, pattern company is Primitive Pieces by Lynda. If you look closely you may see staples throughout the piece. I can't remember where I read it, but someone suggested stapling the pieces in place until they are stitched and I can't tell you how quick and easy that was and there is no trace of the staple holes after they are removed. How clever!

One day while on a video call to my daughter she saw this piece and quickly told me that she thought she saw her name on this piece, so I am thinking I better enjoy this while I am making it, because I may lose it after the last stitch is knotted.

You may have noticed that I did not make much mention of Christmas. Our Christmas was a little unconventional this year, in that we celebrated it on November 25th this year. Mr O and I had a very large condo rented in Fairmont HotSprings, British Columbia for one week. Our daughter and her family and our son and his family travelled to be with us, so we had an early Christmas, complete with decorations, gingerbread houses, fruitcake, meat pies, turkey dinner, gift exchanges, and lots of fun. The only thing that could have made it more perfect was if our second oldest grand daughter could have been with us. Unfortunately it is a little easier to take children out of school for a week without too much disruption in schoolwork than it is having someone take a week of University off so close to mid terms. We missed you Lex!

All summer I was working away on Christmas gifts but of course I couldn't post any photos. I made quilts for our son and his wife and our daughter and her husband.

 

Left to right. A hunting/fishing quilt (my own design) for my favourite son, a Harley Davidson quilt for my Favourite Son in Law. Made with Harley head scarves and the centre block is of a photo I took of his bike and printed onto fabric and then turned into a scarf. The next is a hand embroidered quilt, OverThe  River and Through The Woods by CrabApple Hill designs for my favourite daughter in law and last but not least a hand embroidered and pieced Winter Wonderland also by CrabApple Hill for my favourite daughter. It was a huge undertaking but to see how thrilled they were made it more than worth the hours of work.

Everybody got pillowcases (22) and personalized Christmas stockings (13) as well.

We played games and one of the prizes was a gift made by Mr O and I. It was a Scrabble board Family tree.

It has been ten years since we have all been together and it was such a treat!

I know I have been an absentee blogger and at times I wonder if I have lost it...I a

Have asked myself several times...

Have I lost my blogging mojo? I sure hope not...

I have heard from a few readers saying I've been missed. It's a good feeling to know you are missed.