Presents, I received wonderful presents.

Thursdays, I sew with a wonderful group of ladies.  Our local quilt shop lets us use the classroom from 10:00am until 4:00pm and sew.  We had a little gift exchange.  Marilyn made us each a set of Christmas tree napkins, Kay made us Christmas angel ornaments, and was kind enough to give us the instructions to be able to make more. Cheryl, gave us the cute star ornament. Sharon made the glass ornament. She embroiders a design, and somehow, slips it into the ornament.  It looks really neat.  Jan, gave me the wool bundle, and the candy cane with the cute scissors for our sewing kits.  It was a lot of fun.

This darling hot pad holder was sent to me by Ruth Janssen from Country Log Cabin.  It is made with bottle caps. They are yo yo's with the caps inside.  So cute, I don't want to get it messed up!

My friend  Isabelle Stirnemann in France sent me a wonderful present.  I had sent her the "Lil Twister" tool and pattern , and she sent me this adorable mug rug made using it.  There was also this cute pouch, that  has the most wonderful chocolates in it, loose tea, and a lavender sachet.  This was a lovely surprise.  We are going to be making   a Bonnie Hunter pattern, Oregon or Bust during 2012.  This way we can exchange different fabrics for our quilts.

My sweet husband came up with the most wonderful surprise.  While I was on this last cruise, he had heard that Jennifer Chiverini was going to be at a book signing in Naperville, at Andersen's Book Store.  He got there a little late, but still in time to purchase 5 of her book, including The Wedding Quilt, and have her sign all of them for me.  I am impressed with his thoughtfulness.  Looks like I have some relaxing reading time coming up.

My Hungarian friend, Magdi Csendes sent me such a pretty heart ornament. Since we met several years ago, we have been exchanging ornaments each Christmas.

My friend, Sandy in Georgia, got me started on iris folding for making cards.  She sent me the one on the left. It is oh so cute!!  Jane in Michigan made this really cute Santa card this year.    We are all sharing our talents, which is so nice.

I bought these two  books. The one on the left is "Elizabeth Roseberry Mitchell's Graveyard Quilt", by Linda Otto Lipsett. This quilt has been featured in several books and articles, and has an interesting history.  The other book "Kentucky Quilt Trails: Views and Voices" is right up my alley.  My husband and I love to travel the back roads and look for quilts on barns.  There are some wonderful trails.

I have more updates in the works. Need to get the pictures organized.

Thank you to all that stop by and read my online journal.  I have learned so much this past year on how to play with my blog,  been involved in some awesome swaps, gained additional sewing knowledge, and made and met wonderful new friends on the internet.  I would love for everyone to have a happy, healthy and wonderful 2012. 

Happy Quilting
Mary