Hello Friends! There are just a few days remaining before Christmas, so I decided I had better touch base with you all before logging off for the holidays.
The build up to Christmas has been a little different this year, to say the least. The arrival of our youngest daughter and her family has derailed my regular routine like a whirlwind and now I spend my days soaking up baby cuddles, cooking much larger meals and spending less time in the studio.
However, I’m not saying this as a complaint because I know how blessed we are to have had the opportunity to get to know my new granddaughter amid all this pandemic madness. While Christmas will be different for all of us I say “thank you” a million times for modern technology and the ability to have Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc. at our disposal to stay together and keep in touch with extended family and those friends we aren’t able to see this year. This means carols sung on Zoom calls and socially distanced drive-way visits for those not too far away.
My holiday wish for everyone is that we next year we can share the season with family and friends once again.
As it happens just about every year around this time, I am in such a rut with cooking! Not to mention with our “bubbling” and trying to be vigilant about COVID, we have only treated ourselves to the odd take-away from our local restaurants. I long for a wonderful meal out and an excuse to wear something a bit fancy dinner. I had mentioned that to Lauren and as a surprise, her and Anthony made a three course meal for Hubby and I. It was absolutely wonderful! For our first course, they made a pea purée served with fresh seasoned mozzarella and sweet baby greens.
As a main course we had herb crusted rack of lamb with an eggplant something-or-other. Then there was dessert! They made a “deconstructed s’more”. Yummmm! Deconstructed anything in my world only happens to quilts and quilt blocks in my brain so this was a new food adventure for us.
With so many workshops and quilting events cancelled I have abundance of spare time on my hands on the sewing front, sort of… I have taken in a few more quilts to long-arm then usual and of course there is my Quilt Along!
For those of you taking part in my Quilt Along and feeling stressed with the amount of sewing, know that I have not finished piecing together my star blocks and have only one chain block made so far. Eeek!
Remember that it is about the learning and enjoying the process. However, it looks like there is going to have to be some serious machine time after the holidays to be ready for the border instructions. Future Carla will deal with that…
I did receive a picture of River Rocks completed by one of my students, Lorraine Cwethko. I love it in the blues as it feels softer somehow. Great job Lorraine.
Hot off the press is the launch of my Fabric Placement Notepads! They are perfect for helping you plan your next project or keep track of fabric already in hand. Each Fabric Placement Notepad contains 20 sheets and they are ideally sized (5 1/2” x 8 1/2”) to fit in your pattern sleeve or carry on the go. I love the graphics on these Notepads. There are five different styles to choose from with designs inspired by the seasons. They include sections for you to record your personal fabric selections and measurement details specific to your project. The headings in the layout act as a checklist for key information and there is even a space to attach a fabric swatch to help you stay organized.
If you fancy having a quick look or keen on ordering some online check out The Store on my website. I am offering an introductory special of $12.00 for each Notepad from now until January 1st. Due to the holidays, shipping will be held off until January 4th.
Special thanks goes out to my very talented graphic designer, Chantal Abdel-Nour, for her amazing work on developing these. Chantal is also responsible for the amazing line drawings of the steps in my patterns.
Well my friends that’s about it for me in 2020. Thanks for dropping by. I’m already planning those cold snowy days of January once the house is empty again. I have so many ideas swirling around in my brain. I just may be convinced to tackle another Quilt Along - AHHHH! I’ve learned so much with the first one and have just about mastered my camera skills.
Until next year, all the very best for this holiday season. From my house to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.