Tis the Season

Chookyblue mentioned this delightful book on her blog recently. The Stitch a long girls are going to do the quilt in this little book next year after we have finished the Gardener's Journal quilt. I mentioned it to the ladies at Hobbysew and we have copies at the shop if anyone is in Canberra and "needs" one. It is a lovely little book by Natalie Bird.

Here is a picture of the other projects in the book.

The stitcheries make lovely cushions. Traced one this morning in case I had time to stitch it before Christmas.

I was also lucky enough to win a lovely pattern by Helen of Hugs and Kisses. She had a very generous giveaway last week and gave away a pattern every day and I won the first one. Here it is. Lucky me and thank you, Helen.

Here is another favourite decoration. It is a design by Vivien Robinson.

Christmas party

We had a delicious lunch last Thursday for our Wednesday social stitching ladies. Here we are enjoying each other's company and the lovely view from the verandah.

Paddy and Donna enjoying the meal.

Jan was "Santa" this year and was ready with her bag and tinsel to hand out the Secret Santa gifts.

Donna is showing off her gift and loving wearing the spare halo!

This cute little Santa was on the tree at the restaurant. He might be fun to make in felt.

Decorations...

Just a quick post before I head off to bed. We have had a frustrating day today as the power went a little crazy in this house and something (still unknown) was tripping the safety switch and turning everything off including this computer! Couldn't turn the machine on or the iron in case they were the culprits. It seems OK now and we will investigate further tomorrow.
Here is one of my favourite tree decorations given to me by Audrey a few years ago.

I do love Christmas plates and collect a few each year. I also love to give them as gifts as they are so nice to use. Here they are on show on the dresser.

Show and Tell

Thursday was very busy but it was fun to catch up with friends and celebrate Christmas. Having lunch and dinner out is not a good idea though as it is far too much food! The Wednesday stitching girls had a lovely lunch at the Homestead Cafe on Gooromon Ponds Rd. I did take some photos but haven't downloaded them but will share some soon if they are OK.
We had Secret Santa and I made this little stitchery into a little cushion for my gift.

On Wednesday, it was lovely to see what the ladies were stitching. Paddy is making this fabulous pot mat with folded fabric like Cathedral windows (I think). Gorgeous fabrics.

 Yvonne had finished stitching this fantastic cross stitch of Australian waratahs.

 In the afternoon, Sue (not sure I have her name correct) brought in this wonderful quilt she is making for her first grandchild's parents. It is using the lovely stitcheries by Natalie Bird of The Birdhouse. I love her choice of fabrics too.

Christmas parties and a new tree

Today is another busy "party" day with both morning tea, lunch and dinner out! It is a shame everything is on the same day. Thought I had best blog first though before heading out. Went to a lovely dinner out last Saturday with some stitching friends (after battling horrific rain, instant rivers over roads and road closures to get there!). The photos weren't too good as it was dark but here is the lovely Royal Doulton decoration I received from Secret Santa (Thanks Maree).

This lovely Santa was one of the other gifts.

I also had a delightful evening celebrating Christmas with my Book Club ladies. Kate is such a lovely hostess and always makes the tastiest pudding and here it is! It was delicious.

Here are some more decorations.

I also wandered into the mall yesterday heading to get some lunch and Bed, Bath and Table had their decorations on sale and I just HAD to have this metal tree and a few other bits and pieces!

Lovely wire tree

I was so excited to put this wire tree up this year. I had seen them on a few blogs and kept my eye out for one and there it was on sale last January!!! I was so thrilled and it was half price. it is actually a card holder but it does look good with some favourite decorations hanging on it. I have hung some cross stitch ornaments, some Nancy Halverson little hangings, my little blue felt bird from the stitching day and a tin Santa, some of Marg Low's decorations using Theodora Cleave buttons and a few others. It was fun decorate.

Yesterday's class was lovely and I really enjoyed spending the day with the 4 ladies. We had yummy morning tea and lunch, thanks Cathy, and spent the day stitching and chatting. 

Decorations

This is another of my favourite Nancy Halverson patterns. I love this quilt and enjoy having it in the entry.

Here is my collection of Christmas trees.

I am off to Hobbysew today to teach my Christmas day at the shop. I am looking forward to sharing some patterns with the ladies and enjoying lunch and morning tea together. I even made some shortbread for us to share.