All Is Revealed - Including A Winner...

I can finally reveal who I spent a little quality time with over the past few weeks. The beautiful blonde locks belong to my friend, Rett of The Gazebo House.

Sandy of Vintage Sandy guessed her identity from the photo I posted of the back of her head, and I'm sending a little gift off to her for being right. Congratulations, Sandy.

Rett and I met face-to-face the first time at Panera's not far from my home. She brought along the gorgeous table runner she had finished, with a wonderful heart design incorporated into the piecing. When she was finished, she added embroidered applique' daisies. Isn't it stunning?
Rett is also friends with a mutual pal, Carol of Serendipity. Carol lives in Sarasota each winter, and I've known her for a couple of years. We couldn't wait to get all three of us together - and we did that more than once. We really had a ball chatting about quilts and sewing and blogging! (Photo creatively cropped by Rett! lol)

Rett gave each of us a pattern for a batik quilt, and we all agreed to make our own version of it. I know Carol is already nearly finished with hers! Rett will start hers soon, as will I, and then we'll share the finished pieces with our readers. We've also got a little party cooked up, but I'll tell you about that later.

It was wonderful meeting Rett in person and being able to share a few laughs. She really is delightful, and if you haven't visited her or Carol's blog (each title above is a link), please do so. You'll be glad you did. We all agreed that it's probably a good thing that we don't live in close proximity year-round. We would be a force for good - and mischief! I can hardly wait until next year, when we can do it again!Time to announce the winner of my giveaway drawing!

Congratulations to
Patty
of
Shoofly Quilts and Other Musings

Patty, please email your address to me so that I can send your package of goodies to you!

Thank you to everyone who entered the drawing. I wish I could have sent something to each of you. Please know that you are all a gift to me, and I appreciate you every day. I promise another drawing very soon! (March 15th will be my SECOND Blog Birthday!)

Leftovers and Football - And A Project...

I didn't sew as many pieces this year as I did last year, but my Christmas gifts were a bit more involved in 2010. I thought I'd create a mosaic to show you everything that was sewn and sent off to very special people this year.

I've already got feedback. Let's see...Granddaughter #1 said, "She always send the neatest pajamas!". Grandson said, "The pajamas fit perfectly, Grandma, and I love my new quilt." Daughter-in-love #2 said, "The little chenille coat is just wonderful. We love it!"

I made a deal with Shell from The Raspberry Rabbits this year. In 2011, we're going to start nagging each other in June or July to start working on our Christmas projects. I'm going to hold her to it. I'm already working on the ideas for next year!
Sunday was a day of playing with my iPad, munching on leftovers and watching football games. I did manage to sew a project, too. I made a case for my iPad, of course! I thought up my own design as I went.

I cut fabric, allowing for an extra 1.5" all around, and then backed it with two layers of batting. I then quilted the front piece and the back piece. I also quilted a flap in the same manner.
I added my label to the bottom of the front piece. After I'd sewn the front and back together I cut a lining from a soft flannel fabric. I joined them and top-stitched the seam at the top of the case and then I add the flap. The case closes with velcro, which was the last element I added to the case. My iPad fits perfectly and will be nice and safe when tucked inside.
I needed an accessory case for the usb power connector and camera adapters, so I set about to sewing one together in the same fabrics - also, without a pattern. I decided on a folded style.
There is a flap on top to keep the accessories from falling out of the case. I also added ties to secure the folded case.
When the flap is lifted, it reveals a row of pockets (one with a gusset for extra room). Everything fit so I'm happy with the results. Back to playing with my new toy!