Snowy is back with a bouquet of flowers!!!

What is Christmas without poinsettias?  I just had to create this block just to add these lovely Christmas flowers.  They remind me of my mother, she loved them. So I bring you the fifth block in this series: "Snowy Poinsettias".  There are no special directions for this block.  I will add the flower centers after the quilt is quilted.  I will either put in beads or do some embroidery.  We'll see.  Just click the picture and it will take you to the PDF.  Don't forget that you need to enlarge this pattern by 159%  to make it full size.

I will be flying from Arizona to Tennessee on Sunday.  Every year my son who lives in Memphis sends me tickets to fly to him.  We will be having Thanksgiving with his wife's family in the traditional southern way.  Very different from my family's mid-western traditions but very fun and tasty just the same.  

The last two times I've been there for Thanksgiving they have had smoked turkey.  Since my son is hosting this years gathering I think he will go back to his way.  Which is to deep fry the turkey.  If you've ever had this you know how great and juicy the turkey turns out.   Can't wait!!!!

I have finished all my swaps for this year!!!  Yeah!!!!!  The last one is supposed to be in the mail on November 30th but I won't be home until that night.  So I asked for a little leeway and it was granted.  I can either mail on this Friday or the Monday after I get back.  We'll see which is more convenient.  I still have to get my clothes in order.

This job of packing has taken a left turn.  My dryer no longer dries the clothes.  It spins but no heat or air flow.  Ugh!!!  I'll have to save my pennies.  In the meantime I have to wash here and take the wet clothes to the laundry mat.  I think I will purchase a retracting clothes line to see me through until I can purchase a new dryer or have this one fixed.  It's never been served and I've owned it since September of 1992.  It's had 3 moves from house to house since that purchase.

It's worked great up until this last week. Whine, whine.

Tomorrow I have an appointment with the seamstress that will make my formal dress for my friend Maria's son's wedding.  I will be a godmother, one of like 15.  This is a big Mexican wedding and they have godparents that contribute money to help support the costs.  My other half will be my friend Johnny's brother who is the groom's step-uncle.  To my surprise one of Maria's daughters has given me the birthday present of paying for this dress.  She always honors my birthday.  She says I'm her white aunt but then again Maria and Johnny tell every one I'm their white sister. 

If possible I will be posting from Memphis with a new block. I will have my netbook with me but I need to do some cooking for Thanksgiving.  My son has asked that I make our traditional onion bread.  He's asked every year but never tells me before I leave so I can have my recipes with me.  I will take pictures and share while there, I hope.  

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Marjory

Snowy Noel Blk 4 Snowy Lantern with Toy Car

Snowy is back!!!  This time with a old time lantern and a wooden toy car.  Don't you just love the old toys?  They have such great character.  By my standard's today's world is too square.  I much prefer curved edges like the cars used to be. For the free PDF file just click on the picture and poof you will be at the downloading page.  From there either print the pattern or save the file to your hard drive.  I usually save PDF files because paper can be lost and can clutter up the place.  If it's on my hard drive I can print it when I need it and then only the pages I need for the pattern.  Don't forget that the pattern needs to be increased by 159% to make it full size for this quilt.

This is block 4 out of 9.  There are two features worth noting.  First the glass on the lantern is a broken line.  I did it with a full line at first and it looked funny.  So I tried it this way and liked it better. I know it this picture the glass looks blue but it is periwinkle because it is a shadow.

The second feature is that the windows on the car are done with reverse applique so that the cat and lantern can be seen through them.   For those that ask, "What is reverse applique?".  Mostly it is when you turn under the background and sew it to the applique. ie: If you sew a circle onto the background that is regular applique. If you sew the background in a circle onto the circle fabric that is reverse applique.  In this case it is reverse applique because I didn't sew on a circle of fabric but chose to turn under the window and let the background show through. This makes the circle have inside curves which are easier to sew and much smoother than a circle sew with outside curves.  I much prefer to sew circles and hearts in this manner. I hope this explanation is clearer than mud.

On the home front I am trying to complete my last swap for the year.  It is for Santa Sack Swap being sponsored by  Cheryl at Gone Stitchin'.  She is such a sport because even though she is in Australia she includes us over here in the USA.  She does a great job of coordinating this swap.  The sign up's start in June and the swap lasts from July until December.  It is a direct swap in that two people send to each other in stead of the round robin style of swap.  During the 6 months of the swap you have to make or buy six gifts for your partner.  One of the items has to be made and has to be themed for Christmas.  You have to include a Christmas stocking or tote to hold all the items.  I'm down to my last 2 gifts and I know what I'll be making.

This afternoon I will be machine quilting on the tote I've made for my partner and completing another item.  Can't say more as my partner has my blog address and don't want to let the cat out of the bag.  I love surprises and I love to give surprises.  Best part of  Christmas. Well back to quilting.

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.
Marjory