We Start the New Year Out With Grace

To begin 2010, the quilters met at the home of Grace Whitis, and everyone brought something to work on individually.

We enjoyed some delicious breakfast snacks, and caught up with all the news.



Several quilters brought something for "Sew and Share."

First, there was a darling Crayon caddy, which could be expanded for more Crayons or even larger for Hot Wheels cars.

Next Grace shared a "Ten Minute Table Runner."  What a cute project!

 And she brought an example in fall colors, too!

Sue brought her Mimi tote bag, which she had received as a Christmas gift.  So cute!

Sue also brought a baby girl quilt she is working on.  It actually is a modified Log Cabin pattern.

And she also brought a beautiful brown triangle quilt.  We are always so inspired by all the quilts that Sue brings.

Margaret also did a quilt for a baby girl - a butterfly quilt.  Beautiful!

Sara shared her new project - crazy quilt squares made out of ties. 

This is going to be a gorgeous project.

Carole brought her latest completed cross stitch project.

Her work is so beautiful!  How does she do it?

Carole also made an apron!  A sewing project!!

Grace has completed her Falling Leaves Friendship Quilt top.  It is absolutely wonderful!  She has put a black frame around each square with a light sashing and a red border.  It really set off the squares. 

Karen's new project is her new Bernina sewing machine.  Wow!  We are all so jealous!  Can't wait to see what new projects she whips out with this new wonder machine!

Everyone got to work on their projects for a while.

Then it was time for lunch.  What a great day.  Thank you, Grace, for having us in your home.

When we meet in February, bring ideas for sewing and service projects for the rest of the year.  We will discuss those ideas then.

NOTE:  We also decided to bring our Falling Leaves Friendship Quilts to our May meeting for our "Sew and Share" (at least the quilt top).  Hmmmm...I better get busy!!

The Quilters' Christmas Celebration

Everyone has Christmas traditions that come to mind as the season gets closer.  Bell County Quilters have a tradition of their own:  our very own Christmas celebration at Melva's house. Everything is so festive and beautiful, and the food - Melva's gift to each of us - is always a gourmet meal.  I think everyone would agree that this year was no exception. 

The tree was gorgeous, as were the decorations,

especially those Christmas wedding ring quilts on the tables.  (Yes, that's right - quilts with an "s"). Melva just whipped up two of those. 

 They are, of course, different from the quilts on the dinner table that we break bread on!  Beautiful also. 

We can't get together without doing our "Sew and Share" and there were some beautiful projects on this special day.

Sara shared her latest Christmas tree - this one made with watches.  Absolutely gorgeous!

It is titled "Christmas Time."  How appropriate!

She also made a wall hanging for her mother's ninety-third birthday.  What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful lady.

Sara used the book Grandma's Attic for inspiration to create this special gift.

Everyone wanted a closer look at both projects.

Karen shared a gorgeous Christmas tree skirt she had made.

And, in the off season...

it becomes....

...a cape?!

As a part of our tradition, we do a "white elepant" exchange of Christmas ornaments which go home with each of us to be a recurring reminder of our wonderful quilting friends.  This year was no different from others, as ornaments were opened, hidden, and sometimes stolen by someone else ..... all in the spirit of Christmas, of course.

But, as always, everyone went home with a beautiful, unique ornament to add to her own tree as a reminder of great times with good friends.

Another highlight:  Christmas socks!  Some people get so involved that they wear two different socks just to show up the rest of us... can't tell you who it is. You'll just have to recognize the toes:

Then there was the luncheon.  This year was more outstanding than ever.  A choice of two entrees.  Both were delicious! (I admit it, I snuck a taste of both!  Shhh!)

What a wonderul tradition we have created within our group.One of the greatest gifts we share each year, all year, is the friendship and the fellowship with each and every person in this special group!

Quida,

Margaret



Sue

Grace,

Carole,

Karen,

Grace,

Melva,

Sara,

and Susan,

Best Christmas Wishes to you and your families as well as to those of our friends who could not be with us to celebrate that day!