The Christmas Rush.....

Merry Christmas!

 
Right. Last year I was knee deep in Christmas trees (and thoroughly sick of them too) a lot earlier. I vowed then and there that I would never send ornaments instead of Christmas cards again....ever! And if I did, I would start the new ornaments/christmas cards in July. But did I.....

NO!

Of course not. So now, I've just finished the latest bad idea! The little snow man....nice idea right? We were forced to send them out in batches, so that some people would actually receive our wishes before the long awaited day itself.

Lots of different ones too!

Thing is, we did not really think this through. Oh, we did think about the embellishments and the pattern for the hats and the bells for the nose. We just didn't think about the fact that they actually needed to fit in an envelope and be sent via the postservices.....

Ah, well. It will work! Probably!

Have a wonderful Christmas everybody and 

try not to get caught up in the rush!

Lots of love,

Heleen

Christmas market

You've heard me talk about my nieces and nephews before....This post is all about my second niece. A twelve year old tomboy. Very different from her older sister (my godchicken). She plays hockey with a vengeance and is very, very good at everything she does. She is also absolutely gorgeous. Always has been, bar the two weeks after she was born....but since that time, fabulous. Like a little angel. Now she has been introduced properly, without any bias....here is what I wanted to tell you.

Emma had her first year christmas market yesterday. Her school lets the first year students organise one of these markets for charity each year. Emma made a point of inviting me, made me feel all special and auntie-like. Of course I had to attend. Mainly to see this little Christmas elve preform a song she had written herself. And yes, she is that talented!

Christmas nails!

The market was very busy. Lots of people with that proud look in their eyes that says: See that one....that's mine! There were a lot of fun things to do. Check out my nails! Done for only € 0.75! Great value. I also bought some lottery tickets for just € 2 and won a HUGE box full of goodies. My night was definetely going well! And then.....she took to the stage! Strapped on her electric guitar and just went for it. She was absolutely brilliant! Truely!

Rock chick in the making!

Keep in mind that these pictures were taken by me....weepy eyes and all. Because that is what I do at these things. I cry my way through. With all of them. Ballet recitals, holy communions, baptismes, school plays....even hockey games. I see them in all their concentration and beauty of being and I cry. They are used to it though, so it usually just makes them smile.

The most special thing about it all. She is twelve. Usually the age that you cannot (REALLY CANNOT) embarass them in public by oooh, say hugging or any kind of touching. This night.....she allowed me to do both, lots of time....in public. My Christmas present! I loved it.

Lots of love and tissues to you all!
Heleen

Mystery Caroussel part 2

I've finished early! I've cut and pieced a lot. At least, it feels like a lot. This month's assingments:

16 blocks like these.

 \

All 16 together....

AND 136 pieces to cut from the background fabric

And then, there is the little mystery. I'm behind! I've finished part one, two of those lovely flowers!

For part two I need to start the border.

Lots of love,
Heleen

A birthday in the family

This time it was my nephew's turn. He is getting big! This picture of Mathijs was taken by his father, during the kids party. He was in awe of the owls. Isn't it a beautiful kid? The owl is handsome too, in a spooky way. There were five owls in attendance.....and not one of the visitors ran! I would have, probably!

Now, in true teenager style. His birthday wishes consisted of MONEY! So, as his auntie, I have to obey that wish....I did include something in my style. Not so bad-ass, though....

I wonder if he likes it, tough guy that he is.

Lots of love,
Heleen

A little bit of sunshine

This morning I opened the curtains and was greeted by darkness and rain. It staid grey and wet during the morning. And then, completely unexpected the sun came out! A wintry sort of sun of course but what a difference that little glimpse of sun made to me.

So now, I'm off. See if you can guess what I am going to do!

Hints: That is my quilting space, the newly arrived pattern for the second part of the mystery and a huge cup of tea!

Lots of love,
Heleen

Carrousel Mystery

November signals the start of a new mystery by Françoise Maarsse from the excellent quilt shop De Quilterij in Den Bosch. Having finished two mysteries already I know how this works. The pattern also includes a mini mystery each month. More fun!

Home sweet home

Fabricwonderland

Now, I was busy and could not start the assigned blocks immediately. That did not sit right with me. I wanted to get started. The fabric was almost jumping out of the box, couldn't wait to get sliced in to little pieces....and who am I to say no!

So, in the midst of everything going on here I was fondling fabric, taking my time to choose the right combination, marvelling in the colours and designs.....aaaahhh heaven! Eventually I managed to get the blocks for the big mystery done. That includes 8 x 18 triangles I had to cut...no idea why but no doubt I'll find out next year!

Block 1 - times 8

 Just in time, because on Thursday the new pattern will be in the mail and we start all over again!

All the little pieces.....

Lots of love,

Heleen

Gifts.....

Always nice to give something away right? Since I started with the stitchery madness, I find great excuses to stitch. Any reason will make me reach for my - stitched of course - bag full of supplies.....

A few examples:

Excuse 1: A great free pattern and a friend that deserves a thank you!

Excuse 2: A friends granddaughter in desperate need for a quilt (according to us of course). My mother wanted to finish it before her birthday. I quilted the outer border and took care of the binding and label, to help her finish in time. Reports that have reached us since, Sarah guards her quilt and takes it everywhere. Exactly what we wanted!

That was not all I did......not by any means: There was more stitching (no pictures....no time to take them!), the wedding quilt to finish, another friend needing a binding for a quilt, the first block (times 8, pics to follow soon) for the new Mystery (while piecing together the last mystery, haven't finished that yet) I was block head for the yearly Diabetes Fund collection (lots of phonecalls and counting money \0/). and most importantly loads of great ideas and tutorials on all the blogs I needed to read!

Now things are calming down a bit!

Lots of love,

Heleen