Miss Rosie's Tuffets

I had been debating whether to make the Tuffets this month.  I am working on a number of things and don't care for pin cushions.  The biggest plus in the positive column for making the Tuffets was that I thought I could sew a hanger and a tassel on them and call them Christmas Tree Ornaments.  They would make wonderful presents for my tutors.

Well, my quandray was solved with a "snow day" and my work closing for the day.  So with an extra 10 hours today (work time, lunch, and travel time) I figure I can make a few tuffet Christmas Tree Ornaments as presents. LOL  Hmmm...where is that pattern?

Playing with rust

Deborah's piece at While I was Waiting reminds me of a piece I made last year.  All the fabric started out the same.  I wrapped some of the fabric around a rusty tin can and let it soak in vinegar for a while.  I fell in the love with the results and could barely stand to cut it.  Here is the very simple de-constructed quilt wall hanging I made with it.  I stiffened the fabric in the back so that it would lay relatively flat on the wall without support. You can see the three blocks of fabric in the piece that were not exposed to the rusting process.  Embroidery floss make the simple cross-stitches that serve as quilting.

Guest Pass

Over the weekend I got my membership card from the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell MA.  It came with a guest pass.  Anyone in the New England area want to visit the Museum?  I will mail you the guest pass.  Just let me know by Friday, December 11, why you would like it.

(Warning: the rest of this email is publicity for the New England Quilt Museum)

I live a couple of hours away from the Musuem but their classes and exhibits have been good enough to justify the drive to the museum.  Currently they have an exhibit of 40 contemporary quilt masters from around the world. The quilts are spectacular!  I even like the neighborhood the museum is in--full of cobblestone streets, art galleries, art supply stores, and restaurants!  (I can tell you which ones we have tried.) 

I keep trying to talk my husband into making a weekend out of our day trips--you know, an hour or so at the museum, a meal at a small local restaurant, a night at a local theatre (lots to choose from), and a stay in a luxury hotel.  So far he is not showing sufficient interest (well, at least not POSITIVE interest).  Perhaps it will be my Christmas Present to him.  LOL

Christmas presents for family almost done!

Here is the front and back of the Cars quilt.  Not an artistic masterpiece but the litte boy will appreciate the Disney's Car fabric better than the G-Bend influenced style that I adore.  Later today the front and back will become more intimate with only a thin batting between.  After their indiscretion, they will be get bound together.

I have aslo finished the Pocket Doll.  Here is the 1) outside of the pocket,

2) the inside of the pocket showing the dresser (three pockets stacked to look like dresser drawers with buttons as drawer pulls), the closet (a ribbon with three buttons and 3 little hangers made from copper wire) and the bed with its own quilt,

3) and lastly Dolly in her nightgown in her bed. Nighty, nighty Dolly!

Now to find a mailing box.

Working on Christmas

I know that there is plenty of time for my Christmas Spirit to go south but right now I am feeling pretty good!  I think the most exciting part of the holiday is Giving.  This year the extended family is gathering around a member of the family who is having a difficult Christmas.  Family, isn't that what it is all about?

My sister became aware of the family's situation, asked permission of the anonymous family member to swing into action for the sake of the children involved, and was given permission.  So, the whole family from Oklahoma, Florida, Maine, Ohio, and Indiana are all chipping in to help Santa.  We might guess who the family member is but no one is mentioning names.

I volunteered to make another pocket doll for the little girl in the family. This will be my 4th.  I have all the little clothes made, the pocket with her closet and bed almost finished, and the doll herself yet to be started.  I'll post pictures when it is finished.  

For the little boy I am making a small quilt.  It won't be fancy--no time--besides I am sure he would rather have a fancy print than an intricately pieced design.  I went through my stash and found some panels from the Disney Movie, Cars.  Perfect for a little boy!  Even better, when I was shopping over the weekend I found a coordinating print for the back on sale.  Was this quilt meant to be or what?!  With a lot of luck, I will finish it this weekend.  I'll post pictures.

Ho Ho Ho!  I hope you are feeling as good about your Christmas!