Swaps

In my 2013 Year End Sewing post, I told you about my "Winter's Key" mini quilt that I made for my secret partner Xandi.  I neglected to tell you about the amazing mini quilt I received in that swap from Nicole of Fist Full of Fabirc.  Although it was meant to be a holiday quilt, I love the colors and have it hanging in my sewing space.

Next up was our CJMQG secret holiday swap, held in January.  My secret partner was Lori S. and she loves periwinkle.  I made her this oven mitt using this tutorial.  

I also made her a small fabric basket using this tutorial.  I also included some flavored coffees, chocolate and a few other treats, as well. 

Guild member Andrea made me these cute mini quilts, which I now have hanging in my sewing space.  

I love the way she created the labels to be part of the theme of each quilt. Sew creative!

Sign up on the right of this post, to get automated emails of my posts.  Please also leave comments below.

Thanks for stopping by. 

TTFN!

Christina

Quilt of Valor

In 2013, someone forwarded me information about the Quilts of Valor Foundation and all that they do.  They provide quilts to service members touched by war.  When I saw this, I was hooked.  I have made numerous blocks and submitted to online quilts across the country who have requested them, but I hadn't made one myself.  

Well now I can say I did.  This is for a friend's husband, Major in USMC, who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  It was presented last week, but he did not want his photo taken.  

I took this photo before it was presented.

The fabric was in my stash left over from previous quilts.  The pattern I had put to graph paper and was looking for someone special to make it for.  It was quilted by the talented, Melissa Kelley of Sew Shabby Quilting.  Plus...I sewed the binding on with my new machine.

He sent me this note of thanks:

A Heartfelt Thanks

I wanted to write and thank you for the beautiful blanket you made! I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy life to offer that kind of rememberance to not only me, but to ALL the men and women that put on a uniform and protect this great country of ours!  Its people like you that make doing the job that they do just a little bit easier once we are home.  I will proudly display this blanket in our home and make sure that everyone that walks in knows that there is people out there like you that care!

Again thank you VERY MUCH!

This quilt is just a small token of thanks for all that he did and sacrificed for our great country.

If you'd like to learn more about Quilts of Valor, please go to their website and check it out.

Thanks for stopping by.  Please stop back again.

TTFN! 

Christina

Valentine's Surprise

My machine has been out of commission for almost three weeks.  Every time I plan a trip to the repair shop, we get another snow storm.   Ugh!  

I have been keeping busy with hand binding, project fabric pulls and charm pack arranging on the design wall; but, I had so many planned projects and I am getting behind. EEK!

I have been telling friends that I have been going through "withdrawl" not being able to (machine) sew.   I guess I've been a bit crabby, too. 

So....   
In the midst of Winter Storm Nika, I received a tracking email that a shipment was on it's way; but I hadn't ordered anything.  Shortly after the email, I received a phone call.  Apparently, my valentine decided to remedy my 'unhappy' state with an early Valentine's gift.  During the call he jokingly said, "It would have been a lot easier (and cheaper) if you were a flowers and chocolate kinda girl."  Hahaha! (Still laughing about this statement.)  I think that cut flowers are a waste because they die so quickly, and I'm really not that into chocolate.  He knows me so well! 

To say I was surprised is an understatement!  I am still in awe that he knew what to get because it's not like you can go into a store and discuss it with a sales person.   PLUS, because he's traveling, I knew we wouldn't see each other until well after Valentine's Day.  Honestly, I got him a card and thought I'd make us dinner when he gets back.   I wasn't really expecting to exchanges gifts, let alone receive something this BIG.  WOW!  I guess I need to rethink my plan.  LOL!

THIS arrived yesterday! 

Juki TL-2010Q

Receiving THIS, on top of receiving my valentine's gift a whole week early, made for one VERY happy, and lucky, girl!  I stayed up last night while watching the opening ceremonies to set it up to get ready for some selfish sewing today.  YEAH!

A special THANK YOU to my dear Valentine for this amazing gift!!  

I am now off to create!  Stop back to see what fun things I make with this machine.

TTFN!

Christina