Secret Santa Goodies

I participated in a quilting Secret Santa exchange this year.  Here (gaurded by my Chistmas Beanie Babies) is what I received in the mail.  One toasty warm black and white winter scarf that I've been wearing since the day it came.  A second earth tone scarf, hand knit fingerless gloves, a gorgeous quilting calendar and a gift card to Joann's.  There WAS some Dove Chocolate, but that seems to have dissappeared! 

I went to Joann's today, intending to use the gift card.  When I got there they announced that they were closing in 20 minutes.  The entire store had been rearranged, so it took time to find what I needed.  By then they were making multiple closing announcements.  Arrrg!  I grabbed a few fat quarters, but never got to look at fabric at all.  This proved to be a distraction because I paid for my merchandise, got out to the car and realized I didn't used my gift card! 

Dang!  Now I'll HAVE to go back to the fabric store again.  :)

What's Wrong With This Picture? A Give Away

A few days back, I posted pictures of my Christmas decorations.  One of them was my full Nativity.  Today, Jan 31st, I discovered that my 23 y/o son had some fun with the Nativity on Christmas Eve.  Can you see what's wrong with this picture?  I cropped out my shepards to make it a little easier. 

The first person to identify BOTH things that are wrong with this picture will win the paisley origami bag below.  It'd make a great gift bag for Valentine's Day!

There might even be a little surprise inside.  You never know! :)

On My Design Wall Now

Got my machine back from the shop before Christmas.  Finally broke it out today.  Was all set to sew and found one critical piece - the foot holder - was missing!  I was forced to use the dual feed quarter inch foot for piecing.  At first I hated it, but quickly came to like it.  Not ONE of my seams shifted.  Ha!  Wish I'd tried it sooner!

Here are the results.  Isn't it amazing how one little nine patch can be dressed up with a few half square triangles?  I need more experience with HSTs, so this should be a good opportunity to practice.  I know this square has a name, but I sure don't know what it is.  I just know I like it!  :)

Happy Holidays and Happy 2013

December has been a busy month!  Amidst the Christmas preparations, along came the Blizzard of 2012.  19 inches of snow!  And a several inches since then.  Ten days later, I'm still shoveling the side lane and widening the end of my drive.  The deciduous trees fared alright but many of the evergreens suffered from the heavy, wet snow. 

I considered having these pines taken down last summer, wondering if they'd make it through the winter....now I know!  LOL  Despite missing work and spending many, many hours shoveling, it DID make for a picturesque white Christmas.  Speaking of which, I've been busy decorating the tree...

...the mantle...

...putting up the Nativity...

...and all manner of decorations!

I never consciously decided to collect Christmas Beanie Babies, but at some point I realized I had quite a few - and my little collection to keeps growing.  Probably cuz they're so darn cute!  The red Teeny Beanie is this year's addition.

Between the blizzard and Christmas, there's been NO sewing and very little blogging.  After New Year's Day, I hope to settle in for the winter and sew to my heart's content.  :)

Happy Holidays & Happy 2013!

Etsy - Here I Come!



One week ago, I launched a business on Etsy - the shopping website that allows you to,

 

"Buy unique handmade and vintage items directly from independent sellers around the world." 

The items pictured in this post are items I've sold so far.

To see my own little shop, go to: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChrissQuiltsnCrafts

Original name, I know - but that's what people know me as.

Its a little crazy to launch a business just 3 weeks before Christmas,

but I wanted to keep my 2012 New Year's resolution before the year was out. 

 

Besides, I broke all the others!  LOL

As I launch this business, I'm working full time; trying not to use vacation; preparing to sell my house; trying to decorate, bake, wrap, etc. and of course, keeping up with the usual chores and errands.   

Funny thing is - it all seems to be working.  I'll have a lot of homework to do in 2013 - fun stuff like international shipping, and sales taxes.  But so far I'm truly enjoying my contact with customers.  Some have shared who they'll be giving my item to, and asking if I'll put a card in the package for their loved one.  That feels good!

I've you've dabbled with Etsy, please share your story.  How did it work out for you?  What did you learn along the way?  I'd love to hear from you. 

Thanks and Happy Holidays!   

Chris :)

Look Who's Here!

Elmer and Ellie Elephant arrived!

Sure hope it doesn't take me another 28 years to find the two remaining pairs.  :)

APB for Lynn's Kin 1983 Ornaments

In 1984 I bought these 1983 ornaments for half price.  The shopkeeper told me Midwest Imports no longer made them.  Thus began a 28-year quest to find the three missing pairs:

I found this pair on E-Bay, marketed as Babar the Elephant Ornaments.  So rewarding after 28 years of searching!  They should arrive any time now.

I'm still looking or Percy and Pearl Pig, and...

...Mayor Melvin and Millie Mouse.

I've Googled them several times a year for many years, looked at flea markets and garage sales, and searched through thousands of ornaments on both E-bay and Etsy. 

If you've seen any of the missing ornaments, puh-leeeease let me know?  Thanks!  :)