A tisket, a tasket, a pretty little basket....

It starts with an idea. A small fabric token to recognize the hardwork of our guild volunteers at the 32nd annual quilt show. I call them 'thread baskets' and have started the daunting task of creating 200 baskets.

Thread baskets start with a length of clothesline cord, a neverending supply of fabric, a glue stick, a clothespin and, of course, my sewing machine. It helps if the coffee pot is on and the television is playing in the background.

New projects underway --- posting pictures tonight of the baskets I am 'throwing' and the book bags I have in the works. Check back!

Baby Medley's Quilt

Beth and Bill chose a zoo theme for their nursey. The quilt top is finished and ready for the quilting to begin.

Santa's Elves work at Jiffy Lube

The stressors of the season (including upcoming holiday travel) were elevated today when I thought my front passenger tire was low. So over my lunch hour I drove to the Jiffy Lube on 84th and F in Omaha where I was greeted with a smile from the Jiffy Lube guy who listened patiently as I explained I just needed my tire pressure checked.

These guys will not be getting lumps of coal in their stockings this year! Not only did they check the tire that I thought was low, they checked the other front tire, too. Then noticing my windshield was covered with road grime, added washer fluid and washed my windshield. One of the techs remembered my last stop at the Store not too long ago and asked about my son who just returned from Afghanistan.

Thanks guys for the extra TLC!

Enough is never enough!

Last evening I finished the 15th book pocket. After a delightful phone visit with my sister, Margaret, I learn that it is ok to go only to 24 since the 25th of December is Christmas and the count down is over. Armed with that information, I was revived up and ready to go.

After finishing the pocket, I pulled the remaining books close to see which one would go best with fabric from my stash. The possibilities were endless and before I know it - its 12:30 a.m. and I am no where near ready for bed.

Today, over my lunch, I went clothesline shopping. The Country Sampler was just what my tired body needed. Sadly, they didn't have but one bundle of clothesline but I made up for it in the fabric selections.

This evening, when I SHOULD be cleaning before the weekend starts, I plan on sewing, sewing and sewing some more! As soon as I figure out my new digital camera, I will post pictures of the book pockets that are finished and what the process looks like.

Count down until December 1st ~ 17 days - pockets remaining ~ 9.

Stitch yourself something comfy - winter is coming!

I Love Lucy!

Meet my beautiful granddaughter, Lucy! It is her first Christmas coming up and I am carrying on a tradition started 14 years ago by my sister, Pat, when she became a grandmother for the first time and then repeated 7 years ago when my sister, Margaret, became a first-time grandmother.

The tradition couples the anticipation of Christmas with the love of reading. I am working on my 25 Christmas story books for Lucy and have 14 finished. On the first day in December, Lucy will have 25 story books in her own little book chest. The plan is for the child to open the chest, select a book to be read to her and with that have a fun way to count down the days until Christmas.

The pockets of fabric make the book a surprise although some of the pockets give the clue. I look forward to sharing pictures with you as I work on finishing the project. My countdown begins with the 11 remainging book pockets and the chest.

Piece be with you!

Inspiration!

Last night's meeting of the Omaha Quilters Guild has definitely got my imagination rolling. I am anxious to get home tonight and sew something.

Block update - I could have used any color combination of light/darks on my block exchange. I'm learning the rules as I go. I didn't 'win' the block exchange set but did pick up next time's block (February and its a pretty little heart). (Kathy, are you ready?)

Check back later this week for an overview and pictures of the great project I am working on for my first grandchild's first Christmas and, of course, I am starting a set for my second grandchild coming in April of 2010. Its a tradition that you will love and I hope you will consider making your child a set, too.

Pieces of me, counting the hours until I can be setting in front of my sewing machine rather than my computer. Happy piecing!