Thursday 23 December 2021

Christmas This Year, Nana Time, Jewel Box Quilt


I heard from talented Robin at I Like To Create that she had stitched the quilt I showed Santa stitching in the last post.  Robin and her husband do the jigsaw puzzle each year and it was her inspiration for the quilt.  She also called the pattern Rising Sun. Thanks Robin for letting us know and allowing me to share your pretty quilt.
In my sewing room, the Jewel Box blocks continue to grow. This is an easy block to stitch once I'd figured out templates for the parts. I do seem to get good use from those Marti Michell templates I purchased to stitch the Farmer's Wife quilt all those years ago. 
Trying to keep preciseness with the cutting is a challenge; my mind tends to wander during that part. This is the layout so far and I need one more strip for the right side there and then I'll say this is large enough. 

Schools here shut down a few days early and I've had the pleasure of Robbie being with me this week. Being a grandmother is a definite plus of aging. We spend time outdoors of course. 
Which Ned loves as well.
Besides testing ice strength all over the property, we spent some drawing time indoors which is one of his favourite activities.
He also shoveled the snow off the veranda which he told me was his one act of kindness that day. He said he's doing one act of kindness every day. One day he brought chocolates to the lady next door and I asked what did she think of that, he said "her reaction was overwhelming...she absolutely loved it."


This happened to me once...went right from school (where I was teaching) to a party and there was a tray with broccoli and the most delicious dip. I was starved and ate too much. By the time dinner was served- let's just say I'd taken the edge off my appetite. Ever happen to you???



It is white for Christmas here and Lady Google has been playing Christmas music. We will visit younger daughter for Christmas Eve but forgo the get together on the Day when all the family meets up. Older daughter who is a health care worker has to work on Christmas Day, which so often happens for her. 
 I sincerely hope this is the variant to end all variants. 



25 comments :

Deb A said...

What a glorious photo of the sun on your driveway! Glad you got some Robbie time to 'test the ice thickness'. A very important job for sure. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

your grandson sounds like such a delight! his acts of kindness is so nice - I bet the neighbor was happy. I had a new neighbor (not so new actually) stop by with some mini cupcakes decorated for Xmas last week - put me to shame as with covid I haven't bothered to welcome her to the neighborhood - being in the country it is not like this is really close reach across the fence kind of neighbor - but now I think I should have reached out. I have a hard time doing that though as introvert as I am.
I love the quilts that you are working the design wall is pretty

Michele McLaughlin said...

Your grandson makes my heart sing with his kindness!!! Wishing you a safe and happy holiday Jocelyn! Sending you many hugs!

Nancy J said...

I think grandparenthood is the very best part of getting older, or in my case, of having reached this age. We have our grandson here, or rather he stayed last night, on his way north, and he'll stay a night as well on the way back south. No snow, just a heat wave, your blocks are so lovely, and I do hope you have a truly Joyous Christmas amid the Covid Chaos. Neddy, Season's Greetings to you too.

grammajudyb said...

Your Jewel Box blocks are looking good! Very Christmas-y from my perspective. Fun to know the facts about the quilt in your Santa Stitching photo. And to see Robin's lovely quilt. What fun to have some time with your grandson. Boys and snow and dogs and snow! Nothing better!

Sherrie said...

Hi Jocelyn,
The Rising Sun quilt is gorgeous...love the red pieces. I really like your mantle and fire place...looks so comfy. Your Jew Box quilt is looking awesome...it will be beautiful when finished. Enjoy your time with your grandson...they seem to grow up fast and I seem to be getting older!! Your Snack saying is so true. While I'm cooking I always take bites to make sure it tastes right...by the time it's all done I'm not real hungry! Have a safe and happy holiday!

Brian's Home Blog said...

Your mantel is so beautiful and Robin's quilt sure is pretty. That was really nice of Robbie to take a gift to the neighbor lady too. Have a most wonderful Christmas and Thanks for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!

Sandee said...

I love your wood burning stove. So inviting.

You're most talented. That quilt is most beautiful.

Schools out and the kids are having fun.

Have a fabulous Thankful Thursday. ♥

Jenny said...

Those of us who live in the Southern Hemisphere dream of experiencing a White Christmas once in our lives. Guess we will have to put up with sunshine and warm weather again. What a nice young lad your grandson is, I love his one act of kindness every day thoughtfulness.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

The Santa quilt that your friend made is just beautiful! Love your jewel box blocks, too. Robbie sounds like a very special young man! Who would ever have thought we would be curtailing our activities with friends and family yet another year later, but here we are... Merry Christmas, Jocelyn!

PaintedThread said...

I love that our found a real version of the quilt. I like your current quilt. Pretty sunrise. Oh, it is so hard to pace myself at a feast! I'll see how I do tomorrow at my parents. :-)

Merry Christmas!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Grandson time has to be the best. How I miss seeing ours! I try to keep in contact by writing letters to them and sending them little surprises in the mail. Resident Chef sends off tins of cookies every once in awhile. Not the same as seeing them in person though.
How fun to see the Santa quilt completed, but the best photo of all is the first one. It embodies a peaceful Christmas scene.
Happy Christmas wishes to you and yours Jocelyn!

piecefulwendy said...

Merry Christmas to you! I'm glad you get to see some of your family over Christmas, and the time with your grandson looks like it was delightful (and busy). That meme made me chuckle, having done that, too!

sandi s said...

I love your Rising Sun quilt! It’s beautiful. Can you tell me the size of your blocks and what pattern you used! I have my 5 year old grandson with me today too. I showed him the picture of your grandson in the snow. He told me oh, why doesn’t in snow in Alabama? I just smiled and told him we’re to far south. Merry Christmas. Hugs,

Rosemary Dickinson said...

I love your Jewel Box quilt. That pattern is a favorite of mine. The Rising Sun quilt is beautiful too! You have such a nice grandson! Enjoy the holiday!

Snickelfritz said...

Merry Christmas! I look forward to your blog and you never disappoint. We won't have snow for Christmas this year. It's supposed to be in the sixties!

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

Sweet post~. Where is that Ned now that he doesn’t have a tree to tear down! LOL. Have a blessed day and Merry Christmas! Hugs

Rebecca in AK said...

Merry Christmas! Your fireplace looks so inviting. So fun to spend time with your grandson. Warmed my heart to hear of his acts of kindness. Your jewel box blocks are coming along nicely, are you hand piecing them?

Ivani said...

Merry Christmas Jocelyn!
It looks like your grandson had a lot of fun. What a special boy he is.
Jewel box blocks are looking great.
Stay warm & safe. Happy Holidays!

Sandra Walker said...

Jewel Box is a quilt I've long wanted to make. Yours is looking wonderful. Think I have those MM templates too! Time with a grandson is just the best - they are so very precious aren't they? Enjoying the pretty snow (not the frigid temperatures) here. None back home.

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

What fun to play outside !!! Your jewel box looks so great!

Melanie said...

Sounds like a fun time! So fun you found someone with the quilt from the picture. Good luck with your own project and Merry Christmas. xo Melanie

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Lovely quilts and projects! Great time with your grandson too :)
Thank you for sharing love, and linking up!

K Reeves said...

Jocelyn, What a lovely lead up to Christmas! I know you enjoyed your time with family, especially your grandson! Wishing you the very best in 2022.

Linda said...

Robbie is a treasure! I love the way the Jewel Box blocks look together. Lol on too many snacks - yes that has happened to me. In fact it happened on Christmas Eve when I was starving and ate too many chips and dips and sausage balls. But I forced myself to eat more - lol!