Christmas Quilting, Baking and Colours

I've made the list and in my case, I've had to check it not twice but three times. I've been wrapping and making note of what's for who, etc. I'm trying not to do what Mom always did and that was to find presents tucked away in a drawer somewhere the next July. Does that happen to you?

I worked really hard to get this Peppermint Trees quilt top to this stage with all the trees appliqued and outlined in blanket stitch. The trunks are not stitched down yet. I had to take it outside to photograph; it's too dark these days inside. So here it is on the front veranda in the snowy light.  HERE is the link to Helen's Etsy shop and the pdf download of her pattern if you'd like to check it out.

The little garden girl on a swing was a gift to me from Robbie. 

I've made it longer to suit a spot over the long stairwell. And my plan is to sandwich this and ready it for quilting as soon as I can. In the original design, Helen used straight lines around the trees in each block which looked great and is so doable for me so I will try to do the same. 

And I've also been hand stitching more quilting lines on Christmas Presents too. Some of these fabrics are so pretty and have splash of gold too. 

I'm halfway down the quilt, rolling it as I go which is not ideal but semi working for me. I do love the hand quilting part but the wraggling of something this size is difficult.  This experience is making me wonder if you should look into getting a quilting frame. 

I'm using DMC perle 8 in a variagated mint green to stitch the quilting lines.

 

I've been enjoying a Youtube channel called Rowsells Everyday Off Grid in NL. I especially love Diane's baking videos. In this one below, she made two favourite cookies/squares/slice -whatever you call them in your part of the world. I like her enthusiastic and down to earth attitude. I wonder what you think of her kitchen; it looks so eclectic and I really like it. 

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The first one she makes, the Five Star cookie/ bar, is very popular in Newfoundland and is so easy to make. Perhaps there is another name for this particular treat in other places. It uses Aero bars for the topping.

LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt this week was do we like the colours red and green. They certainly are the traditional Christmas duo aren't they. Yes, I like them, especially the vintage kind of shades. And here is a welcome red I love to spot. The male Cardinal visited one of the feeders while the female stayed on the ground below. I wonder are they the same pair I'm spying all the time.

Winter chores have kicked in- shovelling snow, throwing deicer on the front steps- we had four large bags delivered, and my favourite chore, refilling the feeders. And I'm off to walk the dogs now, another favourite activity here at the wooden house. And Petey senses when that time is. He's a dog that looks you in the eye with such pleading stares. Who could resist this? 

Hope this time of year on the very cusp of Christmas is going well for all of you and you don't feel rushed. That it is "the most marvelous time of year" for you.