Christmas Ribbons

Hello Everyone,

Here's the latest fabric that arrived from Henry Glass & Co. The line is called Holly Hill Christmas by Mary Jane Carey.  The fabrics are a very nice mix of polka dots, plaids, and stripes in this traditional Christmas line. 

I studied the fabric for a day, and then it spoke to me.  I designed a block in EQ software one day and then concentrated on the sashing and border the next day.  I thought about it overnight, and in the morning I did some tweaking to the design.  The blocks are going to finish at 10".  The sashing is going to be 3" and it's a little different than my usual sashing.....which is a good thing.

So I switched from making a table topper for Fall and went right to Christmas.  This isn't the only line of fabric from Henry Glass....they sent TWO lines at the same time! I'll post the other line later on in the week.  I know someone who is going to be very busy!  Lord help me if I suddenly get designers block!

I pretty much can't adhere to the one month turn around for the completion of a project(s)....especially when I receive two lines in the same month.  Those of you who know me, know that I don't do simple.  I like complex, and interesting blocks, and that takes time, and considerable effort on my part.  My designs are a reflection of me, and I will not compromise my style to get a quilt in the finish column.  My design is also limited to the amount of fabric I receive.  I'm constantly calculating and re-calculating the fabric requirements.

If a design is going to have my name associated with it, I'm not going to slap something together and call it a finish.  It has to be thoughtful, well-planned, interesting, and something that I want to have on display in my home for years to come.  It has to be a pattern that is well-written, and something that quilters would enjoy making.  I think you will enjoy my new design called Christmas Ribbons.  The word ribbon should give you a clue to the sashing design.  Insert smile here....even Mr. Joe likes it.

On another note, Mr. Joe and I have also been working in the yard.  We have to maintain 2/3 of an acre in preparation for fire season.  It is a daunting task since we are on a hill.  We've been pecking away at it day by day.  Misery loves company, so we always work together in the yard.  It also is a safety concern in case one of us starts to roll down the hill!  We call this bowling for old people.  So far, neither one of us has had a strike!

So my days consist of sitting in front of my computer designing and pattern writing.  Or I'm in my sewing room happily quilting away while listening to podcasts or music.  Or I'm holding a pitch fork and rake while I'm tackling the enormous pine needle problem.  Please refrain from any pitch fork comments!  

Soon,

Madame Ambassador