A good start to the new year

Hello all, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  I am happy to share my newest addition to the sewing family, a Singer 15-91.

 

 

 

I was on the internet late one night a few weeks before Christmas and discovered a place in Spokane, WA that sells machines.  I sent the link to my parents as an idea for a gift, not thinking it would come to anything.  Then my dad sets this heavy box on my lap Christmas morning... he and mom actually drove up to Spokane to pick out the machine!  I am so happy to have a second machine that I can rely on for years to come.

 

 

This is one of the first blocks I made with the 15-91, and I have learned that I definitely need a seam guide.  I found a magnetic business card that is rather thick, about the thickness of a credit card, and is working well so far.

 

 

I put in extra effort to contribute to the Christmas gathering this year, originally planned on a Yule Log (my first) and then I wimped out, I just couldn't settle on a cake or filling recipe.  I'm open to suggestions!  Instead I took the time to make some royal icing snowflakes to decorate a cheesecake.

 

 

 

 

I also made monster cookies, caramel corn, macaroni and cheese, and eggnog.  The eggnog is new to our family, none of us had ever had it, and I'm pretty sure this is going to change.  I am thinking this is a new tradition for us.  Tasty goodness.

 

 

Our customary delicious lasagna dinner spread.

 

 

My sister Jen and I very much looking forward to dinner.

 

 

Sometimes my family are good sports about goofy pictures :)

 

 

Thomas was quite helpful with binding this quilt on New Year's Eve.

 

 

I worked all day finishing the quilting on this quilt for Cheryl, making myself the promise that it would be done before the year ended.

 

 

And I did!  John took photos for me, this is one of my favorites.  The quilt finished at 94" by 71", and is based on the colorway of an Allison Quilt Designs pattern called Dandelion Wine.  The quilting was all done on the Bernina.

 

 

I also made a pillowcase at Cheryl's request.  I quilted the stripes and pieced the back together all from scraps from the top and backing.  We met up for an exchange of quilt and baskets on January 2nd, and she was beyond thrilled with her quilt.  I am ecstatic about my baskets, and of course they have been cat approved.



 

 

 

The very first thing I made this year was a batch of fudge.  I felt it was a great way to start the year off right!

 

 

Belle has had quite a time watching the birds lately, we've actually had snow, during December and January!  It's been a long time since we had a good winter, so I have not been complaining about slippery roads (awful drivers however... seriously, some people are just ridiculous!) and have been trying to keep the birds and our new porch cat fed in the single digit weather.  It's been this way for about 3 weeks now, and looks like it will keep up this next week for Walla Walla.

 

I have taken advantage the last couple weekends to stay inside and get some sewing done, and it really felt wonderful starting the year with a finish.  Now to tackle that UFO list again!

Highest priority: Dad and Jen's quilts.

 

Here's to a new year and finished quilts!

 

~Brandy