We are off to a New Year

Is there any  better way to spend an evening than to sit with your loved ones and stitch?  Stay warm and Happy Quilting!

2014 Re-cap

Quilt along

Finally!

I finally finished the last of the Christmas quilting late last night.

I used the Patriotic fabric by Island Batik.    I love how this turned out.  Perfect for a little boy.

Be sure to save the date for the Sock Hop Blog Hop happening starting on January 12th.  

Sponsored by Island Batik ;-)

Happy Quilting!

Linky Tuesday

Merry Christmas

May the celebration of the birth of Jesus inspire us all to rejoice and to serve Him with humble hearts. May we always remember the "Reason for the Season". That our Heavenly Father loved us so much that He gave His beloved Son to this fallen world, to die for our sins so that we may live forever with Him. It's a gift that cannot be earned or worked for. 

It's free to all men.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Milk and Cookies

What is better on Christmas Eve then cookies, milk, hot tea or cocoa?








Yum!

I hope your Christmas is as wonderful and delicious as a cold glass of milk, or a hot cup of tea or cocoa and freshly baked cookies.

Tablescape Thursday

Last minute gifts

There are so many wonderful tutorials out there in blog land. If you have one that you enjoy, I'd love to hear about it.

But for today, grab your cuppa of coffee or hot tea and visit these interesting and informative blogs.

As always we love to read Karen's very creative Tool Time Tuesday.  Check out her repurposed gift tags. I just might have to get one of those big round punches.

A while back Sew Prim Khris did a very cute tutorial on making a Needlecase. What a great gift idea for a hand quilter.

This is one of my all time favorite Travel-sized Tissue Cozy patterns. Last year I made a ton of these. Kim shared her easy tutorial on "an oft traveled road".

I have all the fabric ready and waiting for this pattern by Tea Rose Home. It is a Modern Square Garden quilt.

Who couldn't use another purse in your choice of color. Bola Chica offered a tutorial on a very cute Pleated Purse. You could certainly make one for every outfit. And who wouldn't love and use this adorableFriendship bag courtesy of "p.s. I Quilt"?

Have you got a little buddy to make a gift for? How about this TOO cuteSoftie doll from "60piggies".

And for all my tea loving friends, a Tea Wallet Tutorial (Is It Naptime Yet?). Perfect to stick in someone's stocking this year.

Sigh...... zippers............. Noodlehead shares a tutorial on a sweet Lil Cutie Pouch. Make them by the dozens. For teachers and friends. And add a Notebook Cover from "My Patchwork".

And how about this adorable Rudolph Bag from Clover and Violet.

You can also check out my tutorial for making pillowcases listed on my sidebar.

I've got dozens and dozens of these tutorials bookmarked on my computer. But my purpose today was to give you one post that you can bookmark and go back to visit whenever you need a quick little gift.

Go forth and SEW :-)

Time is running out!

The Christmas tree is all decorated and ready for the new few weeks.  We have company coming to stay with us right after Christmas, so we'll probably leave the decorations up while they are here. It always seems like there is so much going on, and not enough time to finish.  I'm working on last minute Christmas projects that I hope to get in the mail this week.

I want to thank everyone who stopped by and left a comment on my SewMamaSew Giveaway.  The winner is Renea (no blog).  I've already contacted her and will put her prize in the mail tomorrow.

Wishing you a happy quilting day!

Have you ever been to Greece?

I was so looking forward to reading Davis Bunn's latest novel, The Patmos Deception. Bunn is, once again, a master story teller. I felt like I had traveled to Greece. The economic downfall, the political upheaval, the historical background, family, traditions, all laid the foundation to a very compelling story. The characters were intriguing and complex. Bunn's use of picture words has always been such an exciting adventure for me. I am there, I am watching, hearing the conversations, being a part of the story. Not many writers can draw me into their stories as Bunn can. If you have ever read any of Davis Bunn's books, you know he can take you to the precipice and leave you wanting for more. This book has suspense, a touch of romance, one man's faith blooming, and a look at life in modern day Greece.

I am a reviewer for Bethany House Publishing.  I was sent a complementary copy of this book for my honest review.  I would highly recommend this book.

Christmas sewing

Are you madly working on Christmas projects??  I'm not sure I would qualify for "madly", but I am working on trying to finish up a few things.

I started making this table runner for a friend, and at first used the large Poinsettia fabric for the borders.

Wow!  It was too overwhelming.  So I cut out the holly fabric and liked it much better. I hope I can get it finished in time for my friend to use it on her Christmas table.

Be sure to stop by and visit all the wonderful blogs that are participating in the SewMamaSew Giveaway day.  And don't forget to leave a comment.  You can find my post HERE.

Happy Quilting!

Giveaway Day

Once again, I am happy to be participating in the SewMamaSew Givewaway Day.  It's a huge Giveaway campaign to help find new (and old) blogs.  What am I giving away this year?

6 Fat Quarter cuts from the latest collection from Island Batiks called Blue Bayou.  Plus a tote bag pattern to make using these bright and cheerful fabrics.  

What do you have to do to enter?? This year the giveaway will be for US readers only.  Leave a comment on this post to be entered.  And as always, because I ♥ my Followers, Followers (old and new) may leave a SECOND comment. You must have a way to be contacted. If the winner is a no-reply comment, it will not qualify and I will draw another winner.  Giveaway will close on Friday December 12th.  I'll notify the winner by email.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  If you are new, I hope you will visit again.  It's always fun to meet old friends and welcome new ones.

Happy Quilting!

Bread for the Journey

When people take the time and care 
to make the presents they give, 
they put into the gifts not only the materials needed,
  but also a part of themselves.
~ Tasha Tudor ~

Lost and found

While I was moving my sewing room upstairs, I came across a few projects that had been forgotten.

I found this little beauty tucked away. 

It's called Christmas Glow by Anka's Treasures. This is what the completed top looks like.

I had hoped to have this on my table this year, but with the clock ticking down, and other projects awaiting my attention, this may be my first project for 2015!

Happy Quilting!

It's time

Are you pulling out all of your Christmas quilts?

This one has been on my bucket list for a long time.  Guess it's time to gather up all my miscellaneous Christmas fabrics and give it a go.

Happy Quilting!

Just for fun

A couple of years ago I made these cute little snowmen for the children of some friends.  They were fun and easy.  There is a Hershey bar wrapped under the snowman.  I still think this is one of the cutest little gifties for someone whether they are young and old :-)

You can find a link for the template HERE.
(p.s. be sure to turn the template to the Landscape position before printing)

Happy Christmas Quilting!

The Southern Special
Holiday Goodness
Sew Darn Crafty

Happy Thanksgiving

May your day be filled with love, laughter and gratitude that brings joy to your heart.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Two more done

I'm happy to say that two more of these little bags are finished.  Again using the beautiful Island Batik fabrics.

Christmas is coming in a big hurry.  And I have so many things to finish!  

The winner of my Thanksgiving Giveaway was Rina.  Congratulations!  Your package is winging it's way to you.

Wishing you a Happy Quilting day!

Fabric Tuesday
A Handmade Christmas Challenge

Can I Get a Whoop Whoop

Bread for the Journey

Progress

Progress in the  Quilt room has been moving, somewhat slowly, but it's getting there.  I've had to move books, magazines, a ton a fabric and a variety of sewing accessories upstairs.

But here's where I'm at for the moment.

Sewing machine is currently situated in front of the window for the best light.

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know that I  love to read.  I've moved many of the beloved novels here, so maybe one day I'll be able to have a comfy chair where I can do some reading or hand work.  The closed cabinet door holds quilting projects bagged and ready to go.

So for now, this is where I will start.  One day I'll get a design board set up instead of the flannel backed tablecloth.  There are lots of possibilities with this space.

But for now, Happy Quilting!!

Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway, which ends this afternoon :-)

A Thanksgiving Giveaway

I appreciate everyone that reads my little blog.  I know a lot of people have moved on to other social media as evidenced by Facebook and Instagram.  I've never had a Facebook account but I do post on Instagram.

But again, I am grateful for everyone who takes the time to read Happy Cottage Quilter.  I've been blogging for almost 6 years and it's been a delight to meet so many of you.

I meant to have this giveaway a week ago, but I've been moving my sewing area into a vacated bedroom, and truthfully I forgot.  Soooooo................ better late than never :-)

For the giveaway, I'm giving a piece of Happy Thanksgiving fabric, by Michael Miller.   The piece is 27'x 45'

The giveaway is open to the FOLLOWERS of this blog because I love you guys!  I will include a matching thread.

As Thanksgiving is only a week away, this giveaway will be quick.  I will close the giveaway at 5:00 pm EST on Friday November 21.  If the winner can let me know their address by Saturday, I will pop it in the mail and hopefully you will receive it before the big holiday!

Leave a comment on this blog post, letting me know how you follow.  You can follow me in any way (GFC,Bloglovin, Feedly, by subscribing etc) .  Even if you just post me on your sidebar. ## PLEASE be sure I have a way to contact you.  I have already received two comments that are a no reply :-(

Thank you again, for being a follower.  I wish everyone a Happy and blessed Thanksgiving holiday.

Happy Quilting!

A Christmas Challenge

It always feels good to accomplish goals.  I've been able to complete a few Christmas presents in the last month or so.  These little handbags are being made for my little nieces.

I used the gorgeous Island Batik fabrics that were sent to me.  As an Ambassador for Island Batik I have had the privilege to use some of their upcoming fabric lines.  You can actually read more about Island Batik fabrics on SewCalGal's blog post today.

I have a couple more in the works which I will share with you later.  

Happy Quilting!

Show and Tell Tuesday

Fabric Tuesday

A Handmade Christmas Challenge

Bread for the Journey

One project down!

I made this little bag for a friends birthday.  She loves Fish, and this fish fabric was perfect :-) I hope she enjoys using it.

Can I Get a Whoop Whoop

Finish it up Friday

Traveling..........

...... to the great state of Texas was an unusual treat for me and my hubby.

I had never been to Texas before, and it's big!  Believe me it's BIG!

We took our trailer, which made for easy overnight stays.

Unfortunately our hot water heater went out, but thankfully it was not cold in Texas ;-)

While we were there I was only able to visit one Quilt shop.

Samples to glean inspiration.

There were some very territorial quilts, which I thought were fun.

It was easier to get around then I thought it would be.  Lots of minimum access highways, which made highway driving fast.  It was easy to get off, make a u-turn and travel the side roads into so many shopping areas.  

On our return trip, we were about 2 miles from home when the brakes on the trailer locked up.  My hubby had to do some creative thinking to get our little beauty home.  She is now sitting in our back yard, minus one wheel.  I guess she will be getting some new shoes before the next trip.

Oh well, I hope you have a Happy Quilting day!