Christmas...already?

Yesterday, I spent the better half of the morning deciding on a color for the binding on my quilted tablerunner. I wanted something that would just pop in my new kitchen and dining room. After consulting also with a couple of friends who are phenomenal quilters, I decided on red. I'm so happy with my choice, that I may end up even changing my valance over the kitchen window. I might wait though too, because we may end up doing some changing of that window as well. I think I am wanting a garden window. My sister has a pretty awesome one in her house that I have always loved! I'll have to get a picture of it sometime to show you. Anyway, here is a picture of my progress, and you can see the red fabric lying on top that will become the binding. The blue grid lines you see on the tablerunner itself is just chalk that will wash out. I'm so close to being finished and putting my dining room table together with its new 'dressing'. So, it's settled...my new colors are taking shape and it looks like red and turquoise will be my choice!

 

In fact, I'm so pleased with how this is turning out, that I may make a few more for Christmas presents.

 

GASSSPPP!!! Yes, I said it!! Christmas presents! I have decided this year to do something I don't usually do for a lot of people in my life. I'm starting now and going to knit a few items for gifts this year. Mainly, for people I know who will appreciate it. Yesterday, I cast on for this scarf that I saw at Stitches West last year and bought the yarn for. It is such a beautiful scarf that I'm not sure if I will keep it, or give it to my sister. I know she would treasure it forever, but I bought it with the intention of knitting it for myself. We shall see! It's knit out of Anzula's Mermaid, which is a lace weight of 60% Sea Cell and 40% Silk. It's in the colorway called Seaside, but is an ecru color. Sheer heaven!!!

 

 

The only time you can buy Anzula in my area is when they are at Stitches West, so this next week, I plan to stock up on it.

 

Speaking of Stitches West....I am getting so excited!!! I have been going for several years now, and each time, I get delirious with happiness when it's time to go. I am so lucky to have such a supportive and sweet husband, who encourages my craft, and puts no limits on my spending or accomodations. In fact, he has it as a regular entry into our budget each year now as part of my Christmas present he gives me. I have been walking a lot more the past several weeks in preparation for it...building stamina, you know? It is definitely a fairy tale experience for me!!! Good thing they don't have expos like this for fabric! :) Or do they?

 

A couple of weeks ago, it was time for my every other year eye exam, and of course, my prescription did change. Fast forward to yesterday. I received a call that my new glasses and contacts were ready to be picked up. I went over to the vision center, and the young woman told me to put the glasses on to see if they needed any adjustment. I forgot I had my contacts in, and I didn't have a case with me to take them out, so she told me to take them home and if they needed any adjustments, just come back. I'm not sure why she didn't offer me a case with some solution, but I thought, oh well, no big deal. I get home and put them on...I love how they fit and look, but alas, I can't see out of them even with no contacts in!! I have had to wear bifocals in my glasses for twenty years now, so I know how they work. Sitting at my computer screen though, even if I tilt my head back a little, I still can't see up close. I'm not sure how that happens, but they are going back! I'm sure they will make it right, but I was so hopeful that all would be well when I got home with them. I don't wear my glasses often, usually only when my eyes get tired at night, and until I pop my contacts in in the mornings, but even still, I wanted a nice stylish pair. We'll have to see what happens...

 



 

I hope you have a wonderful and safe weekend!