{Post 1,103} 2012 Recap

No pictures in this post, just a recap of 2012 projects for my own curiosity's sake.

This year I made 45 quilted items.  

28 were gifts.
1 has no home yet.
2 were made to sell.
14 were for my own family here at the Parker Ranchero.  

Of the 14 things I made for us, 3 of them were my "Count On It" twelve-inch square calendar blocks.  Three were sets of pillow shams.  One was my shower curtain.  Two were hand quilted (Grandmother's Flower Garden wallhanging and Hearts and Gizzards bed quilts).

I was surprised at all the gifts I made.  I've been a busy bee in that department at least!

It's been a while since I've had some good, long sewing time.  I look forward to that soon.  I need to do a deep clean of my cutting table and sewing table.  They both runneth over with scraps.

{Post 1,102} Take 2

Here's the second 3-1/2" square ornament.  I love their simplicity.  They are both on the tree for now, but they might end up being gifts for someone.  I quilted this in the ditch with metallic gold thread.

I think I like having a light "star" better.  It sort of resembles a snowflake.  This is a cream with Christmas words in metallic.

{Post 1,101} Quilt Ornament

Did a few everyday things this AM, then wanted to sew so badly (even if it was just for a few minutes!).  This is the result...all from scraps of fabric and batting on my cutting table.  It is 3-1/2" square.

Inspired by Ruth, who made some of these herself and showed them on her wonderful blog.

{Post 1,100} Christmas Runner

Gifts.  They are a thorn in my side.  I always feel like the gifts I give are inadequate.  But I'm doing my best and putting a lot of heart into them!  

I made two of these Little ZZ runners as gifts.  One for my girl, Elisabeth (that I never posted a picture of finished), and one for someone else.  The someone else hasn't seen hers yet.  It turned out so nicely that I decided to make one for a surprise for a woman at my church.  I admire her very much.  In fact, when I grow up, I want to be as selfless, kind, and loving as she.  I am going to surprise her with this tomorrow.  It is finished and measures 17-1/2" x 23-1/2".

Little ZZ #3:

Scrappy red binding, too.  Three different fabrics that I had bits of in my binding drawer.  I like it!!

{Post 1,098} Possible Do For Tonight

Is this too Princess Leia??  Potential do for the Christmas shindig tonight.

I am considering removing them recombining the two bottom ones.  Hmmm...

{Post 1,097} Hair Now, Hair Now!

Nothing quilt-y going on here, but I do have two new hairdos to show.  I did the first one myself.  It's called a waterfall braid.  I liked it.  Would probably look better if I let my hair curl at the ends.  

The second one is quite hilarious.  It didn't turn out "quite" right.  My hairdresser was a little exuberant to begin with.

The best way to explain this is that one pulls up about 1/3 of her hair into a ponytail in the center of the top of the head.  Then a French braid is done all around, pulling 2/3 of the hair from the outside and 1/3 from the ponytail (leaving the ponytail holder in).  It should have been braided much closer to the top and tighter, but it does give one a good laugh for the day.  I'm not going to say anything about it and see if my husband notices.

For your viewing pleasure...

It was a red-letter day for a few other reasons.  I bought a blouse today.  And a necklace.  And earrings.  I don't remember all of those things happening in the same day (OK--the same year) for as long as I can remember.  You see, tomorrow is my husband's Christmas party for his work, and I want to look my BEST.  The above picture is not my best :), so I'll press onward for a good hairstyle. 

I didn't just buy any old earrings, I bought miniature chandeliers.  My girls were shocked.  I only wear very tiny, hardly noticeable earrings...until tomorrow!!!

{Post 1,096} JOY to the world!

Here's the finished product on my new mantle idea for this year.  We have a big, long, mantle.  I am no decorator.  I combined a couple ideas I saw here and there.  Wes cut out and nailed everything all together for me.  That's my pine cone tree on the left side (by the J) spray painted gold.  

Here 'tis...

And, what would my blog be without a close-up?