Merry Christmas

It's been quite a busy time here getting cards and presents done but finally I can relax and do some stitching without deadlines looming. I decided to get my cousin's daughter a subscription to National Geographic for Christmas but as it takes a while to come through I couldn't go over with nothing on Christmas Day so made her a quilted padfolio inside which I will put a note about the real present.

Also for her brother and his partner are the obligatory Thorntons chocolates and fudge in a box.

I really like these boxes, they are quick and easy to make and can be made with almost anything.

The other thing that has kept me busy has been a mammoth dyeing session. I managed to get a good variety of fabric done although unfortunately the velvet was a complete disaster which was a shame as it was the last of my roll.  Ah well, not everything works out as planned. After the New Year I will be doing the Pass it Forward blog for anyone who would like some hand dyed fabric so keep viewing. I am on nights on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day so it won't be until January 2nd probably. I must admit that I am not looking forward to New Year's Eve as it is the busiest night of the year for us, the phones ring incessantly, on the up side though it does tend to pass more quickly than the usual shifts.  Here is a little preview of some of the fabric that did dye well.

I have taken up the Black and White challenge this year which is to make a quilt in black and white and one colour. I paid a visit to my local quilt shop last week and got myself some lovely fabric as my stash is sadly lacking in black and white. I have been thinking of doing a series of 'daisy quilts' using Photoshop to manipulate the images. That is my other main challenge this year, to become really proficient with Photoshop.

As this is likely to be the last post before Christmas I wish all my blogging friends a very happy Christmas and a peaceful 2009.

Maggi     xx