That time of year

It comes faster and faster each year, doesn't it?  Somehow I always feel that Christmas is later in the month than it is, and find myself after Thanksgiving, scurrying around with one eye on the calendar regarding mailing deadlines.  With both kids living overseas, this seems to be my usual stressor.  As I write this, I'm glancing out the window, waiting for a last UPS delivery to wrap and insert into a packed box.  Then I'll be off to the post office where I'll exhale a big sigh of relief and come home to finish up the decorating and write out a few cards. 

I have a new little quilt to add to my holiday decor this year, a collaboration between Lori & Kathie which they donated to be sold to benefit the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative ~ AAQI.  It's such a worthy cause and there are so many wonderful quilts for sale.  Do check out the site if you haven't visited yet. I was lucky to snag this one ~ the striped binding! ~ and thrilled to have a quilt made by two blog friends. 

I'm still working on the basket quilt but when I found this free cross-stitch graph on Pinterest, I had to dig out a piece of linen and some red floss.  I've been chipping away at it here and there when I have a few minutes. It's small, maybe 3½" square, and could be made into a pincushion or a little ornament. I think it's a charmer!  Here's the link ~ click on the 'maison rouge' link under the final photo in the blog post.  (Actually, a pair of little winter house charts.)

My delivery just arrived and 'Santa UPS' has brought something for me, too ~ my order from the Fat Quarter Shop's recent big sale.  Looks like I'll be doing a wash after my post office run!

Comments

[Julie]

Love the little quilt. And thank you for linking to that cross stitch chart. I've been itching to do some stitching lately, but small projects are all I can tackle right now. This looks like a fun little project. Happy Holidays!

[Laurie in Iowa]

The little quilt is so very sweet... I'm happy for you that you snagged it.

[janet]

What a great little Christmas quilt made by 2 talented ladies! Your stitching looks lovely - a very cute pattern! You must have been very good this year - that box full of fabric looks yummy :0)

[kathie]

OH I am so glad you bought it , Its nice to know it went to a good home, looks great there!
I almost bid on it!!!! LOL guess I have to whip up another one!
love the cross stitch, adorable !
ok looks like Santa UPS is going to have to make a trip to my house too!

[Sharon]

Well, I'm happy to see the R & W tumbling blocks has a good home....although I had a spot all picked out at my house. Alas, it would not go into my shopping cart when I tried to purchase it...3 times! It's super cute and so is your stitchery.

[Thimbleanna]

Ooooh, look at those yummy fabrics! That new little quilt is sweet as can be -- perfect for the holidays. How did Muffins 2012 go this year -- I hope you had a wonderful holiday. Oh, and thanks for the link to the sweet little embroidery!

[Taryn]

You have the connection with Santa. I've been waiting on my order (some of the same fabrics!) for over a week.

[One Minnesota Quilter]

It's neat that the little quilt went to another blog quilter who can appreciate it and knows the persons who made it.

The stichery and new fabrics look like fun.

Happy Holidays -

Judy

[Jenny M]

Thanks for the link to the cross stitch pattern, to late for this year's Kris Kringle. But maybe I could start early for next Christmas;)
Georgeous little quilt you purchased and for such a good cause.

[barb]

How nice to have the Lori/Kathie quilt - love those mini tumblers. Sweet little vintage santa too -
lovely new fabrics - my idea of a great package delivery ;)

[barb]

p.s.
love the red cross stitch!

[Kelly]

That quilt is adorable! I just saw Kathie's tumbler quilt too. I might need to put that one on the list too!

[Dixie]

Love the quilt you purchased - thanks so much for the cross stitch link. I've been working on ornaments every evening. Perfect project for this time of year!