I Have Returned

I want to say a big heartfelt "Thank you" to everyone that sent their kind thoughts. I appreciated it very much.

Now to the blogging.  I decided today was the day to try blogging again. I'll see how it goes and if I think I am up to the task I will continue. This will be a short entry because I know all of you are very busy these days preparing for Christmas. I haven't decided as yet if I will make any New Year's resolutions (because I normally do not) since there is still plenty of time to decide. I will have a big "think" on it after Christmas. How many of you in the blogosphere make resolutions? Do you keep them? I wonder what the consensus will be.

This is a block I received from Mary. She was my partner in the Australian block swap for this month. I had requested a star pattern (of her choice) so Mary made me this Wonky Star. I just love it. I have never made this pattern myself so I now have one. Thank you, Mary

This block I received from Laraine living in Australia. She also was my partner in the Australian block swap but for November. I had requested a star pattern from her and Larain chose to make me this one. I'm sorry I am late in posting this, Laraine, but it arrived at the time we heard about my brother-in-law. On a brighter side, when I opened up the envelope and saw your block it really made me happy and put a smile on my face.

This is a block I made for Marie in Australia. I hope she liked it. She had requested a particular paper pieced block from Carol Doak. I fiddled, twisted and turned the block until I found the star in the centre. I don't think that was the original intention of this pattern but that's how I sewed it together. This block was for the month of November for the Australian block swap.
Just as a reminder to all, there are two Australian block swaps running simultaneously. The one swap is for Christmas themes and fabrics taking place monthly and the other is for a "regular" swap taking place monthly. Just use the links I provided and you'll be directed to the correct site.  In both cases you list your parameter for block pattern and fabric colours and in both cases you will be making a 12" block. The ladies are a great bunch and come from all over. I feel I have made many new friends in the short time I've been a member.  There is still space for new comers and membership is free.

This is an ongoing event I belong to from the IFQ. This is a block Jan from USA made me and I love what she did with my square. In this event you send you partner the centre square and she decides what fabric/colours to use to finish the block and mails it back to you. I'm sorry the picture doesn't do justice to my block but she did have a keen eye in her fabric choice.

This is a block I made for Jan in return. She sent me the blue centre square and I decided how to finish the block. I heard back from Jan that she absolutely loved what I did with her block and that the picture did not do it justice. If anyone is interested in this event just look up IFQ using this link and find Mosaic Colour Play on the right side of the site under "events". While you are there, look up the rest of the site. I think you will want to join when you see the planned activities that are ongoing.

I would like to say a final few words to all my new quilting friends. Your thoughts and messages and blocks came at a time when I needed them most. They brighten up my life at a time when I needed them more than I realized. You all put a smile on my face. Thank you and am glad I have you as my friends. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.