Happy 2013!

Hello everyone. I have been absent for a while now. A much needed break to play with the kids and enjoy the holidays. After the election, I felt the gloom and doom on it's way to meet us, it was hard to find the desire to create. I found it so hard to watch that election map as our country bleeds red from the inside out.
I found myself looking for encouragement and found it in a fellow quilter. Emily Herrick is such a neat lady. We may not hang out much, or even visit that often, but every time I have needed any advice or help, she has jumped to the occasion. She is so crazy talented, and is the best at solving those fabric puzzles that cramp up my creativity. I was inspired by her post HERE. After reading this post by someone I admire so much, I thought it was about time to break free from my creative depression, and realize that it is not so bad. I am so blessed in my life at the moment. I realized it's about time I share some new projects with you!

These projects have been in my idea book for a while. I decided this is the year for games... (politics especially!) I love to play games with my kids and family. They provide a nice little getaway from the norm, and give me an opportunity to experience the humor of my kids and family. They are such a great source of JOY in my life. Some of my best memories have been seated around a table playing crazy games.

So I ask you....Do YOU play Croquet??

There is something about croquet mallets and balls that just make my heart sing. I remember playing this game with my dad in the backyard, and I just love this game. This will be a pillow and a quilt pattern together, and I hope to do it again in primary colors. I was trying out the pattern in this color pallet of yellow, aqua, and grey mixed with a lime grass green and I do love the outcome, but I feel that classic colors may be more appealing to more people. Can't wait to show you this one completed...but for now it is off to the quilter!

Next I began this crazy idea with dart boards...

I love the vintage feel of this quilt, with it's primary colors and fun whimsical design. I am currently working on this one, and I think it is quite a cutie. Although I don't play darts too much. My sister was becoming a master at it the last time I saw her. She has been on my mind lately, and I don't get to see her often, so this one is for you Jen!

Finally I wanted to send out a big THANK YOU to all of you who made this pattern successful. Sew Tweet 2013 Calendar BOM is SOLD OUT!. I appreciate all of you who purchased this unique pattern and I hope to get my additional tutorials up this month.

Well, at the moment that is all I have going on. My oldest starts her culinary competition practice this month. I hope they will let me play with the team. That was a lot of fun last year! Wish me luck, and Happy New YEAR!