December 1

Uncharacteristically...

I came upon my advent calendar today.

{By that I mean, I found it before the month was half over!}

We used this for my boys when they were small,

and I still like to put some Hershey kisses in there for them.

When I was a little girl, one of our uncles mailed us 

the most gorgeous advent calendars, with snowy scenes and sparkly glitter.  

My sister and I would take turns opening up the little paper windows, and I can still visualize the angels and Christmas trees inside...they were charming.

{They were similar to this one I found on Pinterest, and I think they were German.}

When we were little children,

December 1 was the start of happy anticipation

leading up to the BIG DAY of Christmas.

I have to admit that once in a while, now that I'm a grownup and a mom,

one glance at the December calendar can send me into a panic attack.

Christmas will come right on time, whether I'm "ready" or not,

and sometimes I need to have cookies, cards or presents ready early,

for exchanges or mailing.

Even so, I try to remind myself that I really really love

this season and all the preparations that come with it.

{Except for cleaning.}

Amanda, The Patchsmith, has chosen this month's project

for the Across the Pond Sew Along,

and you can find the introductory post here!

There are two versions...both resulting in a lovely

placemat and napkin set.

{Why not join us, if you haven't already?}

This year I have a new item to add to my Christmas to-do list.

I hope to finish my Winter Dresden quilt in time for

curling up on the couch, with my hot chocolate,

watching White Christmas or

It's a Wonderful Life.

In an early post on my blog I shared some in-progress photos,

 and this yummy one has been very popular on Pinterest.

This week I'm happy to report that I've been machine quilting the top...

it took me some time to figure out what designs to use.

For the Dresden plates,

I decided to quilt rounded petals inside each wedge.

I stippled the center circles, the background squares and the sashing.

I used my new quilting foot, and it works like a dream!

My stitches even look pretty on the back, in my opinion.

For the backing of this quilt I used a wide backing 

of Glace by 3 Sisters for Moda.

I love the tonal green, even though the birds and berries are hard to see, 

especially once the quilting is done.

That's okay, though...it shows off the quilted texture beautifully.

I am in love with those big flowers that the Dresden plates made!

All that's left to quilt are the borders now!

I have a pretty design in mind, so wish me luck.

Counting down to a snuggly Christmastime, with happy anticipation!!!

{Welcome, December!}