Christmas Tree Skirt (reversible) almost finished! and Thanksgiving Prep

Patchwork & quilted tree skirt with ties, reversible.

My work in progress: I started this tree skirt before Christmas last year. Apparently I created my own layout since I didn't place the parts of the stars in the right positions. Oh well! I am so happy to finally have the binding and ties attached. The ties are black (made from a small Christmas print) to match the back side, which I also chose to design. I finished hand-stitching the binding to the back this evening after a long day of Thanksgiving meal prep. I want to add some machine quilting to the larger spaces now that I have a new machine (purchased after I'd put this together and did the initial quilting on my old, very old machine)! I'm so glad this will be done for our tree this year! How cheerful and homespun it will look.

Close up of what was supposed to be a star :P

****Don't forget to check out my recent interview of 2 designers featured on my previous blog page!****

I spent most of the day cooking the following:

Roasted & flavored pecans & walnuts

Homemade stock for gravy making

Homemade chocolate fudge

For those of you in the U.S., I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day celebration!

Meet 2 Pattern Designers: Sisters Barbara & Ann

I attended a "trunk show" for 2 sister designers at a favorite local quilt and fabric shop on Saturday, Piece by Piece. Barbara and Ann graciously allowed me to take some pictures, inadequate though they are, so that you can become acquainted, too! Their patterns are reasonably priced, creative, and perfect for gifts!

Vanilla House Designs

Meet Barbara Brunson whose whimsical and delightful patterns will help to make your environment sparkle!

Barbara modeling one of her apron designs.

She's been designing for 20 years!! I think it's time you checked out her blog: vanillahousetoday.blogspot.com , and her website: VanillaHouseDesigns.com. (Click on the titles.) 

Her dynamic display included: aprons (women, men, children--for every task, not just cooking!), cooking mitts, Christmas stockings, doll clothes, soft sculptures (useful in the sewing room!), table runners, portable ironing boards, bibs, pocket hanger, SATCHELS, home dec, and so much more!

My photo is an inadequate representation.

Check out her chic apron design that challenges symmetrical quilters and sewists: Off Sides (#P167). There's also the bling jewelry.

Olive Ann Designs

Notice her sample dresses featured with her patterns.

Meet Ann Blair who makes patterns for girls' clothes that will definitely highlight their vivacity, as well as other handy items for moms (and grandmothers)! 

I'm partial to the new Michael Miller chicken fabric
used in this "Classy Cargo" pattern (#OAD84)!

"Easy Peazy Pleats" pattern (#OAD83)

What inspired her to pursue this endeavor two years ago? It's a common refrain: she wanted to make cute clothes for her granddaughters, and the patterns available didn't fit! That's always disappointing! You're in for a treat when you go to OliveAnnDesigns.com (click on it) and see what she's got for you: dresses, tops, shorts, doll clothes, slings, duvet covers, crib comforters & rugs, changing mats, burp cloths, leggings, nursing shawls, baby hats, diaper covers, adult & child totes, and offers custom orders!

Check out her patterns with the giraffe appliques--very cute!! Yeah Ann!

Let me know what you think, & thanks for stopping by!