Lighthouse Scare

I decided to go up this lighthouse in Florida, Look How brave I am at the top (not really) and how scared I look going back down,I was terrified up and down. But look how pretty the lens and view is!

Baby Bernina Nova

Here are some pictures of my first Bernina residing now at Rachel's house

Bernina Factory

So in Zurich I found this Bernina place and I was sure it was the factory. I went in to look around and try to get a deal on the latest Bernina that does everything for $7800 dollars that I saw here at the Houston quilt show. I looked around, found someone who spoke English and they told me they wouldn't even have delivery of the machines in Switzerland until April! My Aunt Sue has been sewing on her Bernina since 1960, I got a Bernina Nova as a wedding gift in 1980 that is still in our family, going strong and is still worth on Ebay what we paid for it. Wow are the new ones expensive though. I had told myself I deserved it, I sew all the time and is my husband still using a computer from 1987, the last time I replaced mine? But $ 7800 just seemed too dear, maybe they will go down in price...

Onion Crafting?

Here are these Swiss ladies in native dress hamming it up for the tourists in the town square. Notice the fancy braided onion swags and wreaths. I also love their black lace hats. Here I am eating some enormous roasted chestnuts. I love them.

quilted jacket

I did a lot of traveling in November and almost no crafting, but I am back in the saddle before Christmas. Here are a few pictures from my journeying. Here I am wearing a quilted coat my mom made for me years ago. It has a flannel interlining. I washed it and it shrunk two sizes and I am just now back in this size again and can wear it. Look at how many tiny pieces of aqua fabrics! Oh yeah, I am in Switzerland in these photos.

Texas funny sign

Only in Texas can you get such service, Beauty Parlor and Chainsaw repair! Now I just need Sewing machines and Sushi, or Quilt Store and pedicure!

Quilting by Myself

Well, I am proud that I pinned this whole twin sized quilt to tie on the frame by myself ,all until putting the clamps on the corners! I set it up in my living room next to our grand piano. I think I could get a queen sized one up in there with the couch pushed against the windows this way. It was lonely without mom and my sisters! This is one of our "talk ABout" quilts featuring novelty fabrics. My friend Donna chose all the fabrics for this one last Spring and then has been overcome by life events and could never come help make it. So It has been hanging around on my cutting table, so I whipped it up. It just happens to be Christmas time and I can't decide to wait for that to give it to her or just give it early. I love her and wanted to show my support. Sometimes it can be awkward for our family to slather people with creative gifts we've made, if the one receiving the handmade thing feels too overwhelmed. Those who we love get used to it. Once you've bought the supplies it is hard to just make one of something.  I have now made about 25 of those fabric wallets.  I want everyone to get one for Christmas. Years ago, I went through a dried flower wreath phase and I must have made 20 that fall.