I worked on a few of my other blocks while in St. Louis. I really miss stitching when I don't do it for a while.

I think I may finish these if I keep with it!

The last four blocks ... I really like the look and feel of these blocks. I had to shop for more threads while in St Louis because the reds I had were not the right shade. The red in the blocks have more 'blue' in them. Always looking for an excuse to shop.

Lots to do on my blocks so I better get to work. My goal is to complete by Christmas 2010. Six blocks have a Santa center and six blocks don't have a Santa in the center.

Christmas Quilt Blocks

I started piecing 12 blocks for my Christmas project a few months ago. I finished piecing them and now I'm ready to embellish the blocks. I got started working the pile - the process of doing a little work on each block - at the St. Louis retreat. It doesn't look like I got very far with my embellishing but I did get a lot of seams started.

St. Louis 2010

Kate checking out one of the wedding dresses Mary Anne brought to share.

Mary Anne and Martha - all packed up on the last day getting in one more conversation.

Lisa shows Yvonne a tatting tip.

Mona took a look at the wedding dresses. She had a bride in mind who might just wear it in her wedding. Others of us had the vision of cutting them up and using them in a project.

St. Louis 2010

I thought I'd post a few pics from our St. Louis retreat. I find it hard to believe it has only been 5 days since I returned. I really, really, really am ready for work to lighten up and some sort of normal to return to my life.



These pictures show a relaxed group of stitchers enjoying sharing tips and having a good time. Monica is new to crazy quilting and is getting a lesson from Martha Green.

Mary Anne, Freda and Sherrill enjoy looking at Freda's latest project

Yvonne, Kate and Martha enjoying a story. Retreats go a long way to keeping me sane in this crazy world.

My Garden this week ...

The garden is full of beautiful blooms this week. Coming home from work in the evening is always a treat. I come around the corner of my street and the first thing I see is my front yard ablaze with blooms!

Free Book by Robin Atkins

Robin Atkins is offering a free download of her first beading book. I bought it years ago and refer to it often. Be sure to stop by her blog and receive your free copy.