Gift Exchanges

I've enjoyed making some folded star hot pads for my friends for our gift exchange. I used this pattern and found it super easy to follow. I also added a layer of Insulbrite to make sure it does the job properly. I made a couple of tiny ones with some modifications for ornaments. Try not to be too impressed! LOL

I also made a couple of crochet cowls for gifts. I only know one crochet stitch so my work is very simple but I fancy it up by using two different colors of yarn or adding a twist.

I really need to work on my crochet skills, but I enjoy these simple projects.

My friends always amaze me with their skills as well. Melinda made this gorgeous pressing table for me. She even had her hubby paint the legs this amazing shade of green. How snazzy is this? I know I'll be smiling every time I use it!

Mary Ruth made this fun little 12 Days of Christmas quilt for each person in our bee group. She even hand quilted all of them! That girl sets a high standard, but we all choose not to compare ourselves to her for good reason. I just know that I'm going to enjoy this every time I look at it!

Our sweet friend Patsy couldn't be with us because she is spending  a few months in Pennsylvania with family. She was so thoughtful that she made each of us a gift, wrapped them, and had them sent before our lunch today so that we could open them together. We miss Patsy SO VERY MUCH but we know that she is right where she needs to be until she is feeling 100% better. And Patsy is very much worth waiting for! Thank you Patsy for your amazing talent and friendship.

A few other goodies were exchanged as well but some of them didn't make it all the way home! What can I say, they were delicious Darlene! Yummy!!

I've now been to three holiday parties is five days and I'm all partied out! I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends, quilters and co-workers in my life. I am feeling really thankful for them and their creative energy and generosity. I'm a ver lucky person indeed.

I'll be back soon to share a quick tutorial on how I made the little mini folded star ornaments shown in the first photo. Once you see how easy they are, you'll be sewing up a dozen!

Happy Holidays!
Diane