Sweet Home Quilt Co.

All Christmas fabrics and kits are now 50% off through Dec. 30th, during our “We Don’t Want To Count It” Sale! Other regular price, in-stock merchandise is 25% off, and our “Tub Room” fabrics are an extra 10% off the already reduced price (in-store only). 

The Fine Print:  Online shoppers must use code “JINGLE” when checking out to receive the discount – we’ll adjust your invoice when we process the order.  One yard minimum cut on fabrics, please.

Shop early for best selection!

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas, blessed with love, peace, joy, family, friends, and faith.

Melisa

This little guy had the best time on Sunday, opening presents from our extended family, but when it was all over he was ready to GO! His words to me as I grabbed one last hug on his way out the door were “I gotta go, Grammy, Santa’s coming!”

THIS is Christmas! Hayden will be 3 the end of this month, and this is really the first year he’s understood about Santa, and he’s made the most of it. He was first in Santa’s lap last weekend to fill his ear with who knows what, and every day he asks “Is Santa coming today?” He hasn’t quite made the connection between Santa coming and being good, though! But there’s plenty of time for that. Right now, it is just so much fun to see the excitement in his face and the wonderment in his eyes.

We had a house full with all of our kids and grandkids, plus Mike’s brother’s family. We laughed and ate and played with the kids all day long, and I was exhausted when they all finally left about 5PM! Now I look forward to going over to my son’s house on Christmas morning and watching the kids open what Santa brought them. I can hardly wait!

Remember I said Hayden hadn’t made the connection between Santa and being good? This is what you get when you try to get five kids under 12 to sit still for three adults to take pictures of them. Only 2 are paying attention (and one of those is being a monkey!), 2 are laughing at the little one, and my oldest has totally checked out – he’s over the picture-taking thing! (The one in the middle is my great-nephew and the others are my grandies.) It isn’t often that we get them all together so I’ll take any group shots of them I can get.

We don’t exchange gifts among the adults in our family, but each year my DIL makes me a gift that is usually crafty and involves pictures of my grandies. She’s made me scrapbooks, framed collages, photo pillows, and all sorts of things over the years, and every Christmas I get them all out as part of my Christmas display. It is fun to look back as the kids have grown through the years. Although Sandy is not a quilter, this year she made me a quilty gift. She bought a quilt kit that has inserts for photos and added pictures of all my grandies to it. I was touched to tears because she’s the only DIL who takes the time and makes the effort to do something for me handmade. I’ll hang this in my sewing studio where I can see it every day! Nothing better than being surrounded by my grandies in Grandma’s Garden!

The only damper to the day was that my MIL wasn’t able to be with us. She’s been sick for several weeks and just didn’t feel strong enough to come. Everyone went by to see her either before or after they left our house so at least she got to see all of her kids and grandkids, which helped her spirits.

Melisa

Last week was a total whirlwind of holiday festivities, plus preparations for our family Christmas this past Sunday. I’ve just now slowed down long enough to remember to post about my holiday fun.

Last Tuesday night was Christmas with the Batty Babes, and as is our custom, we all went overboard! Let me back up a minute, the Batty Babes are my quilting group – 8 of my closest friends – and we meet every other week at each other’s homes to quilt, gab and eat. The original Batty Babes group was formed in 1997, and I joined in 2000. This year was Liz’s turn to host our annual Christmas party at her home, and I’m kicking myself for not getting pictures of her MANY fabulous Christmas decorations. Liz is a December baby and loves everything Christmas so she goes all out with her decorating. I was so busy having fun that I totally forgot to take pictures of her home – sorry Liz!

We enjoyed surprise guests, Santa & Mrs. Claus (in reverse!) Liz’s daughter and grandson entertained us royally – her daughter was Santa and her grandson was Mrs. Claus! He was such a hoot and we had such fun teasing him – you can tell in the picture that he was not exactly happy with this role reversal, but he was a great sport.

One of the fun traditions we have is a White Elephant exchange, and we’ve got a couple of White Elephants that keep making the rounds year after year. The only rule is that you must display the item in some manner when it is your turn throughout the year to host The Babes at your home. Here’s a picture of Liz with “The Head!”  This is a hideous mauve pink ceramic Victorian bust, complete with fake pearls around her neck. Everyone dreads getting “The Head” in the White Elephant exchange, and Liz was the lucky recipient this year! Can’t you just see how thrilled she is?!?!?

I have BIG plans for the White Elephant I drew so I’m not going to share it now. You’ll be hearing more about it later, I promise!

Several of The Babes have retired in the last couple of years, and 2008 was Deanna’s turn. She took it a step further, though, and also relocated out of state to be near her grandchildren. She’s close enough to make it back once in a while, but not every other week. The rest of The Babes decided to make her a quilt to go in her newly redecorated bedroom in her new home. We gave it to her at our Christmas party and she was thrilled. The quilt turned out beautifully, thanks to the efforts of Ardis who put all the blocks together and did the longarm quilting. The stars in the quilt are aqua and brown and the background is a white-on-white that really makes the stars sparkle. It is a gorgeous quilt. I just wish the reason for us making it was different – we miss Deanna already!

So another Batty Babes year draws to a close, and I am thankful every day that I have this close group of friends who share my interests. We always have the best time together!

I’ll share Christmas with the Grandies in the next post.

Melisa

One reason I really love this time of year are the opportunities to get together with friends to celebrate the season and our friendships. I’ve had a busy week with holiday get-togethers and I wanted to share some of the fun here.

I was invited to Quilters in Stitches Guild to help judge their challenge, along with Mary Holloway and Pat Wys from Silver Thimble Quilt Co.  This was my first experience as a “judge” but we had so much fun, and the talent and creativity displayed in the challenge quilts was extraordinary. It was hard to pick winners (because they were all winners!) but we managed to narrow it down.

In the Large Quilts category, Claudia Gray (guild president) took first place with her tesselating-type pinwheels and stars quilt. The funny thing about this is that I had tried (unsuccessfully, I might add) to help Claudia find the ruler to make this quilt last summer. Most of the fabrics came from Sweet Home, but at the time I didn’t know she was doing it for a challenge and I didn’t know I’d be asked to help judge the challenge! Luckily my memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be and I didn’t even recognize Claudia’s quilt – she reminded me later on in the evening. Claudia’s color placement and workmanship make this quilt a real standout! Congratulations, Claudia!

Second place in the Large Quilts category went to Marilyn Bentley with her 9 Patch Variation. It always amazes me when quilters pull together fabric choices that I would have never considered, and the end result is so terrific.  Marilyn combined the batik challenge fabric with regular cotton florals and the high contrast red sashing to make a very pleasing quilt. Congratulations, Marilyn!

In the Small Quilts category, first place went to Shirley Durden with her hand appliqued Rooster wallhanging. Shirley’s workmanship was impeccable, and the quilt was just plain fun, too. I wish I’d gotten a picture of the label she added to the back – another rooster applique! Congratulations, Shirley!

Second place in the small quilts category went to Rosemary DeVore, along with the guild members’ Viewers Choice Award. Rosemary’s wallhanging was embellished with beaded dragonflies and lots of interesting baubles. Great use of texture and “bling!” Congratulations, Rosemary!

Quilters in Stitches Guild is a terrific group of quilters, all of whom are very talented and very friendly. I did a program for them last year and have visited with them several times now. I was honored to be asked to judge their challenge quilts, and participate in their Christmas event. The food was terrific (quilters love to eat, don’t they?!) and there was lots of recipe-sharing going on. I’ll be making some of their goodies for my Christmas table, I’m sure. Thanks to the members of Quilters in Stitches Guild for opening your hearts to us, and providing us with such an enjoyable evening!

On Tuesday, I enjoyed the Christmas Luncheon with Gwinnett Quilters Guild, of which I am a member. This is always a fun event, but this year seemed much more so with great attendance, an abundance of wonderful food (again…and I can never resist…groan!), creative and clever decorations and a fun challenge (which I failed to get pictures of, darn it!). Members sign up to decorate the tables and it is so fun to see how the theme is interpreted. This year’s theme was “Christmas in …….” which also was the Challenge theme.  One table was decorated for Christmas in The Tropics, another was Christmas with Coca Cola, and there was Christmas in the Camper, all with very cool decorations to carry out the theme. Another very fun event with quilty friends!

Tuesday night was the Christmas party with my quilting group, the Batty Babes. I’ll share pics and highlights in another post as this one is way too long already. Stay tuned…

Melisa

All of my Christmas shopping has been done for a while, thanks to the convenience of round-the-clock availability of the internet.  If there is one thing I hate it is going out to shop, but put me in front of the computer with a good search engine and I can do some shopping! The only real shopping I do each year is for the grandies, and they always have a very detailed wish list so shopping for them is easy. But I also like to give little tokens to lots of other people and those are usually something handmade. I thought I had everything and everyone on the list covered, but last night I realized there were a couple of people I had forgotten. So first thing this morning I was roaming through the shop looking for quickie projects that I could get made in a hurry. I came up with a couple that I thought I’d share with you, just in case you have a few last minute gift needs, too.

Here’s a quick apron project made from the tablerunner panel of the Moda Merry & Bright fabric line.  The kits ($15.99) will make either a tablerunner (you add backing) or this cute and quick little apron. All you have to do is hem the sides and one long edge, gather the other long edge and apply the waistband ties. The panel comes with a choice of edge colors – red, teal or green.  These kits are available in the shop or online.

 Here’s another quickie little gift that I can highly recommend – Potato Baker bags! I was given a set of these as a gift for my birthday, and I have used them over and over since then. If you want the convenience of microwave baked potatoes with the taste of oven-baked, then you need these bags. I use mine at least once a week, and trust me the potatoes taste just like you baked them for an hour in the oven…and it only takes minutes in the microwave.  These will be terrific gifts for teachers, newspaper carriers, your hair dresser or anyone you want to remember with just a little something.

Here’s a download of our instructions for the Potato Bakers.  Hope you enjoy making these, and don’t forget to make some for yourself!  Ummm, I think we’ll have Baked Potatoes for dinner tonight!

Melisa

I’ve missed my calling…I should have been a race car driver! Remember all those pillowcases I had planned to make yesterday? Done – finished – completed!!!

From this  

 to this  in 2.1 hours!!!

Thanks to Becky’s suggestion that I use her serger to get them done, I was able to finish all 35 in just a little over 2 hours! And before you ask, that does not include cutting them out – I did all of that the day before!

Serging is the way to go with this many pillowcases. I am usually slow and methodical when it comes to sewing…but once Becky showed me how to use her serger, it was truly “pedal to the medal” all the way! And there was something really cathartic about hearing that serger hum and watching those little slivers of fabric just fall away, leaving behind a perfect seam! Sort of made me wish I had more to do when I’d finished…NOT!

Hope you’ve had a quilty sort of day. I’m heading home to leftovers for dinner and a little snuggle time with my laptop! (now how weird is that?)

Melisa

I have set a goal for myself for 2009 to get into shape. Why you ask? Because I will be turning 50 in August – how the heck did that happen?!?!  At any rate, I have started to think about the lifestyle changes I need to make to meet that goal (and now that I’ve put it out there for everyone to see, hopefully I’ll be motivated to follow through!)  I stepped on the scale yesterday and had lost 8 pounds! Woo and Hoo! So I’m all psyched to continue whatever it is I’ve been doing that has netted me an 8 lb. weight loss.

Is it this? Breakfast of champions? Every single day my routine is to eat breakfast as soon as I get to the shop, generally like 7AM. And except for the type of cereal, I always eat the same thing – cereal with low fat milk and a Diet Coke. I never start my day without a Diet Coke!

This is a pretty healthy way to start the day, don’t you think? Well, except for the Diet Coke part. But there are some things I am just not willing to give up and Diet Coke is right up there at the top of the list. It may not be good for me, but at least it’s calorie-free!

So I’ve already had the “talk” with myself about watching what I eat during the holidays, and now that I’ve had a little weight loss, at least maintaining that over the next few weeks. And I had every intention of doing just that – and then it started…

This arrived yesterday afternoon at the shop. A holiday gift from a neighboring business. Ok, I thought, fruit is good and it won’t pack on the pounds like chocolate or cookies. So I ate an apple and a tangerine as a snack. And felt very smug and virtuous, too, I might add.

I can do this! I have plenty of fruit on hand now to get me through the next couple of weeks.

Yeah right!  Then this arrived…

(Sorry for the glare – I didn’t dare take the plastic covering off ’cause I knew I’d just dive right into this yummy goodness!)  What is it, you ask? Why it’s a box of my favorite Belgian Chocolates, compliments of our accountant.  With names like Deliz (milk chocolate with creamy hazelnut praline center), Zanzibar (dark chocolate with ganache filling), and Aramis (white chocolate with truffle and raspberry flavored center). My mouth is watering just typing the words!

Reality check here! I know for a fact that this box of chocolates won’t last 3 days here! Every time I walk by that box is going to call my name, and sooner or later (ok, we all know it’s going to be sooner!) I’m going to cave and have a piece of chocolate – probably that white chocolate truffle with the raspberry center. And next thing you know the box will be empty and there will be 8 pounds packed back on my butt!

I figure January will be soon enough to start working on this goal, right? Christmas only comes once a year, and the temptation is just too strong! And why should I punish my friends and loved ones by forgoing all the treats and goodies I usually make during this season? How’s that for rationalization! At least I’m honest, right?

In the spirit of the season, I wanted to share the bounty with you. I’ll be making these little gems for gift-giving and having a few myself, too. Easy OREO Truffles from Kraft Foods – go here for the recipe. I’ve already made out my grocery list!

So what are some of your favorite holiday goodies? Do you make cookies and candy to give as gifts or just to have during the season? I love to cook, so share your favorite recipes with me.

And after January 1st, you may have to remind me about this goal. It’s pretty obvious I have no willpower so I’ll be counting on all of you to keep me on track!

To make this post somewhat quilty, I’m off to sew! I’ll be whipping up 35 pillowcases for the local nursing home residents and a few for the grandies. They’re all cut out and ready to sew so it will be “pedal to the medal” for me all day long. I’ll share a pic tomorrow when they’re all done! I hope you’re having a quilty day, too.

Melisa

P.S. Head over to the Greater Atlanta Quilt Shop Hop blog and tell Sarah about your favorite childhood vacation memory – she’s giving away Batik fat quarters! You’ll want to check the Shop Hop blog often, all of the participating shops will be having giveaways as we count down to Shop Hop 2009.

  Breathe…slow, deep breaths…there’s still plenty of time!

We all want to give everyone on our list something special but in today’s economic climate, it just doesn’t seem possible. This year may be different. There’s a feeling of what is really important, bringing us closer to our families and friends. This year give from the heart – and your hands. Handmade gifts mean so much more because you put a part of yourself into each one.

The shop is packed with holiday decorating and gift ideas. Table runners, table toppers, small quilts and tote bags are perfect for gift giving. Here are a couple of quick projects that you’ll have plenty of time to make before Christmas.

Mini Miranda Bag Pattern $9.00

The Mini Miranda Bag is a purse-sized version of the popular Miranda Day Bag pattern. Six inside pockets and a few places for pens, too. Measures 10 1/2″w  x 9 1/2″h  x 4″d.               

Tukaway Tote Pattern $9.00

Tukaway Tote – Make It Easy by Quiltwoman.com

Small when folded into its pocket, yet expands to hold tons of goodies when you need it. So easy to make it and so convenient to have on hand. Make a bunch for yourself and all your friends. We have batik kits made up for the Tukaway Tote in yummy combinations!

Checkbook Cover Pattern $6.00

These checkbook covers take only 2 fat quarters! You can make one for every name on your list, and a one for yourself, too!

Table Scraps Pattern $8.00

Quick & easy table runner pattern from Quilting Bea. Pattern includes all four holiday center designs, machine or hand applique. Don’t have time to do the applique? Use a panel or focus fabric for the center instead, and quicly string piece the runner itself. Easy to customize in colors perfect for the gift recipient!

I hope these ideas have jump started your gift-making mojo! Come on in the shop and see the many other quick and easy ideas we have for you! Happy Quilting!