The Three Kings for Helen (December Mod Queen Bee)

Merry Christmas Helen.   I love it when a plan comes together.  I had soo much fun making this block for you.  I decided to stretch myself a bit...you soo deserve it...you are a wonderful person...and I am very thankful to have you in my life...Yes, I know kinda sappy.

But here it is.  She asked for a block that features your favorite holiday and provided this luscious gold fabric.  So, I had to build upon it...I hope you enjoy.

Barrelling through the Year - Gifts for All

I have had any number of things to post these past few weeks.  Of course the holidays are upon us and Santa's workshop is in overdrive.  That's in my home as well as my various organizations that I participate in.

This season is flying by, it is already the middle of December and the otherside of the New Year is almost upon us.  This is a time that causes many to reflect and be thankful for all of their blessings that they have received throughout the year.  Oddly enough, I have not put up my tree at home.  I did put my Santa advent calendar on the door for the kids to change.

My heart is warmed by all of the activity that is centered around giving to those in need.  My dear friend Victoria had her Basic's quilt distribution in the Bronx.  Throughout the year Basic's collects quilts to be distributed to people transitioning from homeless shelters.  This is a wonderful cause and a great gift for someone's home.  These quilts are beautiful.

December 1st Distribution



Lisa (aka Red Headed Mermaid), Quilt recipient and Victoria - Bumblebeans herself



How could you not feel warm and fuzzy making soemthing that will bring joy and warmth to others.

As, I continue on my giving trail.  I am also a member of two quilt guilds.  Yes, I am in groups called "guilds".  (Place holder for a post on what a "guild" really is, smiles)  I am on the board of NYC Metro Modern Quilters with Victoria and I also am the editor of the Empire Guild's Newsletter.

Empire has a yearly charity program that collects toiletries, hats, scarves, gloves, and toys for those in homeless shelters.  They also make stockings and stuffed animals to package the items in and distribute to NYC's homeless shelters.   So there is always a push for collecting and finishing the stockings, etc.  Last month we had a sew in at City Quilter's.  I wrote about it in the newsletter and said we headed for a night at the North Pole.  Thanks to everyone's donations and creations, here are a few of the items that we collected at our meeting last week.  (P.S. Jennifer is amazing...they had a couple of ladies creating gift packages with all the items that were collected.)

And we also had our holiday quilt auction.  People made quilts that represented all holidays and they were auctioned off during the meeting.  An additional fundraising opportunity.  Tiz the season for giving. Below are a few for your viewing pleasure.  Yes, these are quilts.  smiles.

I hope you have enjoyed a bit of holiday cheer.  Hopefully, I will get around to posting the creations from Encyclopedia's Holiday workshop.  Stay Tuned...

Remember to give a little of yourself - help someone up the stairs, smile at people as you pass them by, by a cup of coffee for the man or woman sitting on the corner - It feels real good when you do. 

Through My Kitchen Window, a Bee Block for Jess

Oh what fun. My November Metro Mod Bee Block was to make a kitchen window. Jess wanted a kitchen window block. She provided clear, easy, and concise measurements to create a fun block. She provided the window "sashings and frame" and asked us to create our windows with fabric of our choice.

Being a NY City girl, I thought about what I see through my Window... and the city nightlife came to view.

I am going to have to make a quilt of my own and focus on all the things I see through my City window. Oh brother, another thing for my quilt bucket list. Smiles.

Jess, I hope you enjoy.