Holiday Prep

Good Morning Ladies! Less than a week until the whole tribe shows up for our family Christmas this Sat. night/Sunday. I spent most of the weekend rearranging/cleaning/redecorating the bedroom of the retreat space to accommodate everyone. It's been almost 4 years since we hosted quilting retreats and the bedroom was looking weary. I'd put away most of my antique quilts and vintage decorations since the grankids were the only ones sleeping there. After moving beds, pulling out quilts and decking the walls, it feels like the cozy KT retreat space it always has. I don't have all the beds made yet but will have pictures soon.

Congratulations to Christie (commented on 12-10@6:41pm) and Linda (commented on 12-11@7:42am). You're this weeks winners of the Christmas patterns. Christie will receive the 3 patterns from last week's giveaway and Linda will get the Merry, Joy, Wish and Warm Memories booklets. It's not too late to send in your money for either set of patterns - or both! $5 postage would cover it all!

We're so pleased with the response to our new book, Loose Change, and the rulers -Five & Dime and Spare Change. Soooooo, this week's giveaway is a set of rulers and the book! I'll be posting next Monday, Christmas Eve, to announce the winner. What a fun Christmas gift for yourself or a friend. 

There are several fast & fun ideas for Christmas included in Loose Change - Christmas Coins features a Layer Cake and Charm pack (watch for my new Christmas collection in May 2013, Icicle Kisses),

 A darling wall quilt using a charm and mini charm pack with wool holly & button berries and a Christmas wish embroidered in the border by Cheryl Ross of Heaven on Earth Quilt Shop in Wabash, IN....

and a cute pincushion made from an extra block! Even I could get a couple of those made for gifts next year! 

One more trip to the store for brunch fixin's and a couple of stocking stuffers (and another bottle of holiday cheer!) and we'll be good to go for this year's celebration. I love that all the kids and grankids come to spend the night, then we open presents in our p.j.'s and have Christmas brunch like we used to when they were little. As they head out the door Sunday evening to gear up for their own family Christmases, Robert and I sigh a little and relish the quiet once more. 

Wishing all of you a wonderful holiday season and a blessed Christmas with family and friends.