Wednesday, December 21, 2011

A Childlike Christmas #4, Plus Quilts

I've not been blogging much this month, mostly because I've been making quilts--and getting ready for Christmas, which as you know, is a huge undertaking, one that often leaves you muttering, "Bah! Humbug!" under your breath as you roll out yet another round of cookie dough.

I never muttered "Bah! Humbug!" when I was a kid.

Christmas was a much dreamier affair for me way back then than it is now. The days between December 1st and the 25th seemed a million years apart. My brothers and I counted them ... a million days until Christmas, nine hundred and ninety-nine thousand days before Christmas ...

And every day, it got darker a little earlier. When I was a kid, I didn't know anything about the Winter equinox, so I didn't understand why the sky started darkening around four o'clock. I must have thought the darkness meant the mystery of Christmas was closing in. Christmas does seem the most Christmas-like when the sun goes down and the lights in the windows you pass on your way home burn all the brighter, and the lights in your own window burn brightest of all.

Now my Christmases are filled with lists and errands, and two weeks before Christmas I tell all my friends how much I hate it, and they tell me how much they hate Christmas, too. I calm down once the shopping is done and the out-of-town presents are mailed. But the fact is, I don't really start enjoying the season until right about now. When I was a kid, I enjoyed it all December long.

***

I have been making quilts for Christmas presents, and I wanted to share two of them I've finished (I'll post a picture of the third soon).

This quilt is called "Razzle Dazzle," and it's for my sister-in-law, Jessica, who sent me the fabric last year for Christmas. She didn't send it so that I'd make her a quilt, but these are definitely her colors:


And this is the finished pinwheel quilt, for my editor, Caitlyn:
I finished a third quilt last night, and now I'm not sure what to do with myself!

11 comments:

Pom Pom said...

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! The quilts are beautiful!
Thank you so much for joining me for "A Childlike Christmas"! I had so much fun!

Gumbo Lily said...

AMAZING quilts, Lefty! You do beautiful work. Your SIL and your editor will be so thrilled to receive such a gift -- sewn with lots of time and love.

I still have baking to do and a couple gifts left to make, but it'll all happen even if I'm not really "ready" as they say.

Jody

GretchenJoanna said...

I know what you can do with yourself: sit with a cup of tea and look dreamily at the Christmas tree. A blessed Christ-mas to you!

GretchenJoanna said...

Also, the quilts are so gorgeous -- we can all sit and look dreamily at their pictures!

Elderberry-Rob said...

Gosh your quilts are beautiful, they must have taken ages - I am certain the new owners will want to display them proudly - I would love to have one to snuggle up in and drape over a rocking chair! Have a lovely Christmas.

Melissa E said...

I am so jealous of your quilt making skills! I have decided after Christmas to start on a quilt. Just going to start with the simple blocks, but I am so excited! Glad things are slowing down! Merry Christmas!

Tracy said...

As always your quilts are beautiful works of art. I know if I was the recipient I would feel completely and thoroughly spoiled.

I'm a 'bah humbug' adult too, I'm afraid. This year less so as it all seems to have come together without too much effort and I'm sure a lot of that has to do with having ideas in the first place. Today we have all officially finished any and all Christmas shopping! YAY!

Leslie said...

You have some serious quilting skilz! I especially like your eye for color. You really do a great job pulling your quilts together in a very attractive way. Sure some lucky ladies in your life!

Unknown said...

Wow, what wonderful Christmas presents.

I am glad you are starting to enjoy Christmas now it is close.

debbie bailey said...

No wonder you haven't had time for blogging! I've finally learned the secret to a relatively stress-free Christmas; buy presents all year long, don't send any cards, keep decorating to a minimum, don't put the tree up too early, and have everyone that's coming to Christmas dinner bring several dishes. This makes Christmas a piece of fruitcake or at least a plum pudding!

The dB family said...

Your quilts are beautiful!! I should send you mine to finish. I am doing down right horrible on the quilting part. Crooked lines and uneven stitches. Somewhere I'm sure I missed instructions on how to do it properly.

I wish Christmas held the same magic it did for me as a child, but alas, it does not...

Wishing you a belated Merry Christmas!!

Blessings!
Deborah