Wednesday, December 24, 2014

December flew! Merry Christmas!

1
So, I always have this feeling of guilt when I look at the date of my last post on this blog.  As good as my intentions are at keeping up with my blog, it seems like time is moving so fast.  It has been a fabulous December.  Really.  I happen to love my tree - call me a little crazy detailed though, there are a ton of ornaments on this tree.  So much so, that recently the stand broke and Clint had to wire the tree to the wall. ;-)

2
Because this is our first year in this house, we don't have room for our ginormous tree from the last couple of years.  That means I had enough ornaments for two trees, this one is in my entry. I admit I did buy more red and gold ornaments - I have a thing for those colors this time of year.
 
3
I had a lot of fun with my railing as well. 

4
I spent a lot of time in my studio this month.  I wasn't able to share all that I have been working on, but I did have a lot of fun. 

5
I had the chance to see this incredible view from my studio windows.

6
I love being able to step out onto my roof and enjoy the sunset.  I feel so much closer to God every time I take the time to enjoy His creations.

7
We took a couple of trips up to Salt Lake City (4 hours north from here) and had our own Hallmark movie moment ice skating at the Gallivan Center.  We have watched our share of Hallmark Christmas movies as well.  Have I mentioned I love this time of year?

8
A trip up to Salt Lake isn't complete without going to see the lights at Temple Square.  It was so beautiful and thankfully, not that cold. 

9
I found this incredible tree silhouette after a beautiful Christmas concert here in Saint George.

10
We have had time for walks to the river and of course my boys are all over throwing rocks in the water. 

12
Red happens to be my favorite Christmas light color and main street in Saint George did not disappoint.

13
One of the funnest parts about this time of year is watching the excitement and anticipation for Christmas through my children's eyes.  My son Micah wrote this incredibly hilarious note to Santa. I couldn't stop smiling at his honest - almost reverse psychology approach.

14
This picture was taken on Sunday before church.  I can not believe how grown up these little munchkins are getting.

15
It's been a crazy busy time and I feel exhausted like my little boy here sleeping on a restaurant floor.  This time of year is busy, but it is also wonderful being able to focus on family and friends and most importantly the birth of our Savior.  I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas! I wanted to share this beautiful video with you about the true meaning of Christmas.  I wish you a safe and wonderful holiday. Merry Christmas!




Thursday, December 4, 2014

Patchwork Professional and another finish.

1 
Okay, first things first.  I had a happy mail day this week when I received my copy of Patchwork Professional. I was asked a few months ago if I would like to be featured in their magazine. Of course I would!  It's a beautiful magazine and they did a fabulous job with the article.  Now, I just need to brush up on my German to read it. ;-)  The title of the article is Judi Madsen - The Queen of Quilting.  Wow, that's quite the title and honor. I certainly wouldn't call myself that, but I thank them just the same.  I still have to pinch myself every time I think about where quilting has taken me.  An article in a German quilting magazine?  That is totally cool and it makes the quilting world that much smaller.  I love that quilting brings a common interest to so many of us throughout the world.
   
2 
Okay, so I have finished this fun quilt.  Jan asked me to quilt this before Christmas so that she could give this Simpson's themed quilt to her son as a gift. What a labor of love.  I know he will treasure it forever.  He better!  Jan - I have a sister who would love it if he doesn't. ;-)

I have to apologize that I didn't get better pictures of this quilt.  It was raining and foggy when I finished this quilt and it's the same today.  I grabbed a couple quick shots with my phone and then headed off to the post office to ship it off.  

3 
Anyway, the thread was Glide - love that stuff.  I used Magna-glide for the bobbin and I love the combination.  The tension was perfect throughout the quilt.  I used two layers of batting - 100% cotton and Hobbs 80/20 blend.  This gives the quilt a wonderful texture.  

The quilting was a lot of straight lines and I did what I could to keep it simple.  I had to refrain from quilting too much so that this quilt would be able to be cuddled with. 

4 
Pretty sure this is my favorite border design that I have come up with.  I really love how it frames out the quilt and compliments the flying geese throughout the quilt design.  

I love it and I hope you do too!