Today I attended my quilting bee's annual Christmas party, at Sally's house as usual. I had a great time and ate too much. The first order of business was Show & Tell. Rita showed us the gorgeous quilt she bought in Turkey in November. And Barbara showed us the quilt she made for her most recent grandbaby.
After Show & Tell, we enjoyed our usual game of Dirty Santa. But this year, instead of everyone bringing a Christmas do-dad, each person brought gift-wrapped fabric--fat quarts, jelly rolls, yardage, whatever we wanted to bring. We all had fun opening packages, stealing from others and having a good time. I think Mary opened the most packages. People kept stealing from her. We've all vowed to have something made with the fabric that we got by our July meeting.
The package I opened contained this interesting black-and-white fabric, two yards. Not being a black-and-white kind of person, I didn't know what in the world I was going to do with it in the beginning. But by the time I got home, I had decided I would use it for background squares for my appliqued monster quilt I hope to make soon.
Below is a photo from my Flickr Faves of a finished monster quilt. You can use either applique or embroidery to make the quilt. I want to make one of each, like some of my quilting bee buddies have done.
After Dirty Santa, we enjoyed a fabulous feast made up of all the covered dishes everyone had brought. I feel like I won't need to eat again for weeks.
Below is my friend Sally's gorgeous Christmas cactuses. I don't think I've ever seen one quite so thick with blooms.
I'm so glad I had a party to go to today. This is Vann's birthday. I wouldn't have wanted to celebrate by myself. Happy Birthday, Boo. I know you must be having a heavenly party today.
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On 12/07/2009, judi0044 said ...
I have the same cactus - mine has always been a "Thanksgiving" one blooming just before the holiday. It went crazy this year - must have been just the right conditions for them. Great idea for using your wild B/W fabric.
On 12/07/2009, Barbara Anne said ...
What a wonderful party, great quilts, fun game, and I can just imagine the delicious foods. I think your fabric will be perfect for the monster quilt. Good thinking!
Happy Birthday, Vann! Remembering with you, Susan.
Hugs!
On 12/07/2009, Nancy said ...
Susan, the party looked like so much fun. I think that black and white yardage you got would be perfect for background on the Monster quilt. I have seen that quilt one time in a wonderful little shop but the bright background overshadowed the delightful 'monsters'. The black and white should really make them come alive (um, so to speak, lol). I'm also glad you were able to spend this day with close friends and quilting 'partners in crime', so that Vann's birthday will be remembered so fondly. God Bless.
On 12/07/2009, Niki said ...
I love your idea for a "monster" quilt. The black and white fabric is a terrific choice for a background. Where did you find the pattern for the monsters? I would like to make a quilt for Halloween 2010. Any information you have would be appreciated.
On 12/07/2009, Kai said ...
Happy Birthday, Vann! I know you were with Susan at her party, laughing quietly at all the fun and shenanigans, and smiling at HER joy! Susan, what a great party! The quilts are SO pretty, and I really love the black and white fabric to back your monsters. As Nancy said, it will bring your lil' monsters to life rather than overshadow them! I used to have a Christmas cactus but it bloomed late December & definitely not so beautifully! That one is just so full & pretty! Sending you an extra bundle of hugs tonight! LOVE YOU!
On 12/07/2009, Dandelion Quilts said ...
I think that fabric would be great for your monster quilt. How cute! How are you? It looks like your party was fun. I pulled out my polka dot apron you made me last year and have already had several compliments on it. It is so darling and just love it. Of course, I replied that was a swap gift from my friend, Susan!
On 12/07/2009, valerie said ...
What a great way to celebrate his birthday with friends and having fun. I hope you had a great day and many more to come. I love the monster quilt! How cute.
On 12/07/2009, Dandelion Quilts said ...
Okay...Susan I think I found the problem. Give this one a test!!
On 12/07/2009, Kelly Ann said ...
I have the same cactus but it only has one flower...I must be doing something wrong. What a great way to celebrate Vann's life by spending it with your friends..he would be proud.
On 12/07/2009, Pat said ...
What fun and a great way to celebrate your husband's birthday! Lovely quilts - so much imagination! I love that Christmas cactus - I have my mother's who died a little over 2 years ago, and it hasn't bloomed yet. I have it in a darker room now trying to coax it to, but so far no buds.
On 12/07/2009, Deb said ...
What a fun game opening fabric, layer cakes, jelly rolls, etc.! Sure sounds like a fun, fun time!
On 12/07/2009, Laurie said ...
Happy birthday, Vann. I know he's celebrating with the angels. Guess what? It's my husband's birthday today, too.
On 12/07/2009, Nicole said ...
Hey Susan. Love your idea for the monster quilt, and so glad you had a happy event today. Every time you get through one of these significant dates, things will get easier.
On 12/07/2009, Linda said ...
Isn't the Lord's timing cool?! --to arrange for the Bee party on this particular day! His grace is sufficient in all things. It sounds like you had a lovely time with gal pals. And now... inspiration for your monster quilt. I have not seen one of those. It looks like a fun one to do. I think I would hang mine on the wall because it would make me smile every time I looked at it.
Hmm, p'raps I need to go talk to my Christmas cactus. I think it might could work a little harder.
Blessings!
On 12/08/2009, Deb said ...
What a hoot, it sounds like you all had great fun Susan, I am so pleased. That black and white fabric will be perfect for your monster quilt.
What an absolutely beautiful inch plant with those stunning deep pink flowers.
On 12/08/2009, Libby Dillard@numail.org said ...
Love the Monster quilt! The black and white fabric will be great for it! Vann went to UGA?? Just another reason to love that guy!! Happy Birthday Vann!
Libby
On 12/08/2009, Rian said ...
What wonderful fellowship. And I LOVE that monster quilt!!!
On 12/08/2009, Amy said ...
Not being a black-and-white kind of person
I did not know that there was such a quilter. :o)
Your idea to use it as a background for those bright appliques sounds great.
On 12/08/2009, Lisa D. said ...
I'm glad you had some good friends to keep you company on a sad day. I think your black and white fabric would be fabulous for the background of your monster quilt!
On 12/08/2009, Jan said ...
I adore the "Monster Quilt," and the black and white fabric will be perfect!!! Happy Birthday to your sweetie ... I imagine he's having himself one heck of a Heavenly party! I love the idea for the Santa's and sooooooo wish I could help you out, but I threw away years and years of cards just last year! Hope you get enough :)
On 12/09/2009, alexandrine said ...
Hi Susan !
I arrived in Fréjus near Saint Tropez where i'm for 3 weeks...for my new job !!
Your monster quilt is marvellous !!!
I write by the real post soon !!!!
On 12/15/2009, Lori in SD said ...
Vann got beautiful flowers on his birthday!
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