Christmas 2018

Christmas celebrations started on 22 December with a party for my brother's children and grandchildren.  Such a lovely afternoon and great fun for Mum to spend time with 9 of her great-grandchildren.  Little Abel is the second youngest (at the moment) and he's such a lovely little fellow.

The only hand-stitching this Christmas was a decoration for each of the little sweethearts - Annie Downs designs.

Finally a stocking for Kurt - it's about time.

Jenni and Kurt arrived on Christmas Eve and we settled down to watch The Carols with Raspberry & Cranberry Frozen Cocktails.

Christmas Day was relatively quiet with 6 for lunch.  Jenni decorated the trifle.

Boxing Day was a bit more lively with the whole family over for lunch plus a cousin or two - so happy they could join us.  Raspberry and Coconut cakes for sweets on Boxing Day.

Gorgeous shopping bag from my cousin - lovely surprise present.

Friends visited Boxing Night and, as always, it was a lovely, relaxing night.

I think these were popular presents this year.

During the days between Christmas and New Year I've had some sewing time (in between spending time with my family).  "All Wrapped Up" quilt top is together.  Love the sparkly fabric for the sashings.

Made two "Long Time Gone" blocks - taking my time with this quilt because, although I'm looking forward to having a finished quilt, I really enjoy making these blocks with the birthday fabric from Elizabeth, Matt and little sweetheart.

"Trip Around the World"

"Plus a Star"

Blocks roughly in place where they'll be in the finished quilt.

Latest sewing has been "Patchwork Sky" - these fabrics were cut out last October.  This is a great design for chain-piecing while catching up on tv shows or watching sport.

Layout next and then sewing the blocks together.

Tonight Lynell and I are off to the Opera House to see "All You Need is Love", a show featuring 35 Beatles songs with great singers and musicians.  Makes coming back to work a little easier.

To finish off - Gulli and Michael playing with one of Gulli's Christmas presents.  The Hawks should sign up Gulli now - after their very poor show on New Year's Eve, the Hawks need a new star shooter.