Review ...

... (please note that I was given an e-copy of this book to review)

There may not have been much quilting going on around here lately, but that doesn't mean I can't read about it, so, when I was offered a free copy of this book to read and then write an unbiased review, I leapt at the chance.

Simple Blocks, Stunning Quilts the Squareagonals Way, by Sandi Blackwell

I have been aware in a vague sort of way of Squareagonals before, but never really known much about it. Well, it turns out to be really simple. You make blocks for a quilt, lay them out and sew them together, make two cuts across your quilt top, rearrange them and sew together again, and hey presto, you have a quilt that is set on the diagonal, with no worrying about setting triangles or silly maths or anything.  There are six designs in the book but each one shows an additional two layouts, so in fact there are eighteen quilts you could make. The instructions for the blocks are all well-written and a relative newcomer will be able to make most of them. The only stumbling block might be finding the courage to take the plunge and making those scary cuts at the end. I think it'd be well worth it though for the great looking design you could end up with. It's certainly a technique I intend to have a go at as soon as I get the time to get back to quilting.

Happy Christmas

Do you like my latest Christmas tree?

It's made of biscuits and I actually made it myself. 

(Most people don't realise what a Domestic Goddess I am.)

It was very tasty, even if I do say so as shouldn't.

Have a great day everybody.

It's definitely ...

... Christmas in my house, look

and here is my first Christmas present of the year.

Isn't he gorgeous? This cute little snowman was made for me by Scrappy. I really love him and it makes me realise that I must learn how to machine applique soon.

Meanwhile, because Dad's been very ill, I've been spending a lot of time sitting with him, so my lovely new sewing machine is not being used very much at the moment, but I have managed to do a some hand sewing at the same time. 

There will be three little redwork squares made into a small wall hanging. Mrs Nomad saw this and asked if I'd make it for her for Christmas. Fortunately she didn't specify which Christmas cos so far I've only got this square complete and half of the next one! 

My gift to Scrappy was only finished at the last minute. She and Mr Scrappy were coming visiting last Sunday and it was the last time we'll be able to get together before Christmas and Saturday evening at 9pm saw me putting the last stitch into my gift to her, and I know she was also doing last minute sewing. 

Hmm, maybe next year I need to restart the Christmas Quiltalongs? What do you think? Who'd be with me?

It's beginning to look ....

.... a lot like Christmas ....