Another Quilt Surprise!

The Christmas quilt that I surprised Mr. Goodneedle with wasn't the only surprise happening around here lately; Snowbird's been busy!  Our daughter-in-law wanted to make a king-sized quilt for her cousin's wedding. Leigh Anna put this vibrant Rail Fence top together (the couple chose the colors/theme) before Christmas and patiently waited for a day to load this big beauty on the longarm for some Loop-de-Loop quilting. We chose the Saturday after Christmas and she hit it hard... quilting all day long... did I mention how BIG this quilt is?

Right before dinner our son took a turn on Snowbird... this gift truly was a family affair!

After dinner, with the quilting complete, it was time to attach the binding; because the quilt was so large, and heavy, the ironing board and the cutting table were needed to support it as the binding was set into place for stitching.

The mega-quilt with binding attached, all ready for pressing back and hand finishing.
It was done in time and presented to the happy couple last weekend at their wedding.
Don't you just know it will bring a lifetime of warmth, love, and sweet dreams?

Life is Good!

My Lucky Day!

Today is my lucky day; I feel like I've won the Strawberry Sweepstakes!  This particular china pattern, California Strawberry, has resided in the cabinets of all the homes we've lived in over the last 39 years. It was my chosen pattern for everyday dishes when we married in 1975 and we have been blessed by gifts of many pieces over time. We've done our share of replacing pieces, too, along the way. It is still used, loved, and treasured... every single day.  A few weeks ago a friend asked me if this was the china pattern I owned. "Yes", I replied. She went on to tell me that she had a set she was willing to let go; she has owned it for ten years longer than mine and hers was lightly used, if at all. We agreed upon a price for the entire lot and here it is! I am just as excited today as I was when I was a newlywed bride opening my wedding gifts of this very same pattern. There are pieces here that I've never owned: the pitcher, the shallow cereal bowls, the covered casseroles, larger serving bowl, small platter and the precious cream pitcher! There are other pieces that I am happily reunited with: the butter dish, the tea pot and the large platter! I am happy today; and ever so grateful that my friend and I crossed paths and somehow made this china connection. Thanks, Judi, I promise you... these dishes have found exactly the right home in which to live!

Life is Good!