November meeting

Although it's only November, as it is our last meeting of the year, this had a Christmas theme. 

June's raffle was beautifully decorated Christmas parcels. I don't know what was in them, as I didn't win one, and every one who did seemed to be saving it for Christmas Day. What self-restraint! 

We had a fabulous array of treats to taste, both sweet and savoury.  Luckily some people had brought fruits, so we could kid ourselves that it was all healthy food! 

And we all had an activity of making a clever Christmas decoration from some felt shapes and some beads.  It was very easy, but produced an impressive result. 

Here is Beth's finished heart design.  Pretty. 

Unfortunately I completely forgot to take any photos of the 'Fifteen' challenge.  The entries varied from a teddy bear to a waistcoat garland, through quilts and wall hangings.  The winner was Gwyneth with her festive tree skirt decorated with appliquéd characters and scenes from the book 'The Snowman'.  A very worthy winner!  (And would you believe that fifteen people voted for her quilt?  Amazing!) 

Luckily Gwyneth's husband took a photo for us.  There are 15 snowmen, 15 trees and 15 different border fabrics.  She says she had lots of fun making it, and I'm sure that's true! 

Show and tell was kicked off by Paula's Jack in the box quilt.  She used a fat quarter pack of blues and creams which had been donated to Project Linus.  It looks stunning! 

A good use of the leftovers from the pack, with a hint of yellow. 

Here is a great way of using feature fabrics in a strippy arrangement.  I love the pale blue background. 

This is a panel which Paula has quilted for a friend's new grandson.  I'm sure it will be a huge hit. 

Maria made this quilt at a workshop, although she hadn't realised how big it was going to turn out!  The thought of quilting it wasn't an attractive one, so she asked Liz to oblige.  Good decision. 

Here is a glimpse of the back, where you can see the beautiful design.  

Liz herself brought this cute baby quilt.  Apparently a friend of hers was on the loo, when she noticed a lovely clamshell design on her loo paper.  She asked Liz if she could make a quilt using this theme.  Liz wasn't to keen on making a whole quilt of clamshells, so came up with the clever idea of using the shapes for feathers.  Lovely. 

And to finish on a festive note, here is Gaynor's offering.  This will either become a wall-hanging or a cushion, or maybe a wall-hanging with an envelope back!  

I would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year. 

See you in January!