Thank you
Since the season of gifts and giving recently passed,
I guess I’m more aware that “thank you” and thank you notes (even e-mails) have become a lost art or lost courtesy. When we received gifts, or even were shown acts of kindness and consideration, my mom had us children write thank you notes.
Each year, the day after Christmas, the four of us sat at the dining table and wrote notes to Grandma, Auntie, Uncle Charles and Aunt Freda. If there was anyone else, like Cousin Ina or a neighbor, who gave us gifts, that went on our list, too. This …read more

Merry Christmas, everyone.  I hope you’re having a very special day.  Ours has been relaxing and enjoyable with family around.
Quilting and fabric art books were on my daughter’s list.  Her husband and I got her the following:

It’s a Wrap (Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets and Bowls) by Susan Breier.
Beaded Felt Jewelry by Helen Birmingham
The Uncommon Quilter (Small Art Quilts Created with Paper, Plastic, Fiber, and Surface Design) by Jeanne Williamson and Foreword by Karey Bresenhan.
(Amazon image)

 Handmade Gifts
  My daughter just read an article reporting that more people are purchasing craft supplies and making gifts or buying them this year for Christmas.  The Etsy online site has been doing a phenomenol business in some areas.  This reminds me of days ago.
For I grew up in the era of handmade or homemade gifts.  Sometimes this was because we and our relatives didn’t have the money to purchase many from the store or mail order catalog.  Often it simply was because we liked to make something special and the recipients enjoyed these gifts.
 In later years, when I had a family, we made …read more

Here’s another serving of weekly offerings from the Arts Bloggers.  Some of these reflect holiday projects…gifts and ornaments.  Others are pure fun.
Christmas shopping for fiber-aholics with Tangled Thread
Need a gift idea for the fabric or fiber-aholic in your life? Chloe has put together her favorite picks to delight the crafter on your list.
Freaky Friday #138 at A Creative Journal
A visual journal prompt using photos & images of your family 
Green crafts – A new hand made book from recycled wood & paper
Noreen’s been working on Christmas presents. She’s just finished making a journal for her sister in law, using old …read more

Just a reminder that Cyber Monday is here.  Check out this list of shopping ideas from the b5media Lifestyles and Health/Wellness bloggers.  They’ve compiled a Virtual Mall of items you can shop for those special Christmas gifts.
Quilting and Patchwork and my other blogs are participating with their shopping lists. 
 So, you can sit right at home, click on your keyboard and get your shopping done without battling crowds or weather.
Enjoy!
(Jomashop  image)

Bloggers from around b5media’s Lifestyles, Health and Wellness channels
are giving readers a special surprise. We’ve created a virtual mall to help ease the anxiety of shopping for those on your Christmas list who may be a little more difficult to buy for.
 
Stop by Kettle and Cup and select your favorite hot beverage, kick back and browse
this years Holiday Gift Guide Shopping Extravaganza. 
Cherie from Career and Kids has the perfect list for the business woman/working parent.
Mary Emma from One Book Two Book shares a suggest shopping list for the avid reader and artist on your list.
Everyone knows what to get a …read more

Super Shopping
To aid you in preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday and your other shopping, we at the b5 Lifestyles and Health/Wellness channels have compiled lists and suggestions.  The lists also are usable beyond these two shopping days.  You can get ideas here for much of your gift giving.
I have lists (in the Pages sections of my blogs) posted at:  One Book Two Book, Quilting and Patchwork, and Alzheimer’s Notes. 
One Book Two Book:
2008 Holiday Gift Guide (Mary Emma)
Quilting & Patchwork:
2008 Holiday Gift Guide for Quilters & Fabric Artists
Alzheimer’s Notes:
Holiday Shopping for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
Did you find one list more helpful than another?  If …read more

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com
Awhile ago, I discussed calendar and tea towels as fabric for quilts and other items.
Recently, Isabelle shared with us her use of calendar towels:
My favorite use for calendar towels is to make either toss cushions if they can easily be divided into halves or frame them. They make great gifts for someone born in that year, or who married or bought a house that year. But first I highlight the month and date of the occasion with glitter, embroidery or whatever is most appropriate.
Thanks for sharing, Isabelle.  You have great ideas for lovely gifts.
(c)2008

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com
One of my readers checked out my post, Corduroy Quilts,and wanted more information about them:
I was browsing the internet for a corduroy quilt (possibly even a duvet style if that is even common or possible) and came across your blog. I was wondering if you still are making them, have any, or could direct me to where I could find one. I am searching as a gift .
Since I no longer make quilts, corduroy or otherwise, on commission, I was wondering if anyone else made them or knows where my reader can find them.
Let me know in the comments below.  …read more

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com
Qulting and Patchwork has joined several other bloggers in presenting Christmas in July tips and ideas for getting ready for the season ahead of time so you don’t have a rush in December. 
At All Holiday Cafe, we have a Holiday Survival Guide.
At She Loves Parties, you’ll find Getting a Head Start on Homemade Christmas Ornaments & Deocorations
I’ve presented some ideas in previous posts:
13 Holiday Recipes for Quilters to Enjoy
7 Quilted Christmas Gift Projects for Youngsters
Quilters, What Colors for Christmas?
5 Christmas in July Ideas for Quilters
Christmas in July as Quilters Get Early Start on the Holidays
Do you start making projects in July …read more