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 became second nature with me, ingrained so it’s automatic.

However, I’ve discovered this has become a lost courtesy with most people. They may say a hurried “thank you” when you hand them something, but never a note, not even an e-mail. Not that I give gifts solely to receive a thank you note. Also, if you send gifts a distance, you do like to know the person received it and that it’s not floating around in transit for ages.

My daughter and son-in-law have their children sit down after Christmas, birthdays, and other gift receiving occasions to write notes to those who have given them the gift. I’m pleased this is being carried out for yet another generation of my family and hope they think to teach their children.

I wonder what’s happening to our society when thank you seems to have gotten lost…and taking time to write a note is almost never heard of.

What do you think about thank you notes? Is this something you do and teach your children?

(Amazon image)

Post from: Blisstree

Has the “Art of Thank You” Disappeared?

Post from: Blisstree

Quilting Books for Christmas Gifts

 She seemed to enjoy this gift, even though she had Alzheimer’s and resided in a nursing home.  She would finger the pattern and pieces and comment, “Pretty.”

 My mother-in-law asked Beth to make her a small quilt to hang on her wall.  Beth used the Ohio Star pattern because Mum grew up in that state, even though she’d spent the last 60 years of her life in New Hampshire.

Do you make quilted and fabric art gifts for the people in your life?  Share with us what you made this year (unless the person you’ve made it for reads Quilting and Patchwork, too!).

(Amazon image)

Post from: Blisstree

Handmade Quilts & Fabric Art for Gifts

Here’s another serving of weekly offerings from the Arts Bloggers. 

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 wood from a stage set, and recycled paper. She’s binding it all with spool knitted cords, and has embellished it with a Celtic Tree of Life. A very green Christmas present indeed!

Layers Upon Layers
Come meet Theda Sandiford, and enjoy her multi-layered and challenging collages! 

Spice Up Plain Pens with Wrapping Paper or Magazines
Make a stocking stuffer for cheap!

We Want More Ornament Ideas!
Eileen and her elves have been crafting up new ornament ideas. Here’s just one example. There will be more to come!

Write a Thankful Poem
Even though this is described as a Thanksgiving activity, you can adapt it to any time of the year, suggests Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork.

(Jomashop image)

Post from: Blisstree

Offerings from the Arts Bloggers

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)

Post from: Blisstree

Check Out the Virtual Mall on Cyber Monday

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 jewelry lover – but do you know what to get one who loves to make jewelry? Cyndi at Jewelry and Beading has the answer!

Chloe at The Doggy Blog shares an adorable wish list as written to Santa Paws.

Christine at Mad Cropper knows how to please those who are crazy about scrapbooking during the holiday season.

Quilters anyone? This unique craft makes for the tougher shopping experience – but that’s so yesterday considering we have a pro in our corner. Let Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork help you pick out the perfect gift.

Angela from Breastfeeding 1-2-3 provides a list of gifts for the breastfeeding
mother on your list.

So maybe giving kitchen appliances isn’t the best idea – but what about a cool and unique one. Lively Women has put together a list of gift ideas for the health conscious female on your list.

Christine at Our One Heart shares tips and gift ideas to keep that Bride-to-Be happy during the Christmas season.

Tracee at BlogFabulous has put together an amazing store displaying gift ideas for the
woman’s woman.

Christmas is for everyone and shopping for an Alzheimer’s  patients can present a challenge – allow Mary Emma at Alzheimer’s Notes to help you overcome that challenge and get on to the joys of the season.

Have someone who might be looking to become a little more organized in the new year? Let Chloe at Tangled Thread help you pick the perfect gift.

Unique gift ideas for the mixed media art lover on your list is what Cyndi from
Layers Upon Layers has on display.

Have an aspiring to advanced chef on your list this year? Cyndi at Busy Family Meals has an extensive list to cover every stage of cooking from beginner to pro.

Eliza has pieced together a shop that covers mom, dad and baby at Babylune. Why leave anyone out?

Heather at Chocolate Bytes did! Our resident chocolate expert has put together sweetest gift shop you won’t want to miss.

Who says married couples are boring? Check out the letters to Santa as shared by Marc and Marye of Marriage Actually and see what might appeal to the married couple on your list.

Jennifer from Tree Hugging Family provides a wonderful list to help you go a little
more green this holiday season.

Don’t forget about that single and dating friend or relative! We all know how difficult it can be to buy for them – Lucky for us we have Dating Dames and the Dames have the answers.

It’s never too early to start buying for your favorite gardener and Linette at Mother
Earth’s Garden has a wonderful list to help you decide.

Have someone a little offbeat or kooky on your list this year? Let Jennifer of Offbeat Homes help you find the gift that’s spot on.

Join Linette at She Knows Parties for fantastic gift ideas!

Marcie from One Book Two Book and A Child Chosen shares a wonderful shopping list she’s  broken down by age groups and hobbies.

Whether it’s tea or coffee you are looking for, Marye from Kettle and Cup has unique gift ideas that’s sure to add a little spice to your hot beverage.

Haven’t figured out just how to shop for the junk lover and crafter on your list? Let Peggy from Junk Creation assist you with your selection.

And last but certainly not least, I’ve compiled a list of MomGadget Favorites – A
Year in Review 2008 instead of a storefront for you to shop.

From all of us at
Lifestyles – Health & Wellness

We wish you and yours a
very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2009!

(Image credit: Stock.xchng)

Post from: Blisstree

Quilting & Patchwork Joins the Virtual Mall with Shopping Suggestions

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 so, which one?

Enjoy!

(Christmas Central image)

Post from: Blisstree

Holiday Shopping – Find Assistance at Quilting and Patchwork

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

Post from: Blisstree

Quilting Tip – New Use for Calendar Towels

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.  Thank you.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Quilting Query – Where Can My Reader Find Corduroy Quilts?

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 so you’ll be ahead of the season?  Have you checked out the Christmas fabrics and accessories in quilting supply shops?

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Christmas in July – Preparing for a Hassle Free Holiday Season