Fun little gifts

Living in land-locked Idaho, our family relishes the time we get a chance to see the ocean, wiggle our feet in the wet sand, watch the birds glide effortlessly across the vista, and breathe in that fresh, moist salt air! And the Oregon Coast happens to be my coastline of choice when it comes to wonderful beaches and gorgeous scenery.

From the time I was seven, my mom, who raised two children as a single mother, saved her quarters so that every other year we could vacation at Cannon Beach, Oregon. It quickly became our Favoritest Vacation Spot In The Whole Wide World!  So imagine my delight when I was able to spend some time there this summer on business. What's that? Business in a beach resort community! Heavenly!

And wouldn't you know it? Just a block down from our hotel was the best little beachside quilt shop, Center Diamond.  And after browsing around for an hour or so, I came up with an idea for Christmas gifts for my daughter and nieces.  And one for myself, just because! 

These watercolor panels of famous Haystack Rock were just $8.50 apiece and would make a great centerpiece for a small wall hanging.  Just now as I looked up their website, these panels are featured on Center Diamond's home page, so I guess they are a popular item.

Which one do you like best?  It was fun to mix and match batiks for the borders, and quilt them with swirls to resemble the ocean waves.  The backing is a great white fabric with blue starfish.  So for all of us landlocked beach-walker-wanna-be's, these  wall hangings will be a good visual reminder of our Favoritest Vacation Spot In The Whole Wide World.  Sssshhhh......just don't tell them yet.

I also want to share a project I just finished up.  It's my Christmas quilt and it was the first quilt I quilted on my long arm machine last spring.  I finally got the binding put on, gave it a good washing, and now we are snuggling up with it just in time for Christmas.  Couldn't resist posting this photo of my husband with such a smug look on his face.

And, just in case I don't get back here before we start our Christmas festivities Friday, my wish for all my quilty friends is a Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and safe journeys if you will be traveling.

Barb