It's been a while!

 These were the three hundred squares that I had cut to be made into half triangle blocks, but I couldn't get over how colorful this quilt would be! I don't think rainbow would match my parents very much.

 So I ended up playing it safe and going with half square triangles in two solid colors. I liked the overall effect so much better. I was inspired by this quilt and really wanted to one like it for my parents.

 These are my craft fair finds. The cups and cards were made by our local high school art teacher. I picked up the pitcher and cups for my sister who had her favorite coffee mug broken a couple of months ago and she was on the prowl for a new favorite. She has assured me that both of them were perfect. She uses one for coffee and the other for tea. Don't you love it when gifts that you give people are loved?

 The day that my parents returned to the mainland I put their quilt sandwich together. It helped with missing them so much. Here it sits on my sewing table ready to be quilted.

 We got a visit from one of my close friends from Oahu. Her beautiful baby is now seven months old! It was so nice to be able to visit with them and get to know their baby. She loves music, so she got a chance on the keyboard. It was our first duet!

 Baby fell asleep next to mom and dad and she was being held by mom but was reaching out for dad. The moment was so precious I had to take a picture!

 I was originally going to machine quilt this, but ended up really wanting to hand quilt it to make it even more special for my parents. I wanted to pour as much love as I possibly could to express how much I love them.

 The process is slow, but it makes me happy. Thankfully they don't mind getting their anniversary present a couple months late.

 The backing of this fabric was so pretty and was so them. I'm excited for them to get the finished product!

It has been raining and raining and raining. The perfect weather for tea and quilting and netflix. Ross and I are currently on winter break from the school so it has been so nice to be able to sit and stitch. He has been taking advantage of the surfing season, so while he surfs I get to stay home and spend some much needed time working on projects. I've fallen a bit behind on my goal list of things to finish this year, but I'm ok with it. We are where we are right?

This month has been full of visits from friends and family, cuddling, movie watching, tea, and baking, and stitching. I couldn't have asked for a better way to end 2013 and to start a new year.

This month has left my cup overflowing and I am feeling so blessed. I am so thankful for the lessons I have learned this year and the accomplishments I have had in my sewing craft.

Thank you everyone who takes the time to read this, and for those of you who have left comments. I am also thankful to all of you who have sewing blogs and who continue to post so diligently so as to inspire others.

It has been a wonderful year. Have you counted your blessings yet?