christmas reveals

I've handed out most of the gifts, so I can finally show some final pictures!

First is the hubby's quilt.  This is my biggest accomplishment, but I don't have a good whole-quilt photo yet, but here is what I could get of it after I put it on the bed.

I got up at 6:30am Christmas eve morning to finish the binding on this.  He's been home the same time as me so much, I struggled to get it done on the sly.  But he had to work 6-11am Friday, so I set the alarm, got up before daylight on a day off and worked like a maniac, hoping if he got out early (there was a chance) that I'd have it done before he arrived.  A 8:30 it was finally done AND labelled.  PHEW!

I made the bed with it and put a little "Merry Christmas" note on top and he walked right by the whole thing.  How he managed to miss it, I'll never understand!  I had to send him back up to look for it, and being a smart aleck, he came back down with just the note and a quizzical look on his face.  Then he started laughing.  He likes it.

Here'a s closeup of quilting in the blocks, which I think is pretty cool.

(If too many of you can't see it, I'll re-post it and tweak the lighting some more...I know the colors are dark and the thread matched the fabric.)

And on to the keychain wallets.  Here's the loot I crammed inside:

When I found the chocolate coins, I knew that was a no-brainer!  The silly bands were probably the biggest hit overall, but I think once the kids get to spend the gift certificates, they'll have some fun.

But my family didn't realize I'd made the wallets.  I mentioned something about the blood and sweat that went into making these and I got dumbfounded looks.  "YOU made these?" they all asked.  I suppose that's good, right?  They're so well-made they think they're store-bought?  (We won't go with they're so poorly made they clearly came from an inferior factory...)

And last but not least, the little ornaments that went to a couple of good friends at work.

I learned a few things in making these, but my friends liked them and appreciate that they're homemade.  (And understand that homemade doesn't always mean perfect in the literal sense.)

I hope you all have had a Merry Christmas (or any other holiday you might celebrate around this time of year)!

Off to check on my banana bread.  The house is starting to smell delicious, so I think it must be almost done.

Happy quilting,

Katie