Today was the wrap up of the Halo Sunday Sew and Sews--we had a Christmas party with goodies to eat and quilts to show off. The food was great but guess what? They brought me a gift!! Behind my back, they had a little project going. Using the fabrics from their Halo Star Medallion quilts, they presented me with this amazing top they made as a group: What a touching surprise! I love it and all the memories it holds, of friendship, fellowship, love and learning. They suggested I add a border with my fabrics--maybe I will. It's pretty perfect just the way it is. Can't wait to quilt it! The house was ready: My Quilt-y Tree with quilt, dragonfly and an A-6 ornaments The new household tree so Stella can see our family ornaments And I had gifts for them too: None of us knew everyone when we first met last January 8, 2017 but we are all members of the Heritage Quilters of Huntsville. We started with 15, one dropped out and today 3 were unable to be here. The 10 who did come brought snacks and I had the hot apple cider ready--it's cold here today! After we ate and they presented my quilt gift, I pulled their names from a hat and each was able to select any quilt they wanted from these shown in the basket. They couldn't open them, just had to choose from the folded part they could see. The last person thought she would be stuck with the last quilt but NO, she got this: Halo Star Leftovers 24" x 28" So sorry I didn't get a photo of Donna and I with this piece--my leftovers from my Halo Star Medallion quilt. She was happy to get it and I think the others wished they were last. As I made this I knew I was going to give it to one of them, so glad I decided to give everyone a quilt. Just like Oprah said: you get a quilt, and you get a quilt, and you get a quilt...! Now to show you the wonderful quilts they made. Each quilter stretched herself and learned a lot, especially how to solve problems when they arise, as they will. Enjoy the show: Jodie--she said this may be all she does and we assured her that was fine--it's a great quilt just like this Brenda--she may add just one more narrow border Pam--love that little green border and the funny story that goes with it Terri--perfect for a large bed. She may take some of the red border off since she will be paying by the square inch to have it quilted Jo Anne, sister to Brenda--their competition kept them each going Donna--another happy quilter who learned a lot Janet--just wow! Can't wait to see this quilted. I want to see this hanging in Houston 2019 in the Sapphire Celebration for the 45th anniversary of Quilt Festival. She will submit it late in 2018 for consideration. UPDATE: Sheila wasn't able to join us but in early January she sent this photo of her completed top. She thinks she will leave the corners as is--I love it: This was a great year for me too--at least my studio got straightened up once a month. These ladies have all become more friends than students and most are already signed up for the 2018 Block of the Month, designed by Edyta Sitar. This time we're meeting at Patches & Stitches so we can accept up to 20 people. Sign up for that class here. We start January 7, 2018. We will be the Sunday Sew and Sews 2. You must be a Star member of The Quilt Show to participate so you can print your patterns. Let's Quilt! Barbara