Friday, December 16, 2011

Favourite Things Friday



And so we come to the final Favourite Things Friday for 2011. This time next week we'll all be up to our eyeballs in last minute Christmas preparations, unless you're one of those organised types that has had their crap together since about October. If you happen to be one of those people- I hate you. I've finished my Christmas shopping but I haven't started wrapping anything yet.

Among my favourite things for this week is the fact I'm still mostly sane despite a crazy week at work (one more day until the weekend whooooo hooo!).  I'm missing hanging out with you guys and can't wait until I have time to pay you the attention you deserve again while I'm on holidays. Holidays ....I just want to keep saying that word. Who wants to bet I'm going to be writing blog posts bitching and whining about being bored by the end of week 3 ?

This week has been all about working and quilting. I realised this morning that the last time I finished a full sized quilt was in August! So my favourite this week is ultra sweet. 

The No Frills Quilt is finished ....Ta Da!


I decided on the quilting about three minutes before I did each section so we have straight line, echo quilting and some random"organic " stuff going on in the borders too. I want to keep this one for myself....I really do. I love those fabrics. 


While I was quilting this I decided I hated it. I kept repeating "It's not over until the binding is on". And once it was washed and chucked in the tumble dryer and came out in all it's crinkly glory I fell in love with it.  I think my sister in law will  too. It's very "Brooke". No frills and no fuss. 

There has been lots of other crafty activity going on around here as well but the icing on the cake is that this week "A Day At The Beach" got finished too.  I know! Two quilts in one week. I rock. 


Sharon the quilting guru did an amazing job and quilted it using a subtle variegated thread to represent waves. Thank you Oh mighty Quilting One. She always makes my quilts look amazing. 


My nephew is going to LOVE this. I love this!


That quilting is so beautiful and makes those solids look ultra special. 


And you know what ? I think I can squeeze one more quilt finish in before Christmas if I try really really hard because the Merry Go Round quilt is ready for binding. 

Finally, to  everyone who has linked up , commented and played along with the Favourite Things Friday linky party in 2011, -Thankyou. I really enjoy popping over and seeing your  favourites and appreciate you taking the time to write about some of your favourite things.  It's always one of my favourite things for the week. Favourite Things Friday will be back for 2012 on January 6th.


Link away. You know what to do !


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36 comments:

  1. UnknownDecember 16, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    I absolutely adore the combination of blue and brown - I call it chocqua! Beautiful quilt.

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  2. HelsieDecember 16, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    Two fabulous quilts you clever thing. Lovely gifts for your family, they will love them. Thanks for hosting FTF. It gives me something to blog about when everything is a bit ho hum at home
    Cheers

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  3. Vicki @ DottyJaneDecember 16, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Gorgeous colors! I agree, you rock:)

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  4. LisaDecember 16, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    You are the bomb! Woohoo, great job at getting things done! I love all the blues, doesn't it feel awesome to finish things? When I get my quilting machine set up, I'm going to tackle the pile of quilt-tops that's been waiting..... I can't wait!!

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  5. Canadian AbroadDecember 16, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    I love both those quilts. The border on No Frills is fabulous!

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  6. KrisDecember 16, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    You do rock! Both of those quilts are truely gorgeous. (I am in love with the first if you really want to know!)

    Pretty sure you will NOT be bored during this holiday break. And if you are email me and I'll think of something for you to do! Just think of all that lovely stash you have to play with!!!

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  7. Michelle RidgwayDecember 16, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    Your quilts are a feast for the eyes. I love 'No Frills'. Thank you Shay for hosting FTF. Amidst all the laughter and fun you gave us a platform to think about what we are grateful for and what makes our hearts sing even when we thought there was nothing that particular Friday.Focusing on our Joys in life ia a very worthwhile pastime. You are very special person Shay.It was wonderful visiting everyone else's FTF's to see what made their hearts sing as well. Have a great break.
    Blessings Michelle

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  8. bjDecember 16, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    thanks so much for hosting.

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  9. theaDecember 16, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    I love both quilts! Are you sure we aren't related? I am so glad that you made it through this week with your sanity ..

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  10. melissaDecember 16, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    Your rellies are SO lucky, a quilt is the loveliest gift of all and these two are just beautiful! You amaze me with what you achieve! Roll on holidays... Woo hoo!

    x

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  11. Marcia - Crafty Sewing and QuiltingDecember 16, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    Cool you got a lot done this week! Love the Day at the Beach - with the blues and greens! Beautiful!

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  12. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    ooooh oooooh oooooh - two BIG quilts in one week - now who's the over achiever ;) lol...
    I am in love with both of them but I have the wanties really bad about that solid one last. That is AWESOME!

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  13. KirstenDecember 16, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    Wow..two awesome finishes in one week. Girl you rock..no wonder you don´t have time for anything else...how long will you be off for? What are your plans for the hoildays? Maybe we can find some time for skyping during our days off. Miss you :-)

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  14. RachaeldaisyDecember 16, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Awesome quilty finishes!! Congratulations!! I go through love hate relationships with my quilts as I'm making them, I'll have to remember that binding chant.

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  15. seabreezequiltsDecember 16, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    Love the first quilt, you know where you can send it if it's not wanted. I am sure I need another quilt... the family might beg to differ lol. Its been a great FTF year even though I haven't always been committed. Today I am quite seriously hung over but I made the effort to join in for the last FTF. That last strawberry daiquiri at 10pm was the straw...

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  16. JenniferDecember 16, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    I love your quilts too!

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  17. Baa-Me KniitsDecember 16, 2011 at 11:01 PM

    I can't believe its Friday again! My youngest informed me this afternoon that we only have 5 weeks of holidays left!!!! Holy Crap when did 8 yr olds start counting down holidays?? Anyway we are in the usual holiday meltdown here so no FTF this week, I will be more into the groove by the beginning of January I hope.....roll on boxing day is all I can think of right now. Thats the start of my holidays :-)

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  18. Baa-Me KniitsDecember 16, 2011 at 11:01 PM

    PS I love the no frills quilt too! :-)

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  19. AndreaDecember 16, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    Hi, better late than never!just come across your blog via Clares Craft room, 2 quilts in 1 week im impressed!good luck with the rest of your LIST!

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  20. Sarcastic QuilterDecember 16, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    I love the no frills quilt and may possibly steal it if I get over there. :)

    And when did you create that solids? I really like that but honestly missed the entire process which tells me just how neglectful I've been online all year.

    Thank you for being the hostess with the mostess for all of us every Friday. You are awesome.

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  21. Kirsten's CookingDecember 17, 2011 at 12:56 AM

    You know, if you finish all of these projects, you can just be lazy for your holiday! I don't think you'll be bored....I hope you'll just enjoy every minute of your well-deserved break!

    Your quilts are beautiful. I am so amazed at the talent of quilters - all the work that goes into these creations, and then they become an heirloom. Your sister-in-law and nephew are going to feel so special! Great job, Shay!

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  22. AnnieODecember 17, 2011 at 2:37 AM

    Hooray for you! Finishes are fabulous any day and especially during stressful times. The solids do look spectacular and I love all the blues in both quilts. Gorgeous gifts!

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  23. CharDecember 17, 2011 at 3:39 AM

    I love both of these quilts Shay! Good for you 2 finishes in one week. I too haven't finished a quilt in weeks, I've been so busy with small things for gifts and the bazaar.
    I really love Day at the Beach. The colors are beautiful. I might have to make a quilt with all solids. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  24. MichelleDecember 17, 2011 at 3:44 AM

    You chose such lovely shades of blue for both quilts, Shay. The border in the No Frills quilt sets off the simplicity beautifully, and you're right, the quilting in Day at the Beach is perfect.

    Thanks for hosting FTF for another year, Shay! Happy Holidays to you and yours!

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  25. SaraDecember 17, 2011 at 5:22 AM

    I love doing favourite things friday, it's a wonderful excuse to reel off a little list of things that are making me happy.

    By now (it being after 5am saturday and all) the weekend has commenced. Hope it's a good one and that you get everything done :)

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  26. KatieDecember 17, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    beautiful! love them both.

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  27. ElizabethDecember 17, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    Beautifully don! Way to get some great finished in. I like the No Frills (formerly known as the Blue & Brown) quilt. And A Day At The Beach is amazing. The binding is smashing!

    Thanks for a year of great FTF's.

    xo -E

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  28. PauletteDecember 17, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    A Day at the Beach -- SWOON! I love, love, love it! No Frills is a beautiful finish too! Way to go, Shay. Thanks for being our hostess with the mostest for Favourite Things Friday! Enjoy your holiday! (How long do you have off, anyway?)

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  29. Dianne NealeDecember 17, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    OMG I love A day at the beach. The colours absolutely shine - makes me this of a blue caribbean sea. Not that I've seen one, but it makes me think of the one in my dreams!
    Sorry I'm late on parade. Hope I'm forgiven. Thanks for hosting, and see you next year!

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  30. MargDecember 17, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    I absolutely love A Day at The Beach, the colours are perfect, it's just beautiful and I can't believe you made that quilt top so quickly.
    Love love love the border on No Frills, my favourite colour combination since I was about 10 is chocolate and aqua.
    You did good real good.
    I do hope you don't get bored during your break, I'm sure you will be making lots of quilt over the holidays, at least you will be able to have lots of nanna naps too.

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  31. MisteaDecember 17, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Yay you - favourites all round.
    Beautiful quilts completed and ready to be shared.
    Have a fabulous last week before your big break.
    I am looking forward to the merry go round she will be gorgeous.
    Enjoy

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  32. KateDecember 18, 2011 at 6:42 AM

    Wow! You have been busy. Beautiful quilts, both of them. Can I be on your Christmas list next year?

    I'm a bit bummed that I missed the last FTF this year, but getting ready for my 2 weeks of vacation meant buckling down at work. Hope you enjoy your holiday.

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  33. Angie in SoCalDecember 18, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    Both projects are super. You DO rock!

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  34. Jindi's CottageDecember 18, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    Very impressed with your two finishes in one week...and they are both Awesome!...

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  35. LarriDecember 18, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    You are a Quilting Goddess! Gorgeous quilts, Shay. They are both so vibrant and beautiful. Quite like I imagine you are, sweet friend. Happy Sunday night! ☺

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  36. VesuviusmamaDecember 31, 2011 at 1:27 AM

    Your quilts are awesome, as usual. I especially appreciate how you get such great results without mentiong how easy peasy they were to make. I have yet to make an easy peasy quilt, and I thumb my nose at people who do. There are curses and seam rippers and doubts about fabric choices behind each one of my quilts. Let's keep it real, folks!

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