It all began with a gift certificate. On Christmas, I was the lucky recipient of a gift certificate at my favorite quilt shop. That same shop has an after-Christmas sale where everything is 40% off -- not just Christmas items.
I had a plan. That's right -- had. If truth be told I didn't need a single thing, but I wanted to add a 'back-up' bolt of the aged muslin you see to my stash. That was my plan for weeks leading up to the sale.
Then I opened my gift and the plan went right out the door. It marched right on out with all the wrapping and ribbon that left that day. My mind began to dance with possibilities. I hadn't gone to the shop last week to pre-plan my strategy, to see what books would be great additions to my library, what thread colors would round out my collection. I went to the sale totally unprepared to make the most of my purchasing power.
Of course it was crowded, women everywhere, putting things in baskets, Christmas decorations, rotary cutter blades, fat quarter packs. They were laden with bolt of fabric waiting their turn at the cutting table. I managed to wander around aimlessly for 5 or 10 minutes before my shopping brain finally kicked in. I got the bolt of muslin I wanted, I found 3 other neutral fabrics to have on hand as backgrounds, a few pieces of wool, a Lori Smith pattern I have had my eye on for some time now, a fat quarter pack of Regency prints by Judi Rothermeil and some basting spray, and a wool star ornament -- for good measure. A lovely purchase that made me and the shop owner VERY happy. I must admit here that I went a bit over my $25 gift certificate, but it was worth it.

We traveled to my husband's hometown for the holiday and spent the day with his parents, aunt, sister and her children. We had a delicious meal prepared by his sister -- the flavor only enhanced by the fact that I didn't not lift a finger to cook or clean. Due to space limitations, we stayed at a hotel nearby. Our room had 2 queen beds. Here is Harper on her bed with her new Christmas baby. I'm sure if she got the chance to visit Santa now, she would ask for her very own big girl bed instead of a puppy cushion on the floor.