Festivus

I belong to a wonderful group of quilters who meet at a quilt shop in Haddonfield NJ, called The Little Shop.  We can sign up to sew our projects their on Friday nights throughout the year.  This group of ladies has become very tight and we all support each other.  We also like to throw in some goodhearted competition to mix it up a bit.

One of this past year's competitions was The Lost Block Challenge.  Last year at this time, we each brought in some blocks and things that were just not working for us.  We put them into brown paper bags and we then each grabbed up a bag.  The challenge was to make a small project from these lost blocks by December of this year.

I ended up with the mother load of lost blocks!  Over 20 gorgeous blocks, and some yardage of flowered fabric to boot.  I could see the creator's problem after inspection.  Each block was lovely, but they somehow didn't go with each other well.

I agonized over what to do with these blocks!  Then it dawned on me to make several small projects.  This realization came to me last week!  No time like the present!  Anyway, I auditioned them, found some that were just right to be showcased on their own, and some others that did go together well.  I came up with a bag, a journal cover, and a portfolio.  I used the green and brown fabric to bring things together.

We have what we call a "Festivus" party every year to celebrate the various holidays and culminate our various competitions.  Low and behold, not only did my projects win the "Most Quilterly Lost Block" category, but also "Best in Show!"

Aren't the ribbons adorable!  I will treasure them always.  There was stiff competition.  I do owe most of this to the wonderful quilter who pieced those blocks originally.  She did a fantastic job.

Here's some of the loot I came away with from our Yankee Swap.  Good food, fun contests, great friends, and presents too!  A great combination.