I’m constantly running into people who complain about our long Central New York winters. True, by about beginning of March I too am looking forward to Spring flowers and green grass. But as I look out my living room window, with the sun shinning on newly fallen snow, I can’t help but be in awe of the beauty of Winter.

Now that we’re back home from our holiday visit to North Carolina, I can get back to some serious quilting.   Yesterday was our monthly quilting day at the library.I was able to finish a kid comfort quilt and get started on a new applique project. And, of course, I had to initiate my new Sew-Ezi table I love it!

Spending time quilting is one of the best ways I know to spend a cold wintry day.

There's always time to quilt!

Well the “worst” of the storm is over.  Officially we received 18″ of snow.  That measurement was taken at the airport (about 20 miles from our home).  I think we actually received closer to 2′  here.  I can hardly my deck.

The sun came out on Friday – there’s nothing more beautiful than a blue sky with the sun shinning on newly fallen snow.  The snow  “crunches” as you walk on it and is definitely perfect snowman snow.  It makes me wish my grandchildren lived closer so that I’d have an excuse to be outside playing in it.

Instead I spent the day working on my Simply Charming miniature.

The applique pieces are all cut as well as the circles.

My favorite tool for making circles:  Circleese

To make prefect circles every time:

• Place template on wrong side of fabric:

• Spray fabric on front and back.  Iron both sides until dry.  Let set before removing circle from template.

• Trim.
• Remove circle template.  Press on both sides using additional spray starch as necessary so that circle holds it shape.
• My other must have for preparing applique pieces is the Clover Mini-Iron. The multi-attachment version has two mini-irons, which are prefect for pressing applique pieces.
• The applique pieces are ready to be attached to the background by needle-turn applique, using an invisible applique stitch.

We ended a perfect winter day with a dinner in Skaneateles.  Skaneateles Lake is one of the beautiful lakes that make up the scenic Fingerlakes of Central New York.  The main street consists of buildings dating back to 1796 that house boutique type shops, restaurants, an inn, and bed and breakfast.

We love walking around the lakeside community – no matter what the weather.  Last night we were treated to lightly falling snow and mild temperatures as we window shopped after dinner.  Driving home we ran into a whiteout about 3 miles from our house.  The only reference we had to make sure we were on the road was the piled up snow along the highway.  Winter can be a challenge here  – but we’re Central New Yorkers – we can handle it.

There's always time to quilt!

I decided that I needed a break from sewing triangles for my Delectable Mountains quilt so decided to start a new project.  It’s been suggested that we make  the cover quilt from Fat Quarter Quilts by Lori Smith for our next guild group project. - I really like needle turn applique so I thought I’d work on Simply Charming – even if it’s not our next project.

Today was the prefect day to quilt.  We are in the midst of the first ‘real’ winter storm of the season.  This year the winter storms have hit north and east of Syracuse.

A perfect day to be home quilting. (I really have to work at being retired.  Tough job – but someone has to do it!)

My husband must be thinking of Spring.  He surprised with me with this little bouquet this afternoon.  (He is definitely an incurable romantic.)

• First, I traced the applique placement on the background fabric.

• Next Skinny Stems:  These are really easily made with the aid of bias bars.

• I’ve cut out most of the applique pieces.  The circles still have to be cut out.

I’ll begin the applique while watching the Olympics tonight.  Ice Dancing and Ladies Free Skate have to be my favorite events.

There's always time to quilt!