I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for the friends who have given me a heart full of joy. - Charles R. Swindoll

I have loved beginning this blog with a quote. As I said when I began I have a huge collection of quotes and books with quotes that I have collected and referred to many, many many times. Now I can really use them and share them with my blog friends. The quote above is so appropriate to this weekend...I love it when the quote "fits" the topic..

This has been a busy weekend with quilting friends. On Saturday I RE-launched my Silver Thimble Club (formally Stitch N Sisters) which is now an independent group of quilters who share their passion for quilting and mix it with a TON OF FELLOWSHIP, laughter, tears, and love. I love this group of quilters and I simply can't imagine not having them in my life!... we welcome new members to our ranks any chance we get. We are a large group, I will hold 3 classes for the group on the third weekend of every month. Projects are offered and kitted up by local quilt shops. We will be doing my Pinwheel Parade pattern and my Wrapped in Comfort (body Pillow) during the first quarter of the year, with other projects from other designers coming in the future. I am thrilled with the turn out and even more thrilled with the response everyone gave at the cookie swap on Saturday. This group of people are the reason I began my design business, Stitch N Quilt and its owners are the people who encouraged me and gave me the support to strike out on my own as a designer. I'm so grateful to them ALL and I count my blessings every day that these women are in my life. We are going to plan road trips and field trips in the coming months. We will be supporting every quilt shop in the Atlanta area in a big WAY!!

Then there was our annual "Crow" Christmas brunch and gift exchange. We draw names every year and make a gift for a fellow Crow. The talent in this group of women is AMAZING and that is an understatement........Here are a few snap shots of the the day, the festivities and a FEW of the gift exchanges...I wish I could include all of them. We all sit together in my dining room at one table and talk and enjoy the fellowship of the day...we told stories and caught up with all the stuff that is going on in our busy lives. We have been together for 5 years and I'm sure we will be together for the rest of our lives, many more years to come. Our friendship began with the sewing and has grown deeper and richer. There is always the quilting but it is REALLY SO MUCH MORE! I love the way quilting brings people together and changes and enriches our lives in so many different ways. I witness the strength of this art form EVERY DAY.......AS Bonnie Hunter said.."I quilt, therefore I am."

With so many blessing to count I am grateful for my family and the life we share and for my friends old and new... What a wonderful weekend and a lovely beginning to CHRISTMAS WEEK.

Pat