Silver Lining

My mother was the most wonderful person in the world.  She always found the good in people and situations.  She would often remind us that "every cloud has a silver lining" and we should try our best to find it.  She didn't just say it, she meant it.  She always found something nice to say and was always doing for others.

Since our economy took a nose dive (the cloud), I have been noticing people coming together, being a little kinder, helping each other a bit more and finding ways to make do with what they have (the silver lining).

It seems that the frugal attitude is also finding its way back into quilting more than ever.  I have noticed more and more scrappy patterns, crazy blocks, string quilts and selvage blocks (more of that silver lining).

Although I love, love, love scrap quilts, I have not been a great fan of using selvages in my quilting until today!  I opened a new magazine and found the cutest ornaments made from selvages.  If you get a chance, check out the November/December 2010 issue of McCall's Quilting and look at page 52.  You will find a cute stocking ornament and an adorable bell ornament. These great projects look quick and easy.

It seems that these cuties were designed to use for Christmas Tree Ornaments but I think they would also be adorable  tied on any gift box or bag.  They would make great gifts for quilter friends and/or gift exchanges.

If that's not enough.....you can also visit the website www.McCallsQuilting.com for a pattern to make selvage strip gift ornaments in 2 sizes!

Happy Quilting,
Laurel