Material Girls would like everyone to know how much fun we had at our end-of-the-year luncheon on Wednesday, December 18. It's always fun to get together and see how creative our friends are, and this was the first meeting after Sunny gave us a mini-challenge of making something with a sparkly, sequined fabric. The challenge isn't actually due until the January meeting, but some over achievers wore their creations to lunch, thrilling us all. Fortunately, Kristie took pictures, so you can all see the results.

The back of Justi's simple black shirt was edged with silver sequins tied into a bow.

Kathy used her fabric and some eyelash yarn to create a stunning peacock.

Margaret couched some sparkly thread around her reverse-applique flowers.

Nancy's elegant tailored shirt was given some classy fun with sparlkly cuffs.

Isn't that fun? Now, the rest of us can be either intimidated or inspired by the early results, but in any case show up on the third Wednesday of January in JoAnn's of Redlands at 12:30 to see more.

The San Bernardino group held ita annual Potluck-and-Planning meeting on December 6. We had a guest and potential member that evening—Naomi Bruce—but we were just as rowdy as ever, so that was fine.

Marilyn allowed our meeting to begin with food, because the dishes brought to share were so delectable we couldn’t contain wait for any boring old business discussions. I especially remember Rosalie’s go-to rice dish, Ricki’s delectable cheese ball, and Kristie’s home-made hummus (don’t ask for a recipe—it’s different every time.) I won’t mention the desserts because just thinking of them makes my mouth water and I hate to drool on the keyboard.

Naturally, I didn’t take pictures during show-and-tell because I keep forgetting my cell phone has a camera, but if Carolyn sends any pictures that she took to me, I will post them later. Meantime, here is a picture of Gina’s Christmas tree rag quilt that she forwarded to me. 

Gina was on her way to the meeting when she got a call from her son, so she talked to him instead. Family first—right, Gina? We approve.

Next, we had a brilliant example of Marilyn’s excellent leadership: she encouraged us to plan our program for the upcoming year without ever raising her voice. Although she did mention one time that she was not going to sit there all night while we came to a decision.

Here it is, our upcoming year of sewing fun:

January: Guest Speaker about drapery fabrics

February: Clothesline Bowls with Shyron and Barbara

March: Hand stitching techniques with Marilyn

April: Vinyl Organizer with Nancy and Kathy

May: Steering wheel cover with Ricki and Shyron

June: Teddy Bear Trunk Show

July and August: No meeting while we finish up our challenges

September: Potluck and Challenge Reveal

October: Paper Piecing with Barbara

November: Kreativity with Kristie

December: Potluck and Planning with Laughter and Love