Lavender and Green CQ Christmas Pillow Completed

I've been having those moments where I ask myself "Why didn't I do this as soon as I finished my block(s)".  I can put these together in just a few hours and the more I do the quicker they go.  This block and the block on the last post have been sitting around since 2011.  They were created for Pat Winter's Crazy Quilt Gatherings publication (Issue 4, WI 2011).  I know many (if not all) of you interested in CQ are familiar with Pat.  If not, you must link to her HERE!  She is so talented and so sharing in her knowledge.  Pat was a huge inspiration to me when I began my journey in CQ.  Warning:  Lots of photos below.

This block is dripping in sequins, pearls and lots of sparkle.  I wish I could convey it in the photos.

I wanted to go for a non-traditional Christmas color and this postcard was my inspiration.  Lavender being my favorite color also made it easy to decide.  I also loved that this postcard had holly and violets together.

My mother-in-law had given me some Christmas fabrics when she moved into an apartment and I found these three small scraps of purple poinsettias.  I literally used all there was on this block and as you can see that wasn't much.

I pulled some other related colors and wanted to add a contrasting color but not yellow.  This is more of a subtle amber contrast color, fabric left over from my fall pillow.

I know most of us like close-up photos, so following are lots of photos showing close-ups and before, during and afters.

I do want to mention that the beautiful snowflake shown directly below is a blog prize I won from Marie Alton.  It was perfect for this block which has a snowflake theme.  Her blog is sredeluxe.blogspot.com.  

See...2011!  Maybe I should change my ways ~ lol.

Some of my snowflakes came from scrapbooking embellishments.  There were beads that are lightly wired and I simply stitched them on.

I am happy to announce I only have one more pillow to complete for my finished blocks.  I am going to be doing some more mini blocks for two reasons: (1) I want to finish my CQJP2013 commitment and (2) we are planning a trip soon to Arizona and New Mexico and these are super 'take along' pieces to work on while travelling.  We are hoping the weather in Arizona and New Mexico is warmer and more pleasant than here in Iowa!  We are ready for a break from this as are most others I know.