Monday, December 21, 2009

Downunder Christmas 09

It is starting to feel a lot like Christmas around here, with the obligatory last minute trips to shopping centers and their overflowing car parks, postal delivery delays and also some really beautiful Christmas light displays, food preparations and gift wrapping.


It does not leave a lot of time to devote to my sewing and my blog.  I am therefore going to take a short blogging break to spend time preparing for Christmas and enjoying seeing in the New Year with family and friends.  2010 promises to be a wonderful year for Red Pepper Quilts, and cannot wait to see how it all works out.
 Hope Valley by Denyse Schmidt

I will be returning on Wednesday, 6 January 2010 with a GiveAway post!  Besides it being the start of the new year, there is much to celebrate.  Since starting blogging in April this year, I have posted more than 200 posts, received way more comments than I could have ever anticipated, and have had more than 550 followers sign up to follow my blog!  Every reason to celebrate and it is going to be worth the wait!


In the process of posting about my quilting journey I have learned so much; about computers, blogging, photographing quilts, sewing, quilting, and sharing information, but best of all I have made some amazing new friends, likeminded bloggers and quilters without whom Red Pepper Quilts would not be the same. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, or stopped by my blog just to see what I have been  up to, I look forward to seeing you all again in 2010!

Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
from Rita at
Red Pepper Quilts

54 comments:

  1. Your Hope Valley quilt is stunning.
    Happy holidays Rita.
    Andi x

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  2. I have had the pleasure of following your blog since the spring virtual quilt show. You have shared so many pretty quilts, and done so with so much generosity! I hope you'll have a very well deserved break over the holidays with your loved ones. And may next year be a happy and creative one!

    ps - love your happy valley quilt!!

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  3. And a very merry Christmas, Rita to you and your family! It has been such a delight to discover and admire your work this year. I can't wait to see what 2010 holds for you.

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  4. You completely deserve a blogging break!! So much wonderful inspiration has come via red pepper quilts this year. Your level of output and the quality are jaw-droppingly awe inspiring!!
    So please enjoy your break, your friends and family and the very best the season has to offer:)

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  5. And a merry Christmas to you too Rita!!
    Your Hope Valley quilt looks gorgeous! Can't wait to see the it finnished.
    I hope your have a happy holiday!

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  6. Merry Christmas Rita!

    As always, your beautiful quilt really delivers...such a wonderful layout to showcase the new Hope Valley range.

    Tahnks for the inspiration and your generosity. Looking forward to 2010 x

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  7. Dear Rita,
    Thank you so much for the wonderful blog you have provided us - it has been such a joy to read every day and so inspirational. It was also lovely to meet you at the Sisters Market and to see your gorgeous work in person.
    Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year to you and your family.
    Look forward to seeing you in 2010.
    Kind regards, Christine xo

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  8. Merry Christmas to you!
    See you, Vanree

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  9. And Merry Christmas to you too Rita. Thank you for taking the time to blog and share and thanks for all the inspiration and beautiful work. Theresa

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  10. Have a great Christmas with your family Rita!

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  11. Rita, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season too! Isn't it amazing what we learn just from blogging. You have been a wonderful inspiration all year and I look forward to you coming back in January with even more inspiration. Enjoy your Christmas and Happy New Year!

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  12. Love what you are doing with Hope Valley...and very Merry Christmas to you and yours! See you next year!

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  13. Your blog is really wonderful, thank you so much for all your inspiration, I'm so glad I found you and wish you all the best for 2010!
    Hugs from Germany
    Astrid

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  14. Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year with friends and family!! Looking forward to your return in 2010!!

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  15. This year has been what it has because, in large part, of your blog and your quilts! You've inspired, encouraged and taught so many of us so much! Thank you!

    God's richest blessing on you and your family as your journey towards 2010 and may your days be merry and bright!

    Merry Christmas!

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  16. Oh Rita....part of what has made this last half of 2009 such a joy is finding you in blogland! I have so enjoyed each and everyone of your post and have learned so much from you. And seeing how much fun you are having with this blog was part of what inspired me to start my own blog...and I'm having a blast with it. Even if I don't have many followers I feel like it is an online diary and a way for my family to see what it going on!
    So THANKS to you for all you have taught and inspired me...I feel now the second part of my life...sans kids at home....now has a direction!!:)
    Hope you have a joyous Christmas and I look forward to an even better New Year with you!:)
    xoxo

    PS....we had 21" of snow on Saturday!!! Definitely a white Christmas here in VA!!
    http://deeroodesigns.blogspot.com/

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  17. See ya in 2010! Have a wonderful Christmas and an equally fantastic new year.

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  18. To one classy lady - just in case the light bulb doesn't go on for a little while - have loved being with you in 2009 - loved your card, thanks, and really, really looking forward to 2010 - I'll be there!
    Hugs - Lurline♥

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  19. Merry Christmas to you too Rita! You're my Color Teacher... always such fresh combinations! I've learned a lot from you!

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  20. merry christmas Rita....see you in the new year

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  21. Adoring that quilt! Happy Holidays talented blogger!

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  22. Merry Christmas to Rita from Rita! Have a wonderful holiday. Thanks for giving us such an inspiring blog!

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  23. gah! I can't wait til I get my hope valley, it looks so wonderful. Happy Holidays :)

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  24. I'm loving this new quilt!!
    Rita, have the Best Christmas EVER! Take care!
    Paulette

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  25. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I just wanted to say that even though I have only recently discovered your blog you have inspired me to make my first quilt. It's only small (a dolls quilt), and there are mistakes but I am so proud of it. It will be a present for my daughter for Christmas and I can not wait to give it to her.

    Can't wait to see what lovely creations you come up with next year.

    Happy Holidays

    Jo
    xx

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  26. Have a wonderful Christmas Rita - love the new quilt - it's gorgeous!

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  27. Merry Christmas Rita! The Hope Valley quilt is brilliant! See you in 2010 :)

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  28. Merry Christmas Rita! I don't know how I'm ever going to survive without your blog that long but I'm going to see! Haha Happy Holidays and safe travel if you have to get out!

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  29. Merry Christmas Rita! Thanks for all the wonderful posts and inspiration! Have a safe and happy New Year! Looking forward to seeing what you make in 2010 and more of your yummy stash! x

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  30. Merry Christmas, Rita! I can't wait to see what you make in 2010!

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  31. Have a lovely Christmas, Rita!

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  32. Have a lovely Christmas, Rita!

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  33. Oh my! I had no idea you'd only been blogging for less than a year! Apparently everyone loves your blog as much as I do!

    I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

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  34. Have a great break and a merry Christmas !

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  35. I adore that new Hope Valley quilt! Enjoy your blogging break and the holidays!

    Joan

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  36. You are an inspiration! Happy Everything!

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  37. Merry Christmas Rita. We will miss you and your inspiring daily blogs!

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  38. Merry Christmas Rita!! Have a wonderful time with your family and friends.

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  39. Rita thank you for giving us such a inspirational blog to follow. I have learned so much from you.
    Happy New Year 2010!!!
    Sylvia F:)

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  40. merry christmas...must be quick because now I want hope valley NOW! I just love your quilt! perfect!

    Corrie:)

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  41. Yep. Take a step back and see everything you made! Well done to you. And a merry, merry Christmas to boot!

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  42. Yep. Take a step back and see everything you made! Well done to you. And a merry, merry Christmas to boot!

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  43. Merry Christmas Rita -- have a wonderful break!

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  44. I can't believe how productive you are. Seems every day or so there is a new project. Love it and wish I could be so industrious!

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  45. Merry Christmas Rita. Enjoy your break. I'm looking forward to the coming year and being inspired by all you fantstic work.

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  46. Merry Christmas Rita,Have a nice break you earned it.
    See you on Christmas eve
    Love Mum.

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  47. Merry Christmas! Hope you have a wonderful New Year's, too! ~Jessica

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  48. Merry Christmas Rita! Thanks for the sharing you do!

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  49. Merry Christmas Rita , looking forward to seeing what 2010 brings for you .
    The Hope Valley quilt is gorgeous .

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  50. Thanks and same back at you. :-) Just since april? Then I must have found you right at the beginning and it feels like I've "known" you for way longer! You're part of my daily entertainment and I always love to see what you're up to so thanks for a nice blog, great taste and good skills. Hope you'll keep being as productive next year too so I'll have something nice to watch while dreaming about making quilts for my family.

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  51. have a wonderful time with your family! happy new year!!

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