CD Pocket

Burning CD's for someone for Christmas isn't nearly as fun without making them a CD holder to put them all in! I found this great tutorial and decided to give it a try. It was a great way to use up smaller pieces of fabric that I didn't know what to do with. The whole project took maybe an hour from start to finish. Mostly ironing and measuring, and a little sewing. Now it's a proper gift to give!

hoo...hoo!

I made this little owl yesterday for my nephew's Christmas present. The pattern is from Crochet Today Magazine, Sept/Oct 07 issue. It is the "cutest little owl" pattern on page 75. It came together in about 3 hours with little fuss. I used some rice in a tied baggie to weigh down the bottom. I don't know if that was a good idea or not, but I didn't really have anything else to put in there! I think he came out a little larger than the pattern intended, but he looks fine and the stuffing isn't coming through the stitches or anything, so I'm happy with it. Next time, I'll just use a smaller hook!!

Last night, he sat up and watched "The In-Laws" with me. He's a pretty chill dude... I think I might make one of my own to keep me company when the boys are asleep.

Butterstick

Okay, it's not the real Butterstick, but it's almost as cute. This little purse was inspired by Molly Chicken. I am delighted that a good idea can turn one dollar's worth of fabric and two hours into something so wonderful.
I used cream and black felt, cream and black embroidery thread, a small piece of fabric for the lining, and one small snap. That's it! I did a blanket stitch around the arms and legs and ears (they are all two layers of felt). I sewed the three sides together inside out on the sewing machine (make sure your arms and legs and ears facing inside when you do this!). Then I turned it right side out, and manually blanket stitched the felt to the lining on the open side, getting the arm in there. Then I added a tiny snap and I was done! I love love love this project. Thank you Molly Chicken!

Mouse in the House

I had no pattern, I just guessed and trimmed and guessed and trimmed until it looked the way I wanted. This felt cat toy is basically three pieces, the two sides and the bottom. Plus the tail. I just did a simple whip stitch on all seams, french knots for eyes (I love french knots! I don't know why!), and I stuffed it full of polyfill and catnip. I also crudely whip stitched the ears on. This little guy is being sent off for Christmas, but I let my cat have a sniff to make sure it was cat-approved. From start to finish, even without a pattern, it took maybe a half hour to do.

Another corduroy bag

Until it's actually Christmas, I can't seem to stop making presents for people! Here is a bag in black herringbone corduroy with a satin interior. I thought it was going to be complicated, but it turned out to be quite easy! This one is going to my sister. I know she likes to carry her school books in her purse, so I made the handles really strong. I love contrasting stitching!

Pink presents

I finally finished my pig inspired by Wee Wonderfuls. This one is going to my mom, and I think I will make a brown one for my own tree.

And here is a new fabric silhouette painting series that I am really in love with. This idea comes from Anna Maria (see my previous post about these paintings). I had a lot of fun with these! I knew the paint would bleed a little around the tape, which gave me the imperfect circle shape I was looking for. Before and after pictures:

Getting closer!

Here is the back of the red quilt, circles sewn but not yet washed of the chalk (so you could see the pattern). Came out great!


Home made Christmas pillows in snuggly flannel.



Stockings hung on the mantle.



And tree! See my new pickle ornament? Got that in Leavenworth.

Second scalloped quilt - almost done!

The early bird gets the worm, if the early bird is me and the worm is finished topstitching! This morning I ran my contrasting top stitch round my ironed quilt. I have to say, against all odds, this one came out better than the last one. It is far from perfect, but some of the valleys in the scallops came out darn right nice! Perhaps the third time will be the charm. Tonight I am going to do the quilting part, in the form of large circles of varying size in a lavender thread color.