Christmas Ornament Exchange

I managed to get my ornament completed for Rebecca, and in the mail. At the last minute, I also decided to do a needle case for her...since I had used her surname for the Christmas Ornie...I wanted her to also have something with an "R" on it for her first name.

A Long Day...but Fit for a Princess

 There wasn't much sewing done yesterday...but more on that in a minute. Here is my biggest "find" of the day...a lovely pearl/crystal headband for Aidan. 

 The price says 14.99...but it was 50% off...so was really just 7.50. Still a bit much for a little girls headband...but not outragious. 

 And it went so nicely with the other two items already purchased at Hobby Lobby before. These are part of my "Christmas Stash" of things for Aidan this year. The little pink/brown "overnight bag" I shared with you yesterday...is getting filled with "stuff". 

 And here is where I'm hiding all of my treasures until they get wrapped for Christmas...the top shelf in my office! In plain site! The 12/25 reference on the box...is for me...so I don't (hopefully) have to search all over the house for this stash when I get ready to wrap presents...Ha! Do you have a special stash place? Is it "out in the open"?  I also got some special little miniature stuffed animals in the dollhouse area...and have plans for those. But, I'll have to save that for later...to see if my muse is as creative as she things! A secret! Sssshhhh...no fair telling! At least, not just yet! It was a long day because I spend 3 hours sitting in the doctor's office...and, because I was more concerned about my trip to Hobby Lobby for threads after that visit...I did not even think to grab any projects to work on while gone! A wasted couple of hours for sure! Lesson learned in that trip!

 Last night, I did get a little stitching done however...more "faux pearls" finished on the christening gown. They are not perfect...but look pretty good in real life. With all the dogwood and roses...they will be just fine I'm sure.  

Silver Christmas Stocking

The stocking front for Lyn's Stocking Swap is finished. Now, to get to the lining and back.

 Want a close-up of some seams?

 Here ya go.

 Different, but I really like the roses and the bling...hope the new owner will like it too.

Should finish and get it off to Lyn in a few days.  

Christmas Stocking

My friend Lyn is having a Christmas Stocking exchange. And, these are just the right size for giving as special little giftees...for that special gal-pal...filled with lovely stitching supplies. "I'm just saying!" Hint, hint! I just got started last night. The theme is silver...and I was surprised at how little silver fabric I had on hand. I could have waited until a trip to the fabric store (which is Wednesday with my niece)...but my muse has NO patience...so we pulled some lovely neutrals to go the light gray I had on hand. These are all silks, and were in a selection of fabrics that I got from Victoria over at Ribbonsmyth. Love the look and feel of silk!

 Have just gotten the stitching started...and already, my muse wants to do a second one! There is just no stopping her! Doesn't she realize that I have my CQJP block still unfinished for July! And one round-robin block that just needs a dragonfly and some more beads? Or, the other round robin block that is calling my name? Geez, what am I going to do with her! Better get off here and get to stitching!  

Christmas Ornaments Chart

The chilly weather this week has gotten me into a holiday mood. Oh, not enough to start a major holiday cleaning...or cookie baking spree...Oh, no...not yet! But, enough to get me to thinking about decorations and festive things. So, I sat down for a few hours this morning and charted some ornaments. Hope you enjoy them.

Oh, just so you know...I love Christmas cookies...and will accept any and all donations in my "test kitchen". Ha! Now, I'll have to go looking for great cookie recipes! Perhaps this weekend would be a good time to start baking! Ha! Can you tell that I've worked all day...and have not had even breakfast yet! Huh? So, off I go...

Christmas Tree Earrings and Pink Spider Necklaces are now Loaded ...

...on the Etsy Shop.  

Please pass the word along for me...Thanks!

 

 

  

Too Early?

 Yesterday, my beads arrived for the spiders...

And check out what else I got too...for making little crystal Christmas Tree earrings!

Aren't these just too cute!And you know I'll be beading spiders today!!

Christmas in July...start early!

A couple of years ago...perhaps even three...I designed a couple of shadow applique quilts for teaching; and I still use them in my college classes. One was a Christmas quilt filled with lot's of holiday memories...and when I brought it to the HGTV Message Board Group...I called it Christmas in July. I think that's the month we started the quilt process. It is still in the same state as this photo shows...still needs an outside border!

 

Oh, I have the borders...all cut out and in the basket with the quilt center...attaching them is just way down on my priority list. The second quilt I mentioned...Bunny in the Pink...is a complete top...and has been basted together...and I will be hand quilting it. So, Christmas will wait.

But, no need for anyone else to have to wait...so, if you'd like to create the quilt...it will be in the files section of the Yahoo Group site. Shawkl_Blog_Files