A Christmas Quilt inspired by Wee Wonderfuls

The above photos are of embroidery patterns from Wee Wonderfuls. I am so excited for the mailman to bring the the set that isn't in pdf. Now that the baby girl is walking, my hands are a little freer. I don't think this project will be finished for this holiday, but maybe next year I'll have something new and lovely for my family to snuggle under while we admire the tree and the fire. Check out the lovely quilt on her blog. I'd love some ideas for holiday themed fabrics to compliment--or maybe just some classic calicos to showcase the stitching--please give me your suggestions.

Oh, the Generosity--Old Red Barn Giveaway

One of these three lovelies could be yours. Having only made one baby nine-patch quilt, I cannot imagine giving away a piece like these to anyone but family. Incredible. Visit her blog to enter the giveaway. The photo above and the button on my sidebar will link you. Good luck!

Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!
This is her last costume giveaway. . . go look and check out her new shop--lovely little birdies skirts.

A Memory Game to Sew for Kids

My little guy loves to play memory with his daddy. They use playing cards. I've been trying to come up with some Christmas ideas for my kiddos and this one is great! If you want to make something lovely for your little one, this memory game seems perfect. The intructions are on a the Hallmark Magazine Blog and the photo above links to it. All you need is some of your favorite digital photos sized 2x2", printable fabric, some felt or flannel and a material you like for the backing. What a lovely gift--personal and keepsake. Happy Crafting!

No-Sew Holiday Ornaments or Gift Toppers

Though the pumpkins are just carved, I can't help but be getting ready for Christmas. Here is a super easy way to handmake ornaments out of scraps--you know my dislike for throwing them already. I love the beautiful faces on the Matryoushka dolls at http://ravenhill.typepad.com/ and her etsy store. I thought my holiday tree might enjoy a little choir of them. To make them, or any shape that represents the holiday season for you, the instructions are below. Have fun!

Choose your shape (I made some lovely lace stars and angel wings last night), motif, etc. and gather the following items:

Fabric Scraps, Felt, Double-Sided Fusible Interfacing, String/Ribbon, Embroidery Floss (if you like).

Step 1: Cut your scraps into the shape you desire your ornament to represent.

Step 2: Iron on the fusible interfacing to both sides of the felt. You will need to apply heat to both sides for the adhesive to transfer. Follow the directions of the fusible you purchased for heat temperature and duration.

Step 3: Remove the fusible paper and cut the felt to match the shape you've chosen for your ornaments. Some ideas include stars, bells, angels, candles, gingerbreadmen. . . If you want to embellish your fabric, do so at this time. My little girls have a happy choir face done with embroidery, but you could just as easily use stamps or markers to create what you like.


Step 4: Sandwich the following elements together: top fabric pice, centered ribbon and felt. Iron the top portion of the ornament, again following the instructions on the fusible you purchased. Then flip and center the ribbon and back fabric piece. Iron this to fuse and trim any threads that seem to be strays. Now you are ready to hang.

Step 5: Hang or make garlands or gift toppers.

Here are some other ideas. . .

I've also made some acorns for all decorations. . . just need to get the camera out. Have fun!

E-Patterns with a Vintage Style

Friends, you will love these patterns. Now Jennie at Sense and Sensibility Patterns is offering e-patterns. The romantic and vintage designs are so sweet. I can't wait to make some for my little girl. Don't you just love e-patterns--the instant gratification and with no shipping fees. Yea!!! Happy Shopping.

Bed Hogs Unite!

My friends, Sue and Patrick have a new business called, http://www.bedhog.com/. You'll love the product and if you submit a video with your own "bedhog" saga, you could win a set of their fun sheets. Check them out and enjoy! What a fun idea for weddings, anniversaries, holiday giving or for settling that age-old argument, who is the bedhog in the couple?