Christmas from the heart.

I am only getting a fraction of the sewing projects I had "planned" on doing. I didn't think I was going to get anything done at all but with crunch time I am squeezing in some sewing for some loved ones. I had the Black Apple doll pattern saved for a while and completed it over the weekend for my angel of a niece Isabella :-) I think it turned out so cute. My husband kinda raised his eyebrows at her, lol. He doesn't appreciate homemade like I do! I embroidered the eyes and mouth instead of using paint as suggested in the pattern. I was going to make her a little quilt but happend to have a little table topper that I barely used that "matched" her. Now I need to make a little pillow(pattern from crazymomquilts) and she will be ready for packaging. I hope Isabella loves her as much as I do!!

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/black-apple-doll?rsc=fav_Homepage_Homepage

Next gift is for my sister Shannon who loves make-up. So I made this for her to hold some of her make-up and pretty stuff in. It's made from hunny bun strips. I found the reds the prettiest and best suited for my sister. I hope she likes it! I will be adding a gift card to one of her favorite stores she loves to buy make-up from :-)

Poochie Bag n' stuff.

I printed off the instructions a few weeks ago for a Poochie Bag by Happy Zombie. http://thehappyzombie.com/pb Tonight is my book club christmas party and we are having a book swap. I knew right away what I would use as my "gift bag". The pattern calls for 3 fat quarters and mine measured smaller than hers so I had to downsize the pattern a bit. I used some christmas fat quarter by Nancy Halvorsen(fave!!) and think it turned out sweet.

I thought while I was at it I would make a bookmark to go with it. Have had the tutorial saved for this easy bookmark for a while from Polka Dot Pineapple. http://mousechirpy-polkadotpineapple.blogspot.com/2009/05/quick-n-easy-fabric-bookmark.html I find she posts such sweet/great tutorials. On hers she has a flower, but since this is christmas I used a little tree :-) p.s...there are pockets on both sides. great to put pens or good things like candy canes like you will see in the last pic ;-)

Here's the book mark all tucked in the book. I liked the star I put in on as this will keep the book mark from sliding down in the book!

All ready for tonight. I think this will the hot item don't ya think ;-)

A Christmas runner...or two.

I recently finished up two christmas runners.

This first one is going to be for my inlaws. I will be making some co-ordinating fabric coasters to go with it.

This one is ours and will be going on top of our little electic fireplace.
The fabric used on the back of both is so lovely they can easily be reversible table runners!

This fabric backing is my favorite, actually the color looks dull in this picture.

I am hoping to get more christmas sewing done over the next few weeks!! So hopefully I'll have more posts for you soon.

PIF received...so sweet!

Sure is fun to go to the mail box and find a parcel waiting for you :-)

Today I received my PIF gift from Kaaren from http://www.thepaintedquilt.blogspot.com/

It's the sweetest little needle case.

(click on pic if you want to see larger image)

She even added "matching" scissors. Now the nicest scissors I have ever owned!!

Thank-you so much Kaaren. I appreciate your talent and time that went into this special gift made just for me :-)

I still have 2 of my PIF gifts to forward. My 365 days will be up before I know it. Something I need to get at in the NewYear!

Snowman doorhanger.

I've had my eye on this pattern for a few years now and finally got to it! Picture quality doesn't show the colors nicely but you can see it's kinda cute :-)

A pillow or two....

I was recently finished two pillows. Feels so good to finally be making some progress on stuff! I am thinking I am going to have to convert my dining room into my sewing area for a few weeks. I have so many things to do and am finding it hard in my bedroom, running downstairs to cut etc. My husband would also like to get into his dresser without fighting with an ironing board!

Cute Christmas pillow and easy!

oh and this little guy may not be a pillow but he is as snuggly as one. This is Benjamin(remember the Benjamin quilt), he came out to visit me yesterday :-)

September tisket a tasket block done!!

Ready just in time. Tomorrow, Novembers block will be out and I am ready!! I had today off and made it my mission to start and finish this block and I did it! I am trying to get motivated to finish some things and get sewing, sewing, sewing for christmas!! Hopefully I will have lot's to show you over the next month :-)

I just thought these tarts looked so pretty. I made them a few weeks ago. Easy!! Just buy the frozen tart shells, make a custard and top with your favorite fruit. We added some whip cream on top...yummmmy!