You have no idea how happy I am that Christmas is over...Ha! That sounds terrible...but I've been hibernating all winter long, spending every spare second in front of my sewing machine with stacks and stacks of fabric, thread, ribbon, and buttons just swallowing me up!! When I decided to pursue this ambition to make everyone's gifts this year I did not realize how tedious of a process it would become. BUT, it was so much fun as well! I am really glad I have become so acquainted with my sewing machine--I have lots of ideas for myself, Ava, and our house now! Bring It On!! :o) There is no project too big!! Ha!! Eric even got in on the fun! He helped snip my mom's quilt and poured some of the candles. Too much snipping will make a lady wanna snip her eyeballs out if you know what I mean, so I had to divie up the duties!! Hehe!
I'm finishing up Ava & I's stockings this week. I know, Christmas is over--and I really don't even feel like finishing them...I'm kind of suffering from a minor sewing burn-out right now...but, I found some super cute Christmas patterned fabric for 70% off the other day so I might as well finish them up!
All-in-all, I had a lot of fun making everyone's Christmas gifts and will do it again in a heartbeat! I learned so much (amazing what you can learn from a sewing machine and a few patterns!) and am pretty proud that I pulled it off!! However, I also learned that I mustn't wait until November 25th to start the sewing...maybe make it an all year long endeavor. :o)
3 Inside-Out-Quilts (aka 'Rag' Quilts)
1 Pair of Kiddo's PJ's
1 Apron
1 Hat & Scarf Set
2 Memory Boards
1 Pair of Lounge Pants
2 Tins of Cranberry White Chocolate Biscotti
2 Tins of Peppermint Bark
10 Candles
+ 2 Photo Ornaments
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1 Busy Woman!!
Inside-out-quilt for my mom. This was before I snipped around all of the squares and washed it to give it the rag look These were 8x8 inch squares. I used patterned fabric for the front, a layer of batting in the middle, and warm & snuggly fleece for the back.
My sister's quilt. Pre-snipped. I used patterned fabric on the front, then a layer of flannel in the middle and flannel for the back as well. It looked way cooler once it was snipped and washed/dried. I like the smaller squares like these because they really 'rag' up. These were 6x6inch squares. I used 8x8inch squares on my mom's.
My mom-in-law's quilt. Similar to my mom's quilt. I added the initials to the bottom by cutting out felt and stitching the felt letters to the quilt by hand using a blanket stitch. Umm...tedious process. ;o)
Neice's PJ's. Made from flannel. I added a little yellow rick-rack around the sleeves. Actually, it was called Jumbo rick-rack.
Memory board for my sister. I just used the canvas that you buy from the store that is already framed and ready to be painted on or whatever and threw some batting and fabric over it and added some ribbon and buttons to pull it all together.
My sister's apron. I'll be making one of these for myself soon...but not too soon ;o)
My mom had a good idea of attaching a towel ring to an apron because she always carries her towel in the kitchen and needs it close by. I just used this plastic ring that I saved from one of the scarves that I bought this winter and used it as a towel ring on the apron. It works! I guess I'll wait and see if Tammy thinks it works. ;o)
The apron pocket. I cut out a cupcake using scraps of felt that I had and blanket stitched it onto the glittery pink pocket! So fun. That blanket stitch looks really cool when you use felt. I have lots of ideas brewing. ;o)
Flannel lounge pants for my step-dad. Can't go wrong with flannel bottoms. :o)
Hat & scarf set for my neice. This fabric was sooo snuggly and warm! I lined the hat with fleece and the outer flowery fabric was even snugglier (if that's a word) than fleece. I can't really expain it other than super-soft and squishy and snuggly. You know what I mean, right? :o) I'd like to make one of these for myself!
Cranberry White Chocolate Biscotti. A treat for many this holiday season. One of my favorite biscotti recipes ever!
Aaaaand Candles...you knew there'd be candles! :) Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, O Christmas Tree, Holiday Pomegranate, and Vanilla Macadamia Nut Coffee. I had FUN!
"How 'bout now?"
Alex (baby on the far left) and Keldan (lil guy showing off his abs) had to switch places because Alex was trying to munch on Ava's shoulder...and she did not appreciate his lovin'. Haha!! From left to right Alex, Keldan, Ava, Allie, Addie, Elliott, Lily (the newest addition!).
Last year's thanksgiving babies--Keldan, Allie, & Ava--just wee lil munchkins!
