Finishing up Christmas

I had a couple things to finish up for Christmas.

Shortbread cookies done! Some have coloured sugar and others have sprinkles

I haven't found a cookie press I like yet, tried one took it back. The next best thing is to roll them out and use a cookie cutter. The recipe is the one in my Virtual Cookie Exchange, you can find it here.

14 straw sleeves. The labels have their names and what they are as there will be someone who has no idea what they are

This one started out simple enough, my oldest grandson wanted a metal straw for Christmas. I thought why not give everyone a straw and of course those straws need covers. I put a draw cord and cord stopper thingie (I know there's a name for it but I can't think of it right now). 

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! I hope your holidays are filled with love, food and laughter.

A Little Christmas Gift Sewing

First up some Barbie doll clothes. One of my granddaughters is not too happy with her dad. She cleaned up her bedroom and put her doll clothes collection in a bag unbeknownst to her dad, who you may have already guessed what happened next. He put the bag in the trash. They were some big tears and angry words. So what's a grandma to do but help replace some of her collection and she could use everything including footwear.

Now let me tell you sewing Barbie clothes is not my idea of fun. They are so small turning those seams hmm..

this is the bodice of a sundress Small darts and tiny seams

This is the collection so far I'm finishing up a few more. I am NOT sewing footwear! A grandma has to draw the line somewhere and after sewing those clothes I'm at the end. That's it ... at least for now. If anyone wants to test their sewing abilities and sanity, just google Barbie clothes. Have fun!

that red and white polka dress has a facing turning those shoulders was more than enough to test the patience of anyone

On to bigger things, Zip and Go bags. The pattern is well written and easy to follow. I have previously made one for myself and one for my daughter. 

these are both Northcott fabrics.

The pattern is for a 7 1/2'' x 9 1/2'' finished bag as the bags were going to an eleven and nine-year-old I decided to adjust the pattern more to a size appropriate to their size. I am sorry but as this is not my pattern I won't be telling you what size I finished them at. 

My guild held our Christmas potluck which is always good. Sorry never even thought about photos. The program for the meeting was about making reusable shopping and produce bags. We also had a $5 gift exchange with the gift to be in keeping with the theme of a reusable gift bag.

what sewing gift is complete without chocolate

I made a petit four basket a free pattern from ByAnnie.com. The little basket sewed up quick. Besides the chocolates, I added a pack of self-threading needles and a candy cane. In all honesty, I was over the $5 limit, but the recipient liked her gift. And that made me happy.


That wraps up my little gifts. I hope you've had time to make a little or big gift this holiday season.

Sunday This'n'That

The first item up is a little Christmas sewing. The president of the quilt guild I belong too posted a photo of a Poinsettia Table Runner. I watched the you tube video and was off and running. I liked it and wanted to make one,  Sandra of mmm!quilts would call this a Dreami!

Poinsettia table topper

I decided what size I wanted, cut four of the main fabric, accent or backing and batting. There is a pattern I believe I didn't use it though. Stitched them together, turned, pressed and top stitched. Stitched down the four extra petals and added a decorative button from my assortment of buttons.

tin full of decorative buttons 

We started the morning with a couple hours of freezing rain, this is the view out my sewing room window.

my backyard is all tree

My neighbours huge maple tree came down and the majority of it is in my backyard. We are going to loss our tulip tree as branches and bark were stripped off on both sides of the trunk.

Hope your Sunday is going better than mine.