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For those of you who've been waiting for the general release of the last pattern in the From Me to You club, Something for You, it is now available here.
If you are stuck for last minute gifts, then the lavender sachets might be the answer. These were very quick and popular in the class. Lee finished one and had another two made and ready for filling in the three hour class. I wonder if they're wrapped and under the tree!
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Last Friday I dropped in on Joanne at Tranquility Crafts n Supplies, Moonee Ponds. Joanne has been stocking my patterns for a number of years now and runs classes with them. This was the first chance I had to visit. The shop is packed full of temptation and inspiration. I always make a beeline for, yes you've guessed it, the red fabrics.
I think the paisley on top is my favourite.....
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Some progress has been made this week. Realising time was slipping by, I needed to 'get serious' about what I was going to make for gifts this year. Now I always have trouble making a decision about what to make. No sooner than I think, 'Yes that's what I'll do', another idea pops into my head. A new idea is always much more exciting than an old one, even if they are just minutes apart! The prototypes are made and I'm not deviating. It's too early for sneak peeks, but I did purchase these rather gorgeous decorations from The Christmas Beetle, a week or so ago.
How could I resist!
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It's official, I'm in denial about how much I need to do before Christmas and how few weeks are left to do it in. I guess it would help to make a list. If I make a list I can cross two things off.
I know, you're wondering why list them if they are already done. Well the simple fact is, it makes me feel like I've achieved something.
Today I finished the baby quilt. This was started a few weeks ago. I'm very happy with how it's turned out.
Made last week, I gave into temptation and tried one of Barb's red deer buttons on the Deer tag. One Christmas present made, not thinking about how many to go!
If your like me and still deciding what to make for Christmas, then perhaps one of these kits will help.
Rusty Bell Runner Kit (Festive Star Runner) on Sale
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Ages ago, on an episode of Food Safari, they made a whole orange and almond cake. I wanted to make one then and there but no matter how hard I looked I couldn't find the recipe. In desperation, I made different ones from my recipe books but they were a poor 2nd best.
Then a few weeks ago I searched for the recipe again and found it straight away.
Delicious doesn't even come close to describing how divine this cake is.
Here's the link so you don't have to wait months and months to make it like I did.
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A new design is always my best, favourite, most exciting thing I've done so often the earlier patterns are overlooked when I'm deciding what to take to the shows or doing a trunk show. They are so familiar to me I forget they are still new to many girls.
So my first reaction when the girls at the Christmas in July workshop asked for a Scissor Essentials class was surprise and then pleasure that there was still interest in it.
I couldn't tell you how many bags I've made. Here are the two I still use today. I did think the blue was the very first one I made but I have a vague recollection of an earlier blue model. No, not red, it wasn't my favourite colour back then. The bag was so quick and easy to make I made all my sewing friends one for Christmas that year.
The bags put an end to my 'good' scissors being used to cut paper. Placing them in a bag, put them out of bounds!
There are three bags and a thread cutter case in the pattern. The girls on Saturday all decided to make the large bag.
Sue decided to fussy cut a piece of French General fabric and was thrilled with the finished result and how quick it was to make. Sue was going home to make more for gifts, quite a few if these fussy cut pieces are any indication.
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The final classes for the From Me to You club were held this week. It's been very rewarding seeing so many finished projects. Many were finished or very close too, in the 3 hour class and in some cases more than one was made. More were made at home and given as gifts. It's been wonderful watching the girls personalise the projects through fabric and trim choices, omitting or adding embellishments.
The projects have been perfect for using favourite stash fabrics.
And it was very pleasing to see Beth using the rotary cutter case made in the last class.
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A couple of weeks ago I received a call from Julie, who had just finished making the Believe! table runner. Julie rang to say 'how thrilled she was and it was the loveliest thing she'd ever made'.
Doesn't it look gorgeous? Lovely and fresh, perfect for celebrating Christmas in the middle of summer.
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More often than not, when I sit down to design and make a new project, the finished item bears no resemblance to what I initially had in mind. I'm easily side-tracked. There's always the temptation to try a button here or maybe a piece of felt, applique a flower...... And sometimes what I think will work on a bag is better suited to a needle keep. But the past week has been a little different and the two things I set out to make have been made.
Yes I'm very focussed. I have a deadline to meet. Next year I will be releasing a book filled with projects I love to make. All very exciting and just a tad scary, with a great deal of work in between now and then.
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