Latest Book Read

I can't remember where I heard about this book.  I really enjoyed it and thought it would be a good book club selection.

It's about a young girl who "tastes" the food makers feelings.  There are many other quirky family members that have different gifts.  It's well written, not too long and ends well.  Check out your public library for a copy.

Another Cool Tote Bag

This is another cool tote bag I made using the fabulous pattern I bought in Kansas City.  I have probably made 15-20 of these bags and taught my quilt friends how to make them, too.  I think the braided handles and the rick rack are super cute.  This was for my sister-in-law.

The fabrics are so yummy, love all the color.  I added a pocket inside, the pattern doesn't have one but I thought it could be handy.

The browns are beautiful.  The pattern is available at www.pursestrings.com

Merry Christmas

This is another favorite Christmas item, we've had it for 22 years.  I took the picture earlier this month so all the items aren't out of their pockets yet.  This always hangs on a wall near our kitchen and the items come out early each morning as we count down to Christmas.  This is one of our family's traditions.  We'll go to church tonight, then over to my mom's with all the family.  Christmas brunch is at our house Christmas morning and then we'll relax and enjoy the day.  Merry Christmas to each of you!

Another Christmas Favorite

I can't even remember how many years ago I made this primitive little wall hanging.  All the edges are unfinished, the snowmen are made from Warm and Natural and there's lots of linen string and buttons.  It's getting old and worn out but I still get happy when I take it out of the Christmas decoration boxes.

Christmas Surprise

My good friend, Loretta showers me with handmade gifts.  Many have been posted here on my blog.  This Christmas brought another new treasure for me.  The package arrived with instructions to open this now so it could be enjoyed.  She said she found the panel at a quilt shop in Illinois and did the quilting with a beautiful metallic gold thread.  I really love religious Christmas items too.

This is definitely a new favorite of mine.  I'm truly blessing to receive such a lovely gift.

Some Favorite Christmas Papers

A few years ago Anthropolgie used reproduction vintage like card baskets to hold all their small holiday items -- ornaments, hooks, knobs, etc.  I just loved them but couldn't buy them as they weren't for sale.  So my wonderful sister (queen of shabby chic) set out on a quest to find some for me.  I put them out at Christmas and this is one of my favorites.

I don't put anything in mine since they are fragile and the real deal.  Here's a couple views of my favorite outer pieces.

I would really love to find a pattern for these and make some myself.  I don't crochet but could tie yarn in the holes.  Does anyone know how to find a pattern?

December Craft Night

It was my turn for craft night this month but my sister had a picture of a stocking she wanted us to make.  So she brought the project and I made dinner.  We made some adorable burlap stockings with a picture to guide us.

We traced and modified a stocking pattern from some stockings I had around the house.  My sister found the sage burlap at Walmart of all places.   My mom made the yo yos from muslin.  The ruffles were very time consuming as making ruffles usually is. 

This stocking has three yo yos but it takes too long to make a lot of stockings with three.  This project was tougher to finish in an evening but they are lovely and look so sweet hanging up around the house.  Next project will be mine -- I think I'll find a fun Valentine idea.

December Book Club

Our December Book Club selection is Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Facones.  It's a novel about the construction of the cathedral of Sana Maria de la Mar during the fourteenth century (the Inquisition) in Barcelona.  There's a family feud and the historical novel centers around two brothers.  It's long and I hope not too similar to The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.  

In fact, the back cover boasts, "A new Ken Follett is born!".

Just a note about last month's book, Little Bee.  It was absolutely beautifully written and an incredible tale, though sad I must say.  It was a fabulous choice and I would highly recommend the book.