Christmas Crafts

 I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! This was our Christmas card photo that we took in two takes a few days before Christmas. Much easier than when the kids were little and it took all afternoon to get a shot with everyone looking at the camera and smiling at the same time!

Here's a rundown of the gifts I made this year. The first is a pillow I made for my mother from my dad's ties and a shirt. The ties were really tricky to work with, and I wish I had taken the time to add interfacing before cutting the Dresden blades. They were stretchy and slippery and wonky! But my mother loves it anyway!

The back of the pillow is the front of the shirt, buttons, stains and all! If she ever needs to remove the cover, she can just unbutton the shirt.

Next up was a gig bag for the new ukulele Pete got for his birthday. I had seen a bag on Pinterest, but had to come up with my own pattern. I used the box it came in as a guide. I pre-quilted the outside before assembly with two layers of fleece and a layer of polyester batting. It is really cushiony!

I knew he would love the Marine Corps fabric on the outside. The Hawaiian print on the inside has been in my stash for at least 15 years! Bill bought it for me on one of his business trips. Pete is happy to have something to carry his new instrument in.  He's been teaching himself to play and has performed a few times at open mic nights at school. He totally rocks!

Speaking of rocking, my husband needed an new guitar strap. I made this one from my stash of African fat quarters. Bill spent a year in Liberia with his family when his father was a visiting professor there. It instilled in him an appreciation for African culture. He can't wait to show off his new strap at choir rehearsal! (One Shabby Chick tutorial)

Last but not least, these two adorable tote bags are for my two adorable grand-nieces. I saw some on Pinterest (of course!). Here's the tutorial, although I stitched them instead of gluing.

This bag is for Anna who is devoted to Cinderella.

And this one is for Lily who loves the princess of the hour, in this case, Merida from Brave.  They love putting stuff in bags!

The biggest Christmas finish will get its own post tomorrow. Stay tuned for the completed double wedding ring quilt!

Happy Birthday Julia!

How is it possible that my daughter is an adult?  She's planning to buy a lottery ticket today.  She is registered to vote.  Most importantly, she'll be going to play Bingo with Grandma on Tuesday!

 Dad helped her pick out the guitar and I made the guitar strap.

I used the tutorial from One Shabby Chick to make the guitar strap.  It was pretty easy and didn't take very long.  I was happy that she went to a movie with a friend last night so I could sew while she was out!  Bill picked up an $8 strap at Wakefield Music that I disassembled for the parts.  Worked like a charm!  The fabric is a Philip Jacobs print called Tropical in her favorite blue.  It has enough dark pink to coordinate with the maroon leather pieces that attach to the guitar.

Happy Birthday, Julia!

Catching Up

It's been a busy week, but what else is new?!

On Monday, I devised this little number:
A crocheted Advent wreath pin.
I started with a tutorial for a crocheted wreath,
slightly modified (didn't use the plastic ring),
added sequins from my mother-in-law's collection
and a sweet bow.

(It's hard to tell in the photo that one of the sequins is pink.)

On Wednesday, Julia led a Brownie workshop
for the Stitch-It Together Try-It.

On Thursday, we participated in a Las Posadas procession
through our town that ended at a homeless shelter.

On Saturday, Pete and I sold our wares at a local craft show.
(Leftovers will be added to my Etsy shop very soon!)

Pete, the salesman, is demonstrating his marshmallow shooter
to the coolest old lady we've ever met.
Look at her bracelets and that purse!

Also on Saturday, Bill got a new toy!
It is an incredible Martin guitar that sounds a million times better than his old acoustic. He's been lusting after these guitars for a while, and we're so glad that he finally bought one for himself. He's a Happy Daddy!

On Sunday, we attended a holiday concert by
The Air Force Band of Liberty.
What a great show!

On Monday, all I want to do is sleep!