Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Good Tidings

In typical Regina fashion, and despite an early and organized start to my holiday crafting, I am spending much of this post-Christmas week off from work finishing up some gifties that did not make it in Santa's first sleigh run.

First I will show you the BIG project -my MIL's Gingerboys quilt - which has the names of all the family members on it. (and yes, I did finish this the day before it was to be given)

Giving this was so fun - she has a quilt on the wall that my SIL made, and I pinned this one over top of it while she was in the other room eating dinner (it was a buffet so she did not notice I was not at the table - she ate last). About 45 minutes later she finally made her way back into the living room - she was checking on things and looking down, until she got to the middle of the room (I was peering in from the doorway behind her).

She froze, looked at the wall, and said quietly "where did this come from" - I hid behind the door jamb quickly as she looked around for the "culprit" but she saw me - plus I think she knew as soon as she saw it.

Everyone had fun finding their names and recongizing some shared fabrics, and the table runners to match that I gave each family were a big hit as well (forgot to take photos of those - oops).

Another giftie that DID make the first round delivery were these three journal covers.

The two blue ones are felt, and the initials are sewn on a pocket of matching felt using a technique I learned from Pollyanna.

The burgundy one is made from some kimono silk gifted to me by Mama Matsumoto - one of my host moms in Kanazawa. I added the ribbons for a bit of extra pizzaz, and just put some beads at the bottom.

The inside of these is just your basic marble covered composition book.

The next two little gifties have yet to be delivered -and since both recipients read this blog - well - SURPRISE!!!
Both baskets have criss cross coasters in them, as well as a few other goodies. The Scottie Basket has a Doggy Loggy Bag in it, and since the scotties live next door to me, it's totally selfish!!!

And now off to sew for ME - working on a fleece jacket for myself and trying to reset my brain from a 1/4" seam allowance to a 5/8" seam allowance. Not as easy as it sounds.

Santa is a bit snowbound right now - so these things will linger here for a few days longer before they brighten someone's January. There are a few other little projects done - poncho for Mom, another gift basket, pj pants for the Munchkin, and a whole pile of "Christmas" Cards to be written and sent.

But those can all wait until NEXT YEAR!!!

Happy New Year!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Happy Holidays

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season!

Just keep putting one foot in front of the other!


Sunday, December 14, 2008

Crunch Time

So we are getting down to the wire - 14 days and one weekend left before the big day.

I have a bunch of stuff that needs to be finished and shipped out by next Saturday.

I have a few things that need to be finished by Christmas Eve.

I started VERY early this year (March-ish) but think I bit off more than I should have.

And I spent all day yesterday at a craft show that was a total bust.

Oh well - I now know what all my co-workers are getting for Christmas! :-)

Off to the attic now - will check in later.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Turtle of the Day - DIY earrings

Sometimes you get the finished earrings, and sometimes your benefactors (in this case my sisters) want you to make them yourself.

Great turtle fun either way.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Turtle of the Day - Traveling Turtles

My Hubby's family often gives what they call "Happy Day" gifts - thoughtful little things on those "just because" days.

I like giving Happy Day gifts - it's kind of one of those things that is as happy for the giver as it is for the recipient.

A few months ago I was on the receiving end of a Happy Day gift from a fellow quilter and blogger - who thought of me while on her vacation in Florida. I've just been remiss in getting the photos taken and getting this posted.

The fabric is a great sea turtle print, and she found a nice box of sea turtle notecards, too.

Thanks, Jill for making my day!!

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Turtle of the Day - Mister Sparkles

Mister Sparkles only comes out at Christmas, although if I could find a good way to display him all year round I might keep him out.

I think I found him at Lowes or Home Depot or some other big box store that sells Christmas ornaments this time of year.

On a non-turtle related note, the ornament in the back is one my Sister Cindy made - it is terra cotta and on the heavy side.

Due to various tree challenges the past few years, this and about 5 other terra cotta ornaments, as well as a bunch of other ornaments, did not make it on to the tree.

This year - even after some LED light angst - we have tree success and I have nearly 100% of my ornament stash on the tree.

There is great joy!!!


Monday, December 08, 2008

Turtle of the Day - was 'I've been "Elfed"'

Exhibit One: The Evidence

This mysterious package was in my mailbox this evening.

What we do know is that it contained a beautiful pair of turtle earrings, possibly from Trimingham's in Bermuda (if we go by the box) - but then again that might have just been for protection during mailing.

What we don't know is who it is from, or even from where it was mailed.

There was no card, no return address, and even the stamp cancellations were blurred and incomplete.

Belive me -I checked.

And I don't recognize the handwriting.

So I've been "elfed" -a mysterious benefactor sent me an early Christmas gift.

Thanks - whoever you are!!!