December 19, 2012

some Christmas gifts

I've started in on my Christmas sewing to-do list but I'm so running out of time! I've already crossed a few things off my list but I think I've made more for myself than others.  I've already made three of these infinity scarves and I am addicted! They take about 10 minutes to make and if you're lucky enough to find a knit remnant at the fabric store they cost $2 or less. So I don't feel too bad I've made myself two scarves.  What? You want a sweet photo collage of me wearing my favorite scarf and trying to take a picture using my bathroom mirror? If you insist...

I am in love with this sparkly scarf. For about two seconds I considered giving it to my mother-in-law for Christmas but decided I couldn't part with it. It looks good long or doubled up. (See how I'm wearing both a scarf and a necklace? For me that's accessory overload.) They're so easy to make I'm going whip up some more. I'm also making some of these scarves for my nieces for Christmas. With the leftover knit fabric I want to make some coordinating t-shirt bracelets. What handmade Christmas gifts will you be giving?

December 3, 2012

some baby gifts

I did it! The converging corners quilt I first blogged about on September 25 and that needed to be finished for a baby shower on December 2 is complete, wrapped and gifted! (Though I am so tacky I asked mom-to-be if I could borrow it back for a day to show off at my quilt guild meeting this week.) I still can't believe I actually finished this quilt (it's the most intricately pieced project I've made so far), and I am so, so happy with how it turned out.
converging corners baby quilt

My coworker is expecting her first child in February and her nursery colors are aqua, green, orange and some gray.
blue back of converging corners quilt

I backed it in Kona Bahama Blue. The only part I'm not completely happy with is the binding. It really needs a darker binding but I convinced myself a white/green polka dot from my stash would work.

personalized quilt label
I added one of my personalized quilt labels I made on Spoonflower.

I also had time to make a few other little gifts--some flannel burp cloths and a monster bib. (Though I was seriously sewing the bib the morning before the shower.)  And after all this sewing, I still had to fight the urge to race to Target and buy something off the registry to add to my handmade gifts.
burp cloths and monster bib

I normally don't give alcohol-themed baby gifts (the burp cloth) but daddy-to-be works at a brewery, brews as a hobby, and the baby shower was held at the brewery so I though it was appropriate in this case.

I'm so glad to have this project done.  Now it's time to start in on my Christmas sewing to-do list!

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The converging corners quilt is my favorite project of 2012.

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