Sunday, December 15, 2013

Holiday sewing

Ack!  Nearly another month has passed between posts!  When people say you work harder when you have your own business than when you work for someone else, they aren't lying!  But it is so rewarding, it is worth the extra time and effort.  What that means, however, is that I haven't had many opportunities to sew for me.  Most of what I've made these days are samples for classes at the shop.  But Christmas is coming, and while the business is doing well, money is tight, so I am extra motivated to make as many gifts as possible this year.  I know the holidays are right around the corner, but I'm doing pretty well so far.

I knit a face cloth/dish cloth for a friend.  I'm pairing it with some wonderful handmade Herbal Oatmeal Goat's Milk Soap from my shop.
I now know that a solid is a better choice when incorporating a design (can you see the Christmas Tree?) but this is all that I had on hand.  I don't have a yarn stash.  Yet.
I made some double potholders for a family member.
These were actually a sample for a class, but I love them so much, I'm giving them as a gift.
I made a set of two single potholders with hand pockets on the back for another family member.  The third one (without the hanging loop) is a gift for a sewing friend.  These three blocks were orphans that have been hanging out on my design wall for years now.  I'm glad they now have a purpose.
The loops came out kind of wonky, but I don't care.  I wish you could see how the machine quilting I did makes the stars pop!
I'm almost done knitting a hat for another family member.
Oops!  Left the double points at the shop, so I'll have to hold off on finishing this.
I've made a Union Jack block for a family member who asked for "anything British" for Christmas.  Now, I'm trying to decide what to make with it.  I was thinking another potholder since she likes to cook, but I'm thinking now maybe a bag or a composition book cover.  Right now it is just 9" square, so that's a bit small for a pillow, although I could frame it with some of the red and blue, I guess.  Any ideas out there?
Paper pieced, of course
I've got a couple more projects to knock out in the next couple of days.  What about you guys?  What are you making as gifts for the holidays?

9 comments:

beth said...

love all your projects! How about adding your union jack to a simple apron? It could be the pocket or if you add peices around it could be the skirt. Interested to see what you do. ;)

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Wonderful projects and so lovely to hear from youe - know you are busy. I like Beth's idea of a simple apron for the Union Jack.

Jindi's Cottage said...

So glad your business is doing well…your projects are great, those orphan blocks you used for the pot holders are gorgeous…the apron idea is a great one, very creative of Beth...

The Cozy Quilter said...

Homemade gifts are the best kind of gifts and yours have love in every stitch!

Becky said...

Just look at you!!! Knitting like a pro! I'm so proud of you and what you are doing.....rock on!!!!

Merry Christmas!
Becky

Shay said...

I like the idea of a bag for the union jack.

Love everything you're making there Erin. I havent made a single thing this year for Christmas !

Anonymous said...

Your shop/business is so awesome!!! And, yes, the location is so sweet but it is YOU who make it so special!!!!! Love the potholders...and all your lovely projects!!! I'm just now getting to what's needed for my gifts!!! Where does the time go!!!????!!!! Hugs.....and Christmas Blessings....

Julie Fukuda said...

So happy to see a post from you! Home-made gifts are the best. Yes, an apron or bag ... well, maybe a bag would get more exposure. Best withe to your whole gang.

Wacky Woman said...

So glad to hear from you. I have been thinking about you recently. Merry Christmas!