stockings

I am feeling inspired after seeing Libby's stockings on her blog http://simplylibby.blogspot.com/
I have a goal to make a quilted stocking for each person in my family. Last year I managed to get these 2 made to match my tree skirt. If I can get 2 made this year then I'll only need to make 2 more next year and I'll be done.

My quilting guild learned to make these cute little bags this week. I made a handle for mine, and then forgot to sew it on - opps!
My DH has his truck engine all apart in the garage - putting in a new head gasket or something ... I should have a little more time to sew this week which is good because I promised to sew daughter #2 a halloween costume. She is very into the American Girl books/dolls and wants to dress up like Kirsten from 1854. Last year I made a Little House on the Prairie costume for daughter #1 so this will be my second go at making this pattern.
I am happy to work with nice - easy to sew cotton fabric and am relieved she didn't want a fairy or a mermaid costume :0)
Marcie at http://patchalotmore.blogspot.com has her new free Christmas pattern ready to go. I really like it - I'm hoping to get started on it this weekend. As always, so many sewing projects - so little time...

trying new batting

After handquilting through Warm and Natural on my last quilt I was ready to try some different batting. This time I have Heirloom 80/20 cotton /polyester batting. So far its okay - I thought it would be a lot better. I think I'll try at least one other type of batting before basting up my 4 block applique quilt. Any suggestions??
Happily this project will keep me busy for awhile - I just have to have some portable handwork on the go! - at all times :0)
Happy Thanksgiving !

pumpkins

With Canadian Thanksgiving just a couple of weeks away I'm happy to have this little pillow finished to display. This project also comes from the UFO pile. 2 years ago I bought it as a kit and did the wool pumpkins and the blanket stitching (the fun part) and this week I finally got to the rest.


I'm happy I pulled this out because now I see I have lots of leftover orange felted wool to make snowman noses with :>)
This was the first kit that I ever bought (a Terry Morberg pattern again) - I couldn't resist the striped binding cut on the bias. In fact, in my stash I have striped fabric that I've bought intending to bind quilts that I haven't even planned yet. I'd better get sewing... :)
Happy quilting!