some Christmas gifts :0)

This weekend my sister and her family are visiting so some gifts have been opened early :0)  But first, a little handquilting update.

 I was stumped about what to quilt in the lily flower shape.  After looking at lots and lots of antique quilt pictures I decided on parallel lines - LOL!  Actually, I'm very happy with it and have 8 done already

 Here's a picture of how it looks from the back.  A picture of nothing for some I'm sure but I like to look at the back :0)
Now for the gifts - I made these little purses/pouches for my 2 little nieces and my youngest daughter.  I saw a picture of one somewhere on the internet and decided I could whip up a few.

 My nieces don't like cherries so I made theirs with apples. 

 I put in lots of pictures. 

As soon as they opened them they ran off to play mystery investigators??

Their smiles and hugs were very rewarding! (Maybe the straps are a tad too long though)

In case I don't get a chance to post again before the 25th I wish you a very Merry Christmas!!

Happy Quilting!

some Christmas sewing

December sure is a busy month - its almost half over already!  On December 5/6th we remember my Mom's Dutch heritage by celebrating Sinter Klaas.  This was my Sinter Klaas gift for my Mom this year.

 I used a wallhanging pattern by Terry Morberg of Applepatch designs. She designs such charming seasonal projects.

 I enjoyed doing the applique and the big stitch outline quilting.  I wasn't completely happy with the border fabric.  I had pulled fabrics from my stash to go with this Christmassy brown fabric but once it was pieced and appliqued the brown was just too drab.  After trying many, many other fabrics this bold red polka dot was best.

 I will have to use this fabric in something for next year... I love the vintage shaped ornaments.

 I also started another small applique project.  (I needed something portable) This Fig Tree pattern had been sitting on my sewing table for a few years and it was finally time to make it.

The holly leaves split down the middle were pretty challenging for me.  I almost abandoned it after the first leaf because the points at the split were not very neat.  But, decided that a little imperfection adds charm  :0)  I'm not sure I will add the embroidery to make this look like a cancelled stamp from Paris.  My embroidery encouraging friend will have to come over for that to happen.  I won't get this done for this year but its fun to sew seasonal projects during the season.

Happy Quilting!!