Christmas Gifts 2010

Happily, I managed to begin sewing for Christmas before Halloween. This certainly eased the stress. Next year, I hope to start in June!

This was one of my first projects. Having made a construction vehicle wall hanging from a pre-printed panel for one grandson, I wanted to do a fire truck wall hanging for his little brother. When I could not find a fire truck panel, I designed my own. From one fabric, I cut out the fire trucks, which were approximately 8" x 5" and bordered them with "To the Rescue" fabric by Jill Webster for CLOTHWORKS.

Much to my "techie" delight, I received a "Droid" for Christmas. I felt like I had to carry it around very gently and worried about throwing it in my purse unprotected. Using Cheryl's tutorial Sew A Camera/Ipod/Cell Phone Pouch on her blog "a pretty cool life," I made a pouch for myself and this one for a friend.

I decided that potholders would be a good place to practice free motion quilting. However, the stress of practicing on a Christmas deadline was too much. I basically left my machine at its regular setting and moved the potholder around. I can only describe the design as "random." I now have even greater respect for those who do an entire quilt using free motion. The center panel is part of the "Orchard Bloom" collection by Timeless Treasure Fabrics. 

One of my daughters lived in NY for ten years and has fond memories of the city. I ordered this Retro NY fabric from The City Quilter in NY to make her an apron.

A number of years ago, my husband gave me a Curling Iron case from Travelsmith. My daughter had commented on it several times. I used my original one as a pattern and made these for my daughters and granddaughters. They are lined with Thinsulate, and the outside pocket holds the cord. I included the following card with them:

"Curling Iron's too hot and it's time to pack?
Not to worry...here's a handy sack.
No need to wait for it to cool down.
Just tuck it in and head out of town!"

I googled travel theme fabric and came up with "Italian Stamps" and "Paris Landmarks," which I ordered from J&O Fabrics in NJ (www.Jandofabrics.com).  

When my husband and I, along with other family members, went to London this past summer to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, I knew that one "for sure" destination would be Liberty of London. It was hard to make a choice from so many beautiful selections. Here's a scarf made from two of the fabrics I purchased.  Cutting carefully, I was able to make three scarves approximately 65 inches by 6 1/2 inches from two meters of fabric. They are seamed in the middle.