It is a time of tying up loose ends for me and a new focus on….Christmas presents…
This is my latest “loose ends” felted pillow project from Ann Kyyro Quinn’s book Felt Furnishings: 25 Accessories for Contemporary Homes.
- You will need a 102″ gathered strip of felt about 2 1/2″ wide. (That works out to be about a 185″ long stip.)
- Hand sew a running stitch (about 1/4″ long) 1/4″ from one side the length of the strip, and gather.
- Pin the gathered strip to your pillow case top in a spiral pattern and sew in place. (I make my spiral lines about 1 1/2″ apart and I didn’t bother to lower my presser foot because the piece is so thick.)
- Sew the back onto your pillow case on three sides (right sides together). Insert the pillow form, and blind-stitch closed. Presto, done-o.
I’ve also wrapped up a pair of stuffed ladybugs from Amy Butler’s book Amy Butler’s Little Stitches
And I’ve taken off the needles a pair of wool leggings for my daughter, gently patterned after Melanie Falick’s pattern Look Back Leggings in her book, Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas
You probably think I am a busy body, but really, these were one-day projects that were hanging out in the corner half done…I just finished them off…and yes, it feels good.
On to my new focus…Christmas presents:
I decided about the time I purchased my new sewing machine that I was going to make as many of the holiday gifts we give this year as I could. Hand-made is a new/old concept to me. As a perfectionist, I live for clean lines, perfect edges, straight and narrow. As a hand-made lover, I am learning to accept a bit of imperfection, unique beauty, and creative license. I struggle with my crafting failures each day. I know that the “perfect” piece comes with trial and error. I know that the best learned lesson is one that is still unfolding. I know that I am not perfect, and that I can’t be perfect; I can only try to achieve my best effort.
On my Christmas list this year:
- a felt play mat for my son,
- a stuffed felt pretend food for my daughter,
- woolen mittens for my husband,
- creature baggies for my sibling,
- produce baggies for my grocery-shopping father,
- cashmere scarves for my in-laws,
- and a patchwork cashmere throw for my mother…and that is about as far as I have gotten…
A lot of work, perhaps, a lot of creative fun, definitely.
