Making Christmas 2013

The gorgeous and talented Janine and Becca have joined forces this year to host an inspiring festive blog hop, Making Christmas.

Not only is Making Christmas about sharing fabulous ideas - but it also a great way to keep accountable and to encourage each other to GET IT DONE!  Admittedly, my record of ticking off lists is rather pathetic (please, no one mention my lack of a follow-up post for Q3 of the FAL)... BUT I'll give it a shot and see where it gets me.  ;)

Also, I will be hosting with a cute little project on Saturday 30th November so be sure to pop back then but, before that, check out this post to see the full line up and all the amazing bloggers involved this year.  I am a bit out-classed, to say the least!!

Ok, onto the list...

1. Robot Embroidery Library Bag

I thought I'd start easy and actually give myself an achievable goal - as this one is actually due tomorrow for the Finished Stitches competition over at Shiny Happy World.

 

If you don't know what I'm on about then you can see my original post here.  Stay tuned for the big reveal in the coming days.

2. Personalised Cushions / Pillows

I have a vague idea to whip up some cute little cushions/pillows for a few darling little kidlets in my life.  It's one of those ideas that is still at a maybe-it'll-happen-but-no-biggie-if-it-doesn't stage so will see.  

In the past I have made ones like these... 

... but I'm thinking of changing it up this time.  I also love these ones, recently made by Lucy.  Again, I'm not sure what I'll do so don't hold your breath.  ;)

3. Kindle Cover

As my Mummy had a recent tumble, we bought her an early Christmas present to help pass the time while she's laid up - a Kindle.  I've been trying to talk her into getting one for ages but she just couldn't or wouldn't entertain the idea of not "reading a real book".  I'm now pleased to announce that she is a complete and utter convert - and I am smilling smugly.  :)

Anyway, I've promised to make her a cover so her new best friend stays warm and safe between uses.  It'll more than likely match the library bag I made her last year - but, weirdly, don't seem to have a photo of.  Imagine dark blue with touches of blue and green DS.  Got it?  Good.  :)

4. Bear Paw Quilt

Remember this one?

Don't say it, I know, I know - it should be done already but it's really, really not.  I have, though, finished off the last two blocks so it's only a matter of putting it together, quilting... you know the drill.  The bub this one is intended for is due next month so I need so move my bottom.  A-huh.

5. Toffee Shards Quilt

Another baby quilt that has been languishing and should have been gifted by now.

Craig is seriously on my back about this one so I'm sure I'll be pressured to finish it off soon. You know, before the little man turns 18. Maybe.  ;)

6. Wonky Stars Quilt

Yep, another quilt for another gorgeous boy who has only recently arrived into our world.  I've pulled the fabric for this one - blues and greens - and am thinking of something like this.  Time to get a-cutting.

 7. Softies for Mirabel

It's on again so, like the previous two years, I plan to make a softie or two for disadvantaged Australian kids.

I'll write more on this soon - when I dedicate a whole post to this wonderful cause.  I really just need to decide what to make.  Last year I sent in... DONKEYS!

Well, that's my list.  I'm laughing even just imagining getting all that done before Christmas but one can only try.  Wish me luck!  ;)

So, what are you planning for Christmas?  Write a list and play along - we'll be your cheer squad!  And don't forget to check out the fabulously inspiring posts each week.  I can't wait!

E.

TGIFF - Donkeys for Mirabel

Hee haw the donkeys are done.  Meet Digby and Pinky (thanks Mr C for that really original name...)

That's a very quick pic I had to take before Kira (the beloved pup) ran off with them.  She certainly had a hungry look in her eyes when she spied these little critters!

For those wondering, Digby is made with Yellow Pez by American Jane for Moda and has a blue stripey underbelly.  Pinky is decked out in two fabrics from the Delighted by Riley Blake collection.

If you would like to whip-up your own little pet asses then check out this free pattern by Myra Masuda.  It's a goodie.

Now, I'm off to the post office to send these beauties to Pip for her Softies for Mirabel campaign.  You have just one more week to get your donations in so it's time to get a-sewing.  Read more here.

E.

Linking up to Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday, being hosted this week by the lovely M-R at Quilt Matters.

WIP - Poor Sick Laurie

I had high hopes this week to crank through some WIPs, namely the quilting on...

Donkey quilt - yet to be named

... and ...

O(rnamental) Christmas Tree quilt

... but, unfortunately, Laurie, my machine, had different ideas and is currently enjoying some R&R in rehab hospital.  Fingers crossed he is better very soon.

So, I have had to re-plan my week and am now working on...

Two donkey softies for the Softies for Mirabel campaign.  Read more here.  I actually only started these on Sunday, when Laurie decided to take stress-leave, so not much progress has been made but, at least, I can get those tails finished.

Secondly, I've been enjoying a bit of couch time (and a Die Hard marathon, truth be told) while trying to get this gorgeous little donkey embroidery, by the lovely Lucy, finished.  Check out her fabulous original version and get the FREE pattern here.

AND... I'm also mulling over a few secret projects for my turn in the Thursday Think Tank Holiday Hop, organised by making rebecca lynne.  On Thursday 6 December, I'll be featuring two tutorials on small gifts that kids can make for their friends - perfect for classmates, team mates, neighbours etc.  Be sure to pop back then to see the goodies.  I promise - no donkeys!  ;)

Lastly, don't forget that the Donktober linky party is still open til Friday.  Awesome prizes are up for grabs so get your donk on and enter!

E.

Linking up to Work In Progress Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.

Softies for Mirabel 2012

Yep, it's on again - Pip's fabulous Softies for Mirabel campaign.  Into it's SIXTH (!!!) year, Softies for Mirabel is a worldwide call-out for donations of handmade toys to be given as extra special Christmas gifts to Mirabel children.  As stated on the Mirabel Foundation website:

"Every year the toy drive is open to all crafty participants who wish to 

knit, crochet or sew a Softie or two.  Participants are encouraged to be 

as creative as they like as each Softie will be matched to the age, likes 

and needs of a Mirabel child."

For last year's drive I made and donated this little giant dolly for a special little girl...

I must admit, it was quite exciting to see that she had arrived at Mirabel HQ safe and sound AND was happily making new friends.

Photo courtesy of The Mirabel Foundation on flickr

Can you spot her?  I think she might be a little shy.  ;)

Of course, now that the 2012 campaign has begun, I just had to jump back on board.  Infact, I have already started making two little softies, one for a boy and another for a girl.

Any guesses what these little guys are destined to be?  I know, it's probably no real surprise - I am making more donkeys, just like Deirdre (below) and Damien.

 Photo courtesy of Laura of Quokka Quilts.

One may think that after Donktober I'd be sick of the sight of asses but that'll never ever happen.  Of course, I only speak for myself as, upon commencement of sewing these lovelies, Mr C rolled his eyes and Laurie, my beloved Brother, decided he'd had enough of all things donkey-related and is now refusing to sew another stitch.  Bad Laurie!

Luckily for me, the Softies for Mirabel mailbox doesn't close until 20th December, so I have plenty of time to get Laurie to the doctor... and then get those little donks finished and sent.

What about you?  Will you be donating some handmade love for this worthwhile cause?  I really really really think you should.  To be honest, if I were you, I'd take this awesome opportunity to make some gorgeous little donks (free pattern available here) and then enter them into the Donktober linky party, which is open til Friday!  Seriously, there are some awesome prizes and the odds are looking good.  Help the Mirabel kiddies and get yourself in the chance for some free goodies at the same time.  Win, win, win, I say!!  ;)

Or, just be a good citizen and do it for the love by making any soft toy you can imagine and send it to Pip at:

Softies for Mirabel
Meet Me at Mike's
63 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy VIC
AUSTRALIA

Lastly, don't forget to link your creation up to the Softies for Mirabel flickr group.  I know I'd love to see what you all donate.

Enjoy!

E.

D is for ???

Today's blog post is proudly brought to you by the letter...

Unfortunately it is stormy here today so the first D word that pops to mind is 'dark' but, as it's given me an excuse to stay indoors and sew, I'm not really complaining.  So here are a few things that I've been working on in the last 24 hours... including two projects which are D... D... DONE!

D... D... DONKEY

Yes, it is true - I have a slight infatuation with donkeys.  In fact, it is probably safe to say that I love them.  I even sleep with one every night (no, I am not referring to Mr C).  Therefore it may not come as a surprise to know that I have been trying to recruit another person to the donkey fan club... my friend's 4yr old daughter, Miss A.  I think I'm pretty close - she does seem to be teetering on the edge so, I figure, it's time for a push.  A big one.

Meet Ruby.  Isn't she lovely?  I whipped her up using the Reuben the Donkey pattern by Ric Rac.  To add some pazazz (and, let's be honest, cover the head-body seam) I knitted a simple scarf in Miss A's favourite colour, pink.

Ruby will also be gifted with this gorgeous children's book by the talented Tohby Riddle.  If you are yet to come across his works I suggest you check them out asap - they are seriously adorable.  And, well, the main character is a donkey so how can you go wrong?  ;)

D... D... DOLLY

Remember this post talking about Softies for Mirabel, a softie drive for an Australian based charity?  Well, I finally finished my donation (yes, late) - a sweet doll made from a Dolls & Daydreams pattern.

Honestly, she should have been finished weeks ago as the pattern is very quick and easy but I ummed and ahhed about the facial features - tossing up between embroidery and paint.  In the end I decided to investigate the latter option (as I'm soooo over handsewing) and this is what caused the delay.  I googled, I read, I googled some more.   I still had no real clue so just went with something, anything, and I am loving the results. 

Granted, I could use a bit more practise, but the Tsukineko markers I ordered from OzQuilts are won-der-ful.  I'm soooo excited about using them for future projects.  Stay tuned!

D... D... DUCK

As Christmas is looming ever closer, I've made a start on yet another personalised pillow (yes, I know, the other two are yet to be finished) and this time it is, you guessed it, a duck.

Lara loves ducks as much as I love donkeys so her pillow couldn't really be anything else.  I adore the cute bubbles.  It makes me think of relaxing in a nice, warm bath.  Ahh... bliss.

Hope you are having a D... D... DELIGHTFUL week too.  ;)

E.

P.S.  Don't forget about my Walk in the Woods by Aneela Hoey giveaway.  Check it out here.

WIP - Softies for Mirabel

Have you heard about Softies for Mirabel?  It is a fabulous Christmas Craft Appeal, run by Pip from Meet Me At Mikes, that benefits the Mirabel Foundation.  This amazing organisation supports children who have been orphaned or are living with extended family due to parental substance abuse so a little bit of handmade love for Christmas goes a looooong way.  The mailbox for this year's drive is now open so if you feel like spreading the love then it's time to start crafting!

My first donation to the cause will be this lovely creature, made from a Dolls and Daydreams pattern.  She has come together amazingly quickly (I started her between much needed couch-time last night) and all that is left to do is the face embroidery... and then sew her together and stuff.  Easy!

This is the first time I've used this pattern and I have been amazed at the simple and easy-to-follow instructions.  Seriously - if you are a newbie to softie making then this is the pattern to try!  If you've had a little more experience then this is still a winner as you'll be able to whip up these delightful dolls in no time at all.  And, at 19"(48.5cm) tall, there is a lot for a little girl to love.  I can't wait to get her done.

As I know that it's not only little ladies who love their softies, I also plan to make a less feminine creature that can be given to either a boy or girl, as required.  Again I have been scrolling through the Dolls and Daydreams etsy shop but I can't seem to decide which pattern to get.  Hmm... a sheep?  Frog?  Fox?  Monkey?  Zebra?  Oh, I might just have to buy them all!

If you too would like to jump on the bandwagon and make a softie for this great cause, then click on the button at the top of this post.  I will also be keeping it in my side bar for the next few months so feel free to pop back any time.

This post has been linked up to WIP Wednesday at freshly pieced.  Feel free to jump across and check out all the great projects that people are working on all over the world.

I am also taking this opportunity to link up to the Small Blog Meet over at Lily's Quilts.  I have somehow managed to miss this the last few months so should get on board again.  If you have popped over from Lynne's then welcome.  Please leave a comment so I can repay the favour.  I look forward to checking out your blog and getting to know you a little. 

E.