Time to decorate at last!

I have been in Germany now for a week, armed with some left over felt, ribbon and beads...this is what I came up with:

This little snowball is made with coloured embroidery thread, felt, ribbon, sequins and some pinking shears.  I considered decorating the tree, but it didn't look as good as I wanted it to!

The heart was made with felt, ribbon, embroidery thread and beads. I had some cool snowflake sequins which formed the basis of this.  The edge was sewn using a whipped back stitch, so it followed the more Norweigen style.

So for the final tree, we got some wooden stars, fabric snowflakes and lights.  There are some more ornaments to come, and an angel I knocked up quickly which I haven't photographed yet!

Merry Christmas everyone!

R xxx

Where did the last few days go?

It feels completely alien that, for the last few days, I have been unable to post anything, craft anything or even set up my link party. The race to pack for Christmas, so I can go away, is well under way, combined with carol concerts, birthday, work and well....packing, packing, packing!

Sorry to anyone who came to link up today but couldn't, but I have been tearing around all evening, finishing final jobs etc.  I might be back up and running for next week.  I hope everyone's preparations are a bit calmer than mine. I am going to chill out and look around blog land for a bit.

On Thursday (right before I leave) I am going to attempt a chocolate salami. My final present, and perfect for a German couple (or so I think). If I haven't packed my camera, I will do a tutorial or something....

Happy holidays!

R xx

Christmas Link Party No.4

Please click on the link below to hot-foot it to my Christmas Link party.

Does anyone know how to reorder posts on a blog so I can escape having to write one of these?

R xxx

Apple Chutney Update

Well I finally got around to decorating my now matured, and very nice smelling Spiced Apple Chutney. Contrary to what my friends sad, the top is definitely an apple, not a tomato. The recipe is really nice and can be found on the internet.  For the original post, click here. 

                                       

Another job finished. Phew.

R xx

Lavendar Hearts - For the mums!

One of the hearts is for my boyf's mum as part of her Christmas package; the other is for my mum's birthday which is inconsiderately on the 28th December. They have been made lots on blog land, but here they are again. I got the lavendar from Amazon of all places.

You will need: patterned fabric (scraps will do), some ribbon, some buttons, needle and thread and lavendar.  I have no idea on quantities, but it's not very much!

Cut out a heart pattern on paper, pin to fabric (I folded mine into 4 to get the shapes all at one time). I placed the right sides of the fabric together, pinned, machine sewed fairly close to the edge. Leave a small-ish gap for stuffing.  When sewn turn around the right way.

Fill with Lavendar - I think a funnel would be hugely beneficial - needless to say I had a tea spoon and my fingers. 

Hand sew the gap with slip stitch. Place the ribbon on each side with a button in front. Sew through the buttons until secure. And that's it.

Well there you go! I will post an image of the whole present after next week, as half of it is in Germany - I need to finish wrapping it there.

Have a fun week!

R x

To Dad with love - IPoD/Phone/anything the right size cover!

I had a mega make (well for me over the weekend), but no time to upload.  It's very dark before and after work, so I am sorry about the quality of the photos....I will try and get some during daytime at the weekend.

This pattern came free from a newspaper in the UK.

For one you need:
35mm/50mm wide bias binding
22cm square of cotton (patterned or plain)
22cm square of batting (padding stuff!)
22cm square of brushed cotton (for the inside)
Cord
A toggle
A sewing machine
Pins etc.

Steps:
1. Fold the square of cotton in half right sides together. Pin a 1cm seam down the open side and one end of the fabric, then machine sew.
2. Press the seams back and then iron a 2.5cm lip at the top. Turn the fabric the correct way around.
3. Iron a 2.5cm lip on either side of a 22cm length of bias binding, then iron it in half lengthways. Tack the binding, folded edge inwards to the top of the cotton, leaving 6mm above the top of the fabric (this is for the cord). The ends should line up with the sewn side.
4. Repeat step one with the batting and brushed cotton. These should be pinned together. Once you have ironed the lip, don't turn inside out. 
5. Put the inner section inside the cotton outside...it takes a bit of stuffing. the folded seam should be on the opposite sides.
6. Line up the edges and then tack through the bias binding to line up the insides.
7. Slip stitch the edges together going through the binding. Remove the tacking.
8. Thread the cord through the lip at the top: a safety pin can help. Attach the toggle.

I decorated mine with badges, but it could have anything on it. Imade a second one for my brother too.

I hope you like them!

R xx

Christmas Link Party No.4

Hi folks! 

I am pleased to host this week's link party and can't wait to see what you have been up to.  I HAVE made some stuff over the weekend, but work is piling up before the holidays and I haven't quite had the time to blog about it yet! Also, I have been making piles (just in case he is reading!) of stuff for the boyf' which I can't post because he checks in regularly (bless him,,,) Anyway...if you would like to link up all of your Christmas projects, including food and presents I would love to see them.

There are a couple of party rules:
1. No shop links please
2. Please visit some folks and show them some comment love
3. Link to my blog so people know where to admire your work.

4. If you want to follow me, so you can remember to come back again, it would make my day!

Check back later for my newest projects: IPOD carry cases, lavendar hearts and some dressed up Chutney jars. 

Merry Christmas  - R xx