Friday, January 8, 2010

Does anyone know what day it is?

Holidays mess with our daily lives, making ordinary works into days spent playing board games, baking or watching DVDs (Glee!). It's hard to get back to the regular routine. Especially those of us that work from home, alone.

That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. I didn't know it was Friday. Sorry to be late.

I promised to show off my holiday giftmaking when all were distributed. You'll have to take my word on the dozens and dozens of cookies and muffins that were also given away.

Pillowcases are quick, fun, easy gifts. The fabrics that are available today are lovely and make it easy to personalize them. Buy the best fabric you can. It'll feel better on your face. Right now I'm sleeping on one made of Beatles fabric that proclaims All You Need is Love. Great sentiment for dreaming.




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Placemats are another way to showcase great fabrics, letting the designs do all the work. These are made from the Suprise Package pattern from the Artichoke Collection and Table Graces pattern by Jean Dunn at Quiltwoman.



I made a few aprons this year. Retro fun! The patterns are from the book, A is For Apron. Should be titled A is for Addicting.







But wait! There's more. Tune in next week for the non sewing portion of my holiday gifts.

10 comments:

Maureen Lardie said...

I am the happy recipient of the last apron. It is adorable and matches my kitchen perfectly. Thanks!

Linda O. Johnston said...

Such wonderful, charming and creative gifts, Terri. I'm impressed!

signlady217 said...

My mom loves aprons. I'll have to check out that pattern book!

Betty Hechtman said...

I was just at B & N and saw A for Apron and was thinking as soon as I can clear a path to my sewing machine I'd consider getting it.

Thanks for sharing photos. Your work is beautiful. I love the pillowcase idea! What a great gift - useful, but can be meaningful too like your Beatles case.

I know what you mean about mixing up he days. I was shocked to realize last week was New Year's Day. It already seems a long time ago.

Camille Minichino said...

Very lucky people on your list, Terri! Do you do this all year and put away, or make a marathon at Christmas?

Terri Thayer said...

Thanks everyone! It's fun to be able to make gifts.

I don't do this all year although I just bought some Christmas fabric today for more aprons so maybe I'll get ahead. Most of this I started around Thanksgiving. Lots of marathon sewing days.

be warned Betty that the patterns in A is for Apron have to be blown up at Kinko's or someplace. Adds to the expense, but it's a lovely lovely book.

Mason Canyon said...

Love the photo of the red bird place mats. Great ideas I'll have to remember for next year, or maybe some upcoming birthdays. Thanks.

Corinne said...

I always get so excited when I see one of our patterns in use, i.e. the placemats! I love the fabric you used. If anyone is interested in a copy of Table Graces by Jean Dunn, you can get it at http://quiltwoman.com/jd-01.aspx.

Corinne - webmaster for QuiltWoman.com

Terri Thayer said...

Hi Mason and Corinne and signlady,
Welcome!

I have used that Table Graces pattern over and over and over. Made the napkins many many times. Great gifts.

If anyone ever questions spending the money on a book or a pattern, use my formula. If pattern costs $10 and will save me one hour of time (very, very likely), then it's well worth the cost.

Adjust accordingly. Of course some books you just must own.
Not to mention we must keep people like Quiltwoman in business!

knife making steve said...

I agree with you and think that a hobby can really make a difference in a person’s life. My latest hobby is making knives but after seeing your post I want to make some quilts! With knife making, the metal the wood together give knife making a very organic feel in a hobby. The designs and styles are unlimited so every hobby has its own advantages but as for me I like to make knives!