Keeping Busy

I resolve in 2014 to be a better blogger.  Summer hit and my blogging took a hit and I've been struggling to keep up with it since.

I have been busy in the sewing room though.  Working as quick as I can to get Christmas gifts done and I can proudly say, I finished last weekend.  Phew!  However, my grandmother's quilt... it is quilted and looks awesome but I will be gifting it minus the binding.  I haven't had time to sit down and get the binding sewn on and then do the hand-work. I feel like a dope giving an incomplete gift but what can I say?  Work full time, daughter busy in school stuff and just life happens.  I'm okay with my decision.  I know she will love it regardless.  I'll let you know how she reacts to receiving the gift.

Okay.  What I've been working on:

Teacher gifts.  I made them both a pillow that I spotted in the Winter edition of Quilts and More magazine.

Cute?  I think so.  Need to make one for myself.  Well, I DID make one for myself and I used all the Christmas scraps I have.  Looks like a hot mess.  LOL.  So I'm not finishing it.  I will make one for myself out of Aspen Frost as I did for the teachers.

I made some soft and cuddly infinity scarfs and lip balm holders for my cousins, SIL and a friend of mine. All ideas found on Pinterest, of course.

My model:

I think they will enjoy their gifts this year.

The holidays aren't complete without some sewing for myself.  I started this tote back in November and finished it so that I show it off use it over Christmas.

The Twister Tote.  It's a nice size tote and would work well as a beach bag this coming Summer.

I had to add a band of the black daisies to the lining.  I was short about an inch.  I was so mad and was ready to scrap it all until that idea popped into my head.  Why I was short, I have no idea as you can see, the lining is very 'blousy'.  I'm not sure what happened there but I'm not going to stress over it.  It's just a tote for my use. It's all good in my book.  The interfacing of the bag is that Soft and Stable foam.  Oh it is awesome.  Expensive but awesome.  If the wallet let's me, I will be using it more in other totes in the future.

That's it from my house.  Hope everyone is ready for the Jolly Man.  5 more days, you know!!

Enjoy your day!
Jen :)