Patchwork Table Runner.

I woke up this morning to a cold and frosty morning. The grass was white. I am very glad I did not take down our big sunflowers this year as they are encouraging birds to our garden - and a squirrel or two.

So I decided to do some sewing. After seeing this blog -

http://twinmommyproductions.blogspot.com/2007/10/patchwork-placemat-tutorial.html

I decided to make some place mats and a table runner for our Christmas table. Granted I have not used Christmas material - but I can use it year round, after Christmas.

I had to have a move around of furniture due to the Christmas tree being up. So this is the temporary workspace. It is OK that I am in front of the telly as I am the only one who watches this TV!

I cut the 17 - two by four inch strips per place mat last night.



Here they are all in a line. While sewing them up I thought that 17 would be too wide - as I have to fit 7 around the table this year. So reduced it to 14. I gathered all the left over strips to make the table runner.

Here is the finished table runner - the backing fabric is the same navy blue as the front strips. I have used an old flannel sheet for the lining.

Here are the 8 tops of the place mats hanging on the back of my sewing chair. Still have to cut out the lining and the backing. But I am a little sewed out right now! That is why I am here on the blog.

Thanks for letting me share this with you !

Chat soon.

Stocking Swap.

I received my stocking swap today - here it is.




A purple velvet stocking bursting with Christmasy goodies!




I have labelled everything. Luke has already eaten his lollipop. Anna-Kate is at hockey and will probably eat hers as soon as she is home!
The slippers are lovely and soft.
I have put the fabric away to use for next Christmas ... may collect some more and make a quilted runner.
The Christmas tree decoartions are up on my tree - and every thing else has found a home ...

So I have had a great week post wise.

Have been busy crocheting for Christmas - pictures will be posted this weekend.

Chat soon - isn't it great to have special post not just bills !

My New Boots.

Just popped out to the shops to see what roasts they have available and I cam home with a new pair of Wellington boots. I could not resist as they are covered in dots and are my favourite colour! Enough to brighten this grey day.

No roast found though - will have to go to town another day.

Little Black Dress Day.

Apparently it is LBD Day so I have gone hunting for my patterns - and of course I can not find the pattern I want ! I think the pattern has wandered off to a safe place along with my address book - oh why did I tidy up? The hunt continues!

Gold, Frankincense and Mrryh.

I have been spoilt !

A parcel arrived this evening... I went oh dear, as Luke was bothering me asking me - "What is that Mummy?" Luckily I could truthfully say it was for me !

The parcel was for the Gold, Frankincense and Mrryh swap.

I opened the big, brown box to find ...

I opened the envelopes first - and saw my name in print - FANTASTIC !

Here is everything in its glory -

From the top left - two waterproof pouches with zips. I think I may use them to carry my quilting goodies too and from class. The green card which is lovely (it is now in pride of place on my bookcase). An origami book full of instructions plus beautiful papers. The origami book is lying on a quilt book ( this will be used after Christmas !!!!) Two packs of freezer paper - which will be used after Christmas as I have found a book about old American quilts full of ideas, Then the notebooks - an Amy Butler notebook.... if you do follow my blog you will see I LOVE Amy Butler !!! Then a lovely gold notebook followed by two home made note books .... all of these are now on my bookcase awaiting use !

Last but not least LAVENDER hand cream and a little cushion.... which I LOVE.

I LOVE everything .....

Now an arty shot ...

Thank-you Joyce from www.slateblu.typepad.com your parcel and everything in it was appreciated.

Christmas is Coming !

Anna-Kate and Luke are very excited. They both come running down the stairs in a great mood - thanks to the tiny bit of choclate hiding behind small cardboard doors.

I am madly crocheting still trying to get the blankets finished.

One of my blankets left home yesterday and is off to London.

I have also posted my international cards.

Today is wrapping presents day - and sorting out the family presents.

I hope you are all well and enjoying the countdown to the Holidays.

Chat Soon.

XXXX

Christmas Trees and Christmas Blankets.

Well - I do usually wait until December - but Santa's little helpers wanted to put up all the decorations today....
So Saturday was spent clearing the decks - especially for today.
I was not even allowed to get ready for the day we had to do it first thing after breakfast !
Here is our tree ....

It doesn't look this bare in real life it is next to me flickering away. All the tinsel disappeared up into my little helpers rooms ... Anna-Kate's room looks very bright !

One of my ladies even had a makeover - we are thinking about adding some lights as she is standing next to a plug..... something to think about when I am shopping next week !

My new bookcase ... I had to have storage for all the craft books I have been buying from Charity Shops. Thanks to Tesco vouchers it was 'free'.

Right on top are my anniversary flowers - still going strong! On the top is my daughters work of art - she was so proud to have it on display !

You can see two of my Christmas Crochet Blankets folded on the shelf too ! That means two down and so many more to go !

One of the blankets I am still working on. Growing VERY slowly!

The fifth Christmas Crochet Blanket I am working on - perhaps not original - but my own pattern, starting from a circle and converting into a square.

The sixth blanket I am working on is on the right - this blanket is so long I do a row now and again when I am worried a colour I have is running out. Don't think this one will be finished for this Christmas !

Mum came over for a visit as my Dad was running a half marathon today (in this weather?) We tried to arrange Christmas but it is HARD with so many families to see / organise !

Hope you all have a great December - keep on chatting.