December

It has been a fun and busy December, and most all of it was geared towards Christmas.  I did several quilts, but this post is about everything other than quilts.

This is our Christmas Card photo.  Funny thing is, I haven't sent cards for years, and my daughter arranged this family photo shoot so I would have choices for our cards this year.  Photos were chosen, cards were ordered in November and they arrived on Christmas Eve.  Seriously?  Well, they were mailed out late, and that is all I can do about that.

I hosted my annual cookie decorating party for eleven very young children.  It was a huge success, and a nice chance for childhood friends, who are now young mothers to get together.  I gave each child a metal tray to work in, and that really helped to control the sprinkles.  I also learned that putting the frosting into squeeze bottles was the best method for the kids to get the frosting on the cookies.

After decorating, we all had lunch and time to play and visit some more.

I finished four Maggie Rabbits and they are just as cute as can be.

I made two sets of these wool ornaments from Rosie Little Things  The detail and design in these kits is wonderful.

I made Micah a darling backpack with the cutest chicken fabric and coordinated fabric.  She wore it most of Christmas morning, but getting a photo was difficult.

Ethan got a new backpack too. This backpack pattern from Made by Rae is such a great pattern, and fits a toddler perfectly.

I gave Ethan some lacing cards because he often asks me if he can help me sew.  He loved them, and as you can see so did Holly (in her new Christmas dress) and Micah.

My son is a stay at home dad so I made him a "manly"  diaper bag from some chicken feed bags using quilt as you go techniques.  The pattern for this Aeroplane bag is another fabulous pattern.  I made my daughter a bag out of coordinating fabric, but alas I cannot find the photo.

And some of the several seasonal dresses I made for the girls.  Sewing for these girls has become my latest passion.  This geranium dress pattern  goes together easily, and it is just so darn cute.

 We celebrated the four Sundays of Advent, and the last Sunday we had a birthday party for Jesus.

My December was busy and memorable.  Between quilting and creating other gifts, we all had our share of being sick and changes of schedules, an unexpected power outage on what was my busiest work day of the month.  Everything worked its way out, and I had plenty of time to enjoy my children, grand children and the rest of our family.  Memories were made.
I wish you all a Happy New Year and thanks for joining me through this year.

Esther