Great Finds

I am in that "keep it or give it" quandry with two Christmas gifts that have yet to go to the people for whom they are intended.

The first is the book, Made by Me (Jane Bull, DK Publishing, 2009). I first saw this children's book at Crafts Direct, and fell in love with its simple and cute sewing, knitting and embroidery projects immediately. It has a doll pattern with dresses, a nightie, a teddy bear, a hat and a little jacket all to go with, all made with hand sewing or garter stitch knitting. Then there are felt ornaments with blanket stitch edging, embroidery stitches for tee shirts and other items, and a pink and white varigated scarf made on jumbo knitting needles. The colors make the projects look very appealing. I can see sitting down with Goddaughter or down the road, a grandchild, to do some of the projects. I can see Goddaughter using some of the projects for 4-H exhibits at the fair. I ultimately ordered the book off of Amazon because I could not find it when I looked for it again at Crafts Diret. However, last time I was at Crafts Direct I found it by chance among some quilt books shelved with the fabrics. Should I resist the temptation to buy my own copy, or use my half-price coupon?

The second is the book, The Knitter's Bible (Claire Crompton, David and Charles, U.K., 2004). Here again, I have three or four other nice knitting books which I use for reference, and a gazillion other pattern books. This book, however, demonstrates seam sewing with two different colored yarns in a color photograph, not diagram, which is easy to follow. I need something like that! It also has patterns for hanger covers, a loopy sheep that I could make out of wool yarn, a stylish cardigan, and sachet bags. I purchased a copy for Anne so that she could look up binding off when she is knitting alone, but I want one, too....

Vintage Fabric

I am doing some sewing for Christmas. Today as I ws digging for a bold piece of fabric that would match a fat quarter, I discovered that that same bold piece is "guaranteed Dutch Java" material. I got it when I loaded up on fabrics at the mission shop before it closed. Who knows how old it is. I can imagine it coming home from WWII for someone's bride, or someone purchasing it while on an exotic vacation. Unfortunately I also discovered that it is full of holes from either moths or cigarette burns. I hope it is cigarette burns, since I do not need to have my stash riddled by moths.

Rejuvination

Yesterday Anne and I made a trip to Quilts on Broadway in Foley. I spent money on patterns, and yes, some fabric. I got another Minnesota Shop Hop fabric apron, which I am tempted to keep for myself, because it covers both top and bottom. I also purchased some bag patterns using charm packs, and one that will work for an embroidery bag for Maria. Barb showed me how she buries her thread when she uses perled cotton. I enjoy stopping at her shop, and came away ready to hit the sewing machine again. She also thought that Anne looked like me!

After our shop hop Anne and Brenden made dinner for Arthur and me. Anne has their apartment decorated for the Christmas season. Even the bathroom had a splash of Christmas color.

I looked through Anne's knit and crochet purse pattern book. I might have to borrow that when my afghan, prayer shawl, Anne's scarf and hand warmers, and my socks, are finished!