Sunday, November 16, 2014

Twas the Night

This blog hop has given me tons of new ideas for gift-giving and I expect to see many more great ideas this week.  Though, I must say this has been a difficult assignment for me...my mind doesn't work for quick gifts AND I always wait until December 15 to start, so those become Valentine gifts.
 Thank you Madame Samm and Marlene for pushing me to get started SEW early.  Now with all the great ideas I have seen this past week, I am really on a roll.  Let's see, if I make one gift per week...at least two dozen handmade gifts to give.  Love it!

Look what I received from Selina.  It came packaged in this cheerful sack with these very clever gift cards made by copying and printing on her computer.  She said the yellow ones were computer malfunction, but I think they are great.  Needless to say,  I have used up all my computer ink copying and printing many different fabrics.  Never too old to learn another skill.



I have to admit that I did not know what these were.  Thankfully Selina included a nice card of explanation.  But, my husband used one last night to keep his soup warm and declared it a winner.  The gift, not the soup.  So, thank you so much, Selina, for the microwave bowl warmers and trivet.
They will be used often.





Now on to my own quick and some not-so-quick gifts.

A Kindle cover made from upholstery fabric.




A wool penny rug hanging.



This next is actually for a November birthday.  A hobo bag purse with attached keyring wristlet and an included zippered "whatever" bag.





Set of four homespun fabric placemats and napkins.  The napkins are loosely tied with fabric strips printed with Christmas greetings.  I love homespun fabrics.


Ummm, remember this fabric?  This was supposed to be a cell phone carrier, but I was interrupted in mid cutting and didn't recheck measurements when I resumed.  So,  the birthday girl doesn't get a coordinated cell phone carrier for her hobo bag, but someone gets a sewer's helper to wear while working.




I have a disabled relative that loves all the casinos we have here in Oklahoma.  He should enjoy this card case for some of his casino cards.  It is made of a fake leather material.  



And for chairside sewing while watching television....an Armchair Sewing Caddy.  My first try at machine quilting.   This pattern is from Maureen Greeson.  I tried to link with her website, but it must be an old pattern..the link didn't work.



This is a tiny Treasure Box ...3.25" x 3.5"...probably will hold a special piece of jewelry.  This pattern came from Quilting Arts Magazine, but I made this one 25% larger than the original pattern.   The first picture is with the box opened flat.  The second is fully closed.  I love boxes and bags, so had fun with this.





This folk art mantle scarf is from a 2006 issue of Love of Quilting.  It was intended as a gift for someone, but may stay in my home, since it looks like the mice in the barn celebrated their own early Christmas in my Christmas ornaments and decorations. 



And, last...lots of yo yo decorations.  These will become tree decorations, or package decorations, or with a little more embellishment,  lapel pins.  This was my evening de-stress activity and I was enjoying it until I learned there is something called a Clover Quick Yo Yo Maker.  



Be sure to visit the rest of today's bloggers and cheer them on.  

Monday, Nov. 17
Lakeshore Stitches (this is where you are)

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.


116 comments:

  1. You received some lovely gifts! The items you made are pretty and plentiful, they will give so much joy and happiness!

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    1. Yes, Selina was very thoughtful. Once I got on a roll, it was hard to stop creating. Thanks for visiting.

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  2. You have made a wonderful variety of quickie gifts! Love those cute Yo Yos, they look like peppermints. Thank you for sharing and Happy Holidays!!!!

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    1. Thank for visiting. I didn't notice how much the yo yos looked like candy until I took the pic.

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  3. You were very productive, waoh! I had to LOL when I read that your hubbies said that the soup was great, or let's say the "warmers". I am sure he also meant the soup itself, smile... Your jewelrey box looks so nice and sophisticated, superbe. And I just saw your sewing box on the other blog, that is such a GENIOUS idea, looks like a book, wonderful!

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    1. People with OCD should not be given such an open-ended assignment. I had a great deal of trouble stopping...rather, pausing...long enough to take pics and write the blog post. Thanks for your kind praise of the knitting needle portfolio. Happy holidays.

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  4. Aren't the microwave bowl warmers cool. Love your hobo bag.

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    1. Yes, the bowl warmers are great. Luckily, a written explanation of what they are was included because my first thought was that perhaps I needed a grass skirt to go with them. I have been in the boonies way too long. Have a great Holiday.

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  5. You received a really neat gift! I have that same upholstery fabric. Been saving it for a few years now. Can't make up my mind about where it should go. :-) Love the penny rug and the mantle scarf. Also that treasure box is too cute. So many wonderful gifts!

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    1. Thank you for your kind comments. Can't believe you have the same fabric. I have been "storing" this for my SIL for years. It is the remnant of her RV upholstery, with which I was supposed to make her pillows . But, she sold that RV before I got around to it :) I WILL make her a Kindle cover with it....promise.

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  6. Good day....what lovely gift ideas to and from....I really like the card folder which could also be for tea....your bags ,wee quilt....alll priceless

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    1. Thanks, for visiting. One of the earlier bloggers had a MUCH nicer tea bag holder, that I will be making next week...several, as a matter of fact. Thanks for organizing such an energizing blog. Having fun with it.

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  7. Such a lot of wonderful gift ideas. Love the pretty placemats and napkins.

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    1. Thanks for visiting. It has been hard forcing myself to STOP with the handmade gifts. The gift storage drawer will hardly close.

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  8. So many great ideas! I really adore the mini wool penny rug and the homespun yo-yos!

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    1. Thanks for visiting. That penny rug was so much fun. My 21 year old granddaughter likes it so much, she wants to learn. Have a Happy Holiday Season.

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  9. Such lovely gifts and ideas. Your yo-yos look like peppermint candies ... great idea except that I'm not very good at making nice looking yo-yos. ^^

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    1. Thanks. The yo yos aren't as tight as I would have liked, hence, the Christmas buttons in the center of each. Think I will borrow my cousins yo yo maker (are you reading this, Marlene?) and give them a try. Worried that I may be covering all surfaces with yo yos, though. Have a great Holiday Season.

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  10. Nice gifts you received! And lots of great gift ideas. Thank you.

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    1. I did receive very nice gifts from Selina. Thanks for your comment. Have a really great holiday season.

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  11. Love gifts received and so many nice things you've made. I too love homespun. And oh...those many tiny yo yo's! Scrumptious!

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    1. Homespun fabrics and folk art always remind me of my Ozark Mountains days with my great grandmother. Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful holiday season.

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  12. You made lots of wonderful gifties !

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    1. Thanks! That's only the beginning. Can't stop. Soon I will have more gifts than giftees.

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  13. Wowee!!! If you have not been a busy little elf!! Lots of wonderful inspiration for all! There are a few of your ideas that I may just have to use this year. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful ideas!

    And your gifts received were over the top! Love the idea of those soup bowl warmers. My hubby and I grab a towel.. might just have to whip us up a couple of those.

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    1. This has been great fun. I am retired, granddaughter has moved out, farm is sold...lots of stitching, weaving, knitting time. Yes, we love our microwave bowls. Thanks for visiting

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  14. Such a wonderful collection of ideas. Love the scattered yoyo-s throughout. a great headstart on your gift making. The placemats and napkins look so welcoming and the hobo bag is over the top, great fabric choice. I really like how you repurposed the phone case into a sewing kit. Fabulous idea.

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    1. Thanks for all your kind comments I love yo yos. In the 1940s, one of my relatives made an entire full size quilt with yo yos. I am now in total awe of her perseverance. Have a wonderful Holiday Season.

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  15. First of all, I love all of the gifts that Selina sent you. And for a lady that doesn't make quick gifts....you sure had a great assortment to show us. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Yes, Selina was very generous in her gifting. Retirement living at the lake has given me ample time to be creative. So, don't let the number of gifts fool you. I would die if I lost my seam ripper. Thanks for visiting.

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  16. WOW! You have made so many beautiful things and I am going to put several of them on my "to do" list. I really love them. My favorite is the hobo bag. Thank you for sharing today.

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    1. Thanks, Joyce. I would be glad to send you a copy of the directions for the hobo bag. It is ridiculously simple. Have a great Holiday Season.

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  17. We use bowl coasters alot in our house, they're a hand saver especially for my kiddos!
    You have certainly graced us with spectacular gifting ideas, love the bag!

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    1. My husband is really enjoying the bowl warmers. He is a real cry baby with hot dishes. Thanks for your comment and your visit. Enjoy the holidays with your kiddos.

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  18. I have got to have some of those microwave bowl holders! We microwave more than we cook at my house. :) Carol I love your tiny treasures holder - wouldn't my granddaughters love those. And i've been wanting to make a mantle scarf for ages but just haven't done it - maybe this will inspire me. Your first attempt at machine quilting is amazing! I've never been able to get that small with my stippling - great job! blessings, marlene

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    1. Keith wants more bowl holders, just in case these get soiled. The treasure boxes are really fun and easy. I am trying to enlarge the pattern a bit to have various sizes...also, rounding the top knob, 'cause those points get bent. Machine quilting to me means push the Stipple button on my Pfaff. See you soon.

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  19. For someone who doesn't do quick gifts, I think your assortment is wonderful! I'm not a huge Santa fan, but your mantle covering is gorgeous! I've never tried those microwave bowels, but I have heard many good things about them. My in-laws use the micro a lot, so perhaps this would be a good gift for them. Have a Merry Christmas, Carol!

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    1. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Being retired has given me new-found freedom to do the things I love...fiber creations. This has been a fun blog hop and I am STILL making gifts. Have a Happy Holiday Season.

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  20. WOW. You really created a lot of lovely gifts. Love the idea of the casino card holder as I know a lot of gamblers...lol Your hobo bag is gorgeous and all the little gifts are amazing. I would keep the mantle scarf as it is wonderful. I'll bet your mailbox was smiling with that great gift of note cards. Great idea!

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    1. Thanks for visiting. There will be several casino card holders given this Christmas. We have dozens of casinos in Oklahoma and I have dozens of casino patron friends. Have a very Merry Holiday Season.

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  22. Selina's gifts are beautiful...sweet! You really went all out for quick gift ideas! That little box is very cute and so is everything else. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks for visiting. I wish these gifts were as quick to make as they look. My best and busiest friend is my seam ripper. Have a Happy Holiday Season.

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  23. You received such wonderful gifts! I love that you made so many little quick gifts. I love the purse and that casino card holder is awesome! (My husband's grandma needs one of those.) ;) Very nice work!
    -Brittany

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    1. Thank you. I used a pattern for a store loyalty card holder, but the next holder will be made with wider card pockets to hold several cards in each pocket. I found 18 casino cards in my purse and I don't even enjoy gambling. Have a wonderful Season.

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  24. Wo.w! I love your quick gift ideas. Those yo yos are wonderful.

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    1. Thanks for the praise. Think I will put two yo yos on a velvet ribbon and dangle from a Christmas tree branch for a handmade Christmas look.
      Happy Holidays to you.

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  25. Awesome gifts from Selina. I love the variety of gifts you created. The tiny treasure box is my fave. Wish I had a mantle, that scarf is so cute. Merry Christmas

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    1. Thanks for visiting. As you can tell from the pic, I don't have a mantle either. But, my mother suggested that I use it on my entrance table (it is on the TV console in the pic). It makes a really happy entrance look. Merry Christmas to you.

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  26. Did you say that the sewing caddy was your first machine quilting project? All I can say is...wow! And I love that little treasure box! Great ideas! thanks! yessewingisfun@yahoo.com

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    1. Okay, I must elaborate. The sewing caddy is my first project using a quilting BUTTON on my Pfaff machine. I tried free motion stippling but need years of practice. Thanks for visiting and have a Happy Holiday Season.

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  27. Been thinking about doing some bowl holders. May need to dig into the stash!! Thanks for sharing!!

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    1. Perfect season for soup, so we all should make bowl warmers for ourselves. I haven't made time to find a pattern yet, but Selina has taken care of me. Thanks for visiting. Happy Holidays.

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  28. Beautiful gifts you received and be beautiful gifts you have created. I know some folks on your Christmas list are going to be thrilled this year! :-)

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    1. I have a very short list of giftees, so really should stop making gifts, but it has become addictive. Will try to concentrate on MAKING decorating ideas for the holiday house. Thanks for visiting and have a great Holiday Season.

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  29. Oh my! The projects just kept getting better and better!! Great job!!

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    1. Well, I don't know about just getting better, but they just keep coming. The gift storage drawer overflows. Thanks for visiting and Merry Holidays to you.

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  30. Love the idea of adding yoyos to packages for embellishment!

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    1. Thanks for visiting. Yo yos are great for the holidays and these look so pepperminty that it really puts me into the spirit. Have a very Merry Holiday Season.

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  31. Wow lots of great ideas. Love your yoyo garland.

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    1. I need a lot more yo yos for a tree garland. Must borrow my cousin's yo yo maker for that. Thanks for visiting and have a Happy Holiday Season.

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  32. Wow!!! That is a lot of crafty goodness there. Great ideas and fun eye candy as well.

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    1. Thanks for visiting and for your kind comments. Hope you have a Wonderful Holiday Season.

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  33. What great ideas and projects you have made. Your phone holder , to me, was a great mistake. That turned out to be a great holder for sewers on the go. You kept everyonr in mindcand what they can use and need and they are all beautifully done!

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    1. Thanks for visiting. If I can always find a solution to my mistakes, I will be happy...because mistakes happen often in my sewing room. Happy Holidays.

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  34. You received really nice gifts. Love the yellow cards too!. You really took this "assignment" to heart. What a great array of gift ideas. Thank you so much for sharing all of these with us. Sorry about your decorations. I know all about those pesky mice in out buildings. Enjoy your holidays.

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    1. Yes, Selina was very generous to me. I know I am intended to use the cards, but it will be hard to give them up. I may frame at least one of them. Thanks for visiting and have a very Merry Holiday Season.

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    1. I am busy at being retired and doing what I enjoy. I wish that for all the younger stitchers out there. Thanks for your comment and have a lovely Holiday Time.

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  36. Holy-molyrics but you were busy!! Wonderful projects and thank you for sharing!

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    1. Thanks for visiting. I had fun! Happy Holidays.

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  37. Geesch, you were busy, and with such incredible ideas too!! I am all thumbs with the clover yo yo maker, it's much faster for me to do it by hand. Thanks so much for sharing, everything is absolutely beautiful!!
    Huggs, Nancy

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    1. Thanks for your comment. I expect to find the same opinion when I try the yo yo maker. Anyway doing it by hand is relaxing and keeps me from becoming engaged with all the nonsense on TV. Best Wishes.

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  38. Wow, you've outdone yourself with so many wonderful gifts. The yo-yos look like candy - great choice of fabric. I loved the placemats and napkins and the armchair caddy! That is a great idea to photograph fabric and make notecards - from a truly creative person.

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    1. I certainly agree with you about Seline's notecards. I have already tried it and will never buy cards again. Thanks for visiting. Have a fun Holiday Season.

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  39. Wonderful gifts from Seline. Your projects are great and thanks fro sharing!

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    1. Thanks for visiting and thanks for your kind comment. Have a very Merry Holiday Season.

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  40. glad you are sharing your wonderful gifts today!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Have a wonderful Holiday Season.

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  41. Wow you were busy! Thanks for sharing all of your great projects.

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    1. I haven't learned that retirement means slow down. Thanks for visiting and have Happy Holidays.

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  42. You have some wonderful project ideas, I especially like the armchair caddy and the stitching you did looks wonderful! It matches the lace you have on there. Sorry to hear about the mice, durned things. Sounds like you need a barn cat! Thank you for sharing your project ideas!
    ~Brandy

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    1. Thanks for your kind words. I hadn't noticed the lacy quilting on the armchair caddy was echoing the lace applied...dumb luck, again. I won't worry about mice any longer..sold the farm, so no outbuildings. Have a great Holiday Season.

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  43. Hi!!! Wonderful projects!!!!! Love your hobo bag and the little treasure box is a treasure!!!!! The little yoyos are very sweet too!!!!!

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    1. Thanks for visiting. The hobo bag was ridiculously simple to make...it was even quick for me. Merry Holidays to you and yours.

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  44. I'm with you! December 15th is crunch time! If I didn't have to finish some to deliver at Thanksgivbing I wouldn't be started yet either. Getting lots of inspiration on this hop!

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    1. I always start with great intentions, but usually end up late. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Enjoy the Holidays.

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  45. What great projects! I especially LOVE the mantle scarf! :)

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    1. Thanks for visiting. I think I will try the mantle scarf in nice heavy wools..next year. Not happy with the quality of the felt I used. I would be happy to send you a copy of the pattern. Have a Great Holiday Season.

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  46. Wow you are another creative sewer. I love all the gifts you make. The ones you received are pretty neat as well. Happy Holidays.

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    1. Thanks for visiting and for your kind comment. Have a lovely Holiday Season.

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  47. Goodness you were sew productive! Wow. Lots of great projects.
    And you received wonderful gifts too. I am intrigued by the microwave bowl warmers. Interesting idea.

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    1. When I look at the pile of gifts, it looks very meager and I wonder why it took an entire month to produce. Lots more work to do in the next few weeks. Thanks for visiting and have a Happy Holiday Season.

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  48. Wow, those are some terrific gift ideas - love the armchair caddy, it's beautiful, and so is your machine quilting on it. Lovely gifts you received as well.

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Deonn. I am pleased with my first machine quilting attempt. I am a hand quilter with arthritis, so must learn to use my Pfaff for quilting. Have a Merry Holiday Season.

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  49. My goodness you are full of inspiration! I especially love the tablet case and the wool penny mini. The gifts you received are so bright and cheery! Love the oops cards too.

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    1. Thanks for visiting. I liked the Kindle case so well that I am keeping it for myself and will make my SIL another (since the fabric is hers that I am storing? for her). Have a Cheery Holiday Season.

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  50. Wow, nice gifts from Seline. And you have been one busy elf. No Valentine's gifts from you this year! Love the tiny treasure box!

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    1. Thanks for visiting. Isn't Seline awesome? I hope to continue as a busy elf for a few more weeks to make this a completely handmade Christmas. Have a wonderful Holiday Season.

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  51. Many great ideas. You are a busy girl with the needle and do it well.

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    1. Thanks for visiting and for your kind comments. Enjoy a blessed Holiday Season

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  52. Wow, you made loads! Your gift to me is so much appreciated xxx

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    1. Thanks, Lixie. And, thanks for not showing the several errors I made. Hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season.

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  53. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful ideas, they are lovely!
    You recived some wonderful gifts too, it is a great hop ☺

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    1. Danke fur Ihren Besuch, Bente. Das hat Spass gemacht, nicht wahr? And, that is about all this old memory can remember of my days of living in Rheinland Pfalz. Frohe Weinachten.

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  54. I love, love, love the little treasure box! It is gorgeous. All the other gifts are lovely too.

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    1. Thanks, Leanne. The original pattern for the treasure box was REALLY small. Think I will play around with the concept more and make larger ones. Happy Holidays.

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  55. Sooo many great ideas! My favorites are the mantle scarf and the card wallet. Awesome!

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    1. Thanks for visiting. I really enjoyed doing the mantle scarf. I think I will do it in nice wools, rather than felts, next time. Blessed Holidays.

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  56. Wow! Lots of great ideas. All your work is fabulous! It is hard to pick a favorite!! and the gifts you received are just as lovely. What a wonderful set of quick gifts!

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    1. Thanks. This was a fun hop and I hope I am able to continue the momentum....need lots more gifts to give. Merry Holidays.

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    2. Thanks for visiting and for your kind comments. Wish me luck with continuing the momentum to finish all the other gifts I need to make. Sweet Holidays to you.

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  57. Oh, my! So many wonderful gift ideas, BarbCarol. You've certainly been busy and have shared so much inspiration. I'm especially loving the mantel scarf - so beautiful!

    Enjoy those lovely gifts from Selina and thanks so much for sharing with us.

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  58. You made some beautiful projects. My daughter would love that hobo bag. Very cute. The gifts you received from Selina are beautiful as well, love the pine tree fabric she used. Have a joyous holiday season!

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  59. I love the wool penny rug. Beautiful work.

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  60. Awesome gifts from Selina!! BarbCarol, you have been a very busy elf!! Hard to pick a favorite...love the hobo bag. Thanks for sharing!! Happy Holidays!!

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