A few months ago when I was umming and ahhing over some of the fabulous handmade items out there I made a decision that this year all my christmas presents would be handmade. But not just handmade - handmade by me.
It seemed like a good idea at the time and now it's Monday. Christmas is Friday. And so far I have one gift half completed.
For the first time in years I've been able to take 2 weeks break for Christmas and New Year from work and thank goodness I have! If I had to work this week I would be in a state of panic right now trying to think of substitute gifts. But fortunately I have 4 days... well 3 1/2 days to get things done.
So I have 6 people to make gifts for and 10 actual items to make. 5 of the items I've never actually made before so this will be interesting. Particularly with one item I'm drafting the pattern as well.
Wish me luck.
So much for posting regularly huh?
I've been busy... but I can't recall what I've been busy doing. This seems to be a common theme and I am desperately trying not to fall into that dreaded trap again. But when you have a number of of tafe assignments to do, which I should be doing right now, and work is getting busier again with end of quarter coming up it's hard. So what have I been doing?
I finished a tapestry.
I started my first counted cross stitch.
I put together a fabric basket from the Ink & Spindle kit I bought at the Stitches and Craft show.
I've cut out the pattern pieces of some bag patterns.
I've sorted my fabric stash - several times.
I went to start on a notebook cover yesterday but I've misplaced the lightweight interfacing :(
Going through my stash I have visions of bag panels, notebook covers and purses. But I don't want to cut up the glorious fabric! Especially the unique screen printed ones.
I'm also trying to talk myself out of buying more fabrics - in particular some Umbrella Prints, Green Olive, more Ink & Spindle, and more Pippijoe. Oh and I just discovered Shibori. Credit card says no, husband says no, voice in my head says buy buy! I might have to settle for some trimmings packs.
So last weekend I spent most of my time at the Sydney Stitches and Craft show at Rosehill. Saturday both Jeff and I went and we spent quite a bit of money between us on goodies. He even bought a few things for himself to try like some card making kits from Two Spoonfuls of Sugar.
Sunday morning I was moaning about how I regretted not buying this or that, so I ended up going back again. Now what to do with all this stuff??!!
Goodies from Saturday:
Back for more on Sunday:
So we dropped by Ikea today... had swedish meatballs for lunch and then had a walk around. I think we've found a suitable desk for the study but we'll go back during the week when there are less people to get it.
I went a bit fabric crazy in there. Came back with 8 pieces and I'm tempted to get some more when we go back for the desk!
I've spent most of this afternoon looking at online fabric stores. There is way too much to choose from not to mention way too much temptation!
I've just bought some pieces from Quilt Fabric Delights from the collection on sale. I'm on annual leave for the next 2 weeks and although I have a list of things to do... like those oten assignments I've been putting off forever, it will be good to get started on some crafty projects. I really want to give bag making a try and have been itching to give one of the patterns I purchased from Nicole Mallalieu Design a go.