The Christmas Bag

My husband and I became grandparents for the first time in 2006. Our granddaughter was born in January 2006  to our daughter and son-in-law, and our first grandson was born in October (nine months less one day later) to our son and daughter-in-law. So, for the babies' first Christmas, I decided to make, and fill, stockings from Grandma (and Grandpa, too). I found a cute, small stocking pattern and went to work. By the time I had finished sewing and shopping I had great little stockings with way too much stuff to ever fit into them. So, the next year I made bigger stockings, and ended up with the same problem. (I really should carry a measuring tape with me.) By the time their third Christmas rolled around I realized I needed a better plan. Enter the 'Christmas Bag'.


I had already discovered that Easter baskets didn't hold a whole lot, either, and had used a pattern from Quilts and more magazine to make colourful lined bags for their Easter goodies. Why not do the same at Christmas. Sometimes the bags are fancy, like these from last Easter, and sometimes they are simple, like this year's Christmas editions.

We have a third grandchild now. Our son and daughter-in-law welcomed a second son in February 2009. We are crazy about all three, and love being able to spoil them with a few extra treats.






And, at last...

The Hello Betty quilt is finished. Just in time, too, as it is to be a gift for my mom (who is a Betty). It is not perfect. It has lots of little tucks and puckers, which I noticed while hand sewing the binding. But, it is done!

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Sandy

My Other Love

I am close to finishing my Christmas sewing projects, although my husband might point out that 'close' only counts in horseshoes (the game, that is). When I am not sewing or baking or wrapping gifts, I am on the computer, catching up on all the wonderful Christmas blogs.

While sewing is my first love (quilting came much later), counted cross stitch has long been a favourite as well. I love the portability of it. I have worked on projects while waiting for my car (oil changes) and waiting for my kids (piano lessons). Most of the pieces I have stitched have been given to family and friends, but I have kept a few Christmas pieces.

Each of these ornaments is part of a set of four. They have hung on our tree for years. (The stocking is embroidered.)








My mom has been the recipient of more than a few counted cross stitch projects. I used waste canvas to embellish this sweatshirt for her birthday this year, and the tulip pillow was a Mother's Day gift.

I wish I had more time to stitch. Perhaps that could be part of a New Year's resolution. For now, I need to get back to my sewing room. I am so close to the finish line.

Sandy