preping, making, buying - and playing

People Hanukkah is nearly here and only a fraction of the gifts have been completed....  So today I cleaned my house.  Because nothing reduces stress like a shiny countertops, vacuumed rugs and folded laundry.   Then I cut out these dolls.  Pattern by Emily Martin of Inside a Black Apple.

I have no idea how long it will take me to sew and stuff these but selecting the fabrics and cutting these girls out was so much fun.  They are adorable and the pattern is free.

And I finally got around to binding this  quilt.  I know what you're thinking, but I really dislike sewing the binding on - so I did it by machine.  It looks pretty good but best of all it's done - and these days I'm all about completing unfinished projects.  I used my binding-by-machine tutorial but cut the binding strips to 4" rather than the 4 1/2" that I recommend in the tutorial.  I think 4" looks better so I'll edit the tutorial as soon as I get a chance.

I also purchased three of these wood trays at walmart yesterday for the kiddos.  I'm hoping that not only will these make well received Hanukkah gifts but that they will also serve to keep their various collections in check and visually appealing.  I find rocks, crystals, seeds, shells, and pine cones everywhere  and I'm hoping this tray will encourage some organization - the old a place for everything and everything in its place.

And here are said kiddos looking through craft books for just the right gift to make for dad. 

Once they selected the gift that mom should "help" them make for dad they went back to what they normally do - act silly and scale furniture.  That's how we roll around here. 

Happy holiday prep everyone.  And check out this fun Hanukkah song written by Utah Senator Orrin Hatch.

Comments

[kristyn]

love your dolls!
and that quilt...love the green binding!
what a great idea for the wooden trays...keeping it all in check.
I got the clean up bug today myself. and I feel so much better!

[Lisa Q]

sounds like you're feeling better! I love how your quilt turned out! The green binding is just the right finishing touch...and machine binding! I missed that tutorial! bummer! Anyways, those dolls are so adorable. I'm guessing they're for Abigail and she'll love them! Enjoy your holiday preparations!

[darlene]

thanks for the binding tutorial, i never cut mine that wide for machine sewing and think it would make the process a whole lot easier.

[Jodi]

I'm in love with your quilt. The fabric is fantastic and what a cheery binding. And, I have to agree that working in a clean and tidy house definitely helps to de-stress.

[jane]

so glad that my kids aren't the only ones that jump on the furniture! Looks like everyone is pretty happy!

[beki]

Agh, the race is on! Good luck!!
I heard that Hanukkah song on NPR yesterday afternoon...catchy ;-)

[Elinor]

You know, I *really* should not click over here because every time I do, I start daydreaming about quilting. :)

Good luck getting your gifts done!!