Images From December Sewcial Sisters...

Sewcial Sisters - Terry's Christmas Cushion Project

I'm sharing pictures today from our December Sewcial Sisters day at The Gathering. It was a perfect day for a drive, and the sun shone on Primitive Gatherings' retreat house all day. 

As you look through these photos, I'd like to also draw your attention to all the gorgeous red and white quilts that surrounded us as we visited and stitched on our respective projects. These are all part of the Red & White Quilt Show now in progress. I think Lisa said there were about 140 entries, and they're all so impressive!

Sewcial Sisters - Maryann's Wall Hanging

Sewcial Sisters - Lori's Table Mat

Sewcial Sisters - Kay's Candle Mat

Sewcial Sisters - Kathy D. Sharing Gift From Jody

Sewcial Sisters - Judy's Mini Wall Hanging

Sewcial Sisters - Jean's Christmas Quilt 1

Sewcial Sisters - Jean's Christmas Quilt 2

Sewcial Sisters - My Needlework in Progress

I shared the baby kimono during our Show & Tell. This is what I worked on while we chatted all day. I was inspired by the work of another artist on Instagram. I'm going to turn this into an ornament for a friend.

We all brought treats that we shared (before and after lunch), so each of us went home with a nice assortment of cookies, fudge, and other confectionaries. All my cookies were either eaten or went home with the ladies. 

The ladies all asked for my recipe, so I pointed everyone to the original source. In case you're interested, click HERE for the cookies. THIS is her frosting recipe, which I use every time - unless I make royal icing. They're both delicious and fool-proof wonderful cutout cookies, and they're the only recipe I've used since moving back to Wisconsin seven years ago.

I've got errands this morning, and then I'll be home working on my class project for tomorrow in Portage. I'll give you a sneak peek tomorrow, so you can see what we'll be working on. See you tomorrow!

Sweet Treats...

 

 

I've got two get-togethers this week. I'm going to Larsen today for a day of stitching with the Sewcial Sisters. It's kind of our Christmas party, so I wanted to make some treats to take along. I'm also going to Portage this weekend, so I'll take a treat with me (it's my Birthday on Saturday!).

 

First, I went to my Toll House cookbook. I love this book. It's constructed like "baby's first book", with heavy carboard, laminated pages that can't be bent or soiled. That's all bonus to the great recipes that are found inside. Take this one...

 

I used milk chocolate chips, sprinkled sparingly on the top because I wanted more pecan pie flavor than chocolate. To me, it was just the right amount, and Handsome thought they were really good, too. These are going to Portage with me this weekend.

 

I decided on cutout cookies for tomorrow. I did Wisconsin cookies and when I decorated them, I put a special snowflake in the approximate location of Larsen. Because Primitive Gatherings specializes in wools, the sheep were appropriate, too. Of course, there had to be a few black sheep!

 

 

Someone (who could remain nameless, because you know who I mean) took the last piece of pumpkin pie from Thanksgiving. That's absolutely promoted here. I always leave the last cookie, candy, piece of cake or pie for him. He washed the pie plate, too. (He's been an equal and participating partner for nearly forty years.) 

I came downstairs the next morning to find this on the kitchen island. I laughed out loud. For a guy who says he doesn't have a sweet tooth, he sure does love the treats I make. So, I'll likely make another pie and save the other treats for when we have guests. (I'm not optimistic that that plan will hold.) 

So, I'm away today, but I'm going to make more holiday treats. I want to make them as gifts for a number of people and families for Christmas, so I'm going to make a list and work to it starting after Saturday.

Do you bake for the holidays? Do you share your creations? I'd love to know what your favorites are. 

I'd better get on the road if I don't want to be late. I'll take photos today so I can share them with you again. I love seeing what the ladies have created, and I love showing them to you, too! I'll see you again tomorrow! Gotta run!

 

Oh, Oh!!! One more thing...

 

Lined Baby Kimono...

I completed the Baby Kimono for Wendi's granddaughter yesterday. 

I thought you'd like to see what it looks like now that the lining is installed.

I love the way it turned out!

It's completed hand stitched into the kimono, and it's the softest flannel.

I knit the kimono using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran yarn. It's a blend of 55% merino wool, 33% microfibre and 12% cashmere. The lining is something soft against baby's skin in case she's sensitive to the wools.

Also, for that reason, I stitched the Brynwood Baby label near the bottom 

front lining of the kimono. It's visible, but won't irritate baby's neck.

I attached two (removable) cards at the neckline. This one has the content written on the back of it.

This was the card I designed when we still lived in Florida. I still have a couple left, but they had the Florida address on them. I'll need to get these redone with current information. I did these when I thought I might concentrate on making Christening gowns, bonnets, booties, and kimonos for my shop. Then I discovered bag making. 

I haven't completely put that idea aside. I do love making things for babies. I always have. But for now, at least, I'll keep making bags and accessories from cork. I still think I'll update these cards, though. Just in case...