More Christmas gifts

I wanted to share some more Christmas gifts I made. I have been wanting to make my mother-in-law placemats for awhile. They offered a class at work, and I thought it was the perfect opportunity to learn how to make my first ever quilted project.

I got to use the Soft and Stable product, which I easily fell in love with. I coordinated the fabrics with my hubby's approval. All four were a little different.

And, I used corduroy for a few of the front pieces and the back piece.

The back corduroy had this beautiful embroidery with sequence sewn on it. Next, I think I may make myself a pair of shorts out of it.

I took another class to make an Amy Butler Frenchy bag. I had never sewn one of her patterns, and I have always wondered how difficult they are to follow. Let me just say this. They are totally easy to follow and well worth it. She has beautiful designs and has totally changed the way I will make purses forever.

I made this linen purse for my aunt Karen. She is such a nice person, and I wanted to make her something she would appreciate and be able to use. Also, I got to learn couching on this project. I used rattail for the first time and couched it with the transparent thread. I had enough of a break from that on the vinyl dresses, that I was able to use it again, he he. I put in a pen pocket in her lining, because I always have a hard time finding my pen in my purse. Also, I already had this really cute iron-on anchor applique. It matched perfectly.

For my aunt Rosie, I crocheted this purple and white scarf. I used this little puffy yarn on it, which I love to use in scarves. It is super soft.

For my mother-in-law, I also made this WV fleece headband with decorative stitching. I want her to keep her ears warm up in the cold.

For my uncle Doug, I made this double-layer fleece WV scarf with an embroidered edging.

For my cousin Natalie, I upcycled, thanks to Tanya's donation of jeans.

 I made her a purse and attached straps, snaps and a Minnie Mouse patch on the back.

For the pets in the family, I cut out scarves from our nice fleece we got at the store. I hand embroidered notes on each one. I wasn't sure of the size for the scarfs, but I knew, if they fit our big Bobbers neck, they will fit fine around any other cat's neck. HA!

Speaking of Bobbers, he enjoyed the ride back from Myrtle Beach, when he sat on the armrest and looked around. He is quite a traveler.