The holidays is a busy time for everyone, lots of parties and gatherings with red being the color of the season I decided to sew up a cape to wear! The last cape I made for myself was in high school I believe, fur was involved and not so sure it was the most flattering.

Along with the red cape, a red surprise awaited me under the tree! My darling daughter Kate gave me a new dressmaker form, I was totally surprised and touched by her most thoughtful and practical gift! She is also the one who when living at home was always my model for my designs. With the CHA tradeshow only a month away I will be using my new gift extensively!

Here is Kate modelling an outfit I made a few years ago, needle felted fleece cape and cuffs, I miss having her around all the time but when I use her special gift I will think of her!

Birch Fabrics manufactures a line of eco-friendly organic fabrics with a bright fresh modern look. I designed an Advent Calendar with their prints for Creative Homearts Club, it is a featured deisgn this month. Full directions are available. The birds and ornaments are sewn from National Nonwovens Xotic bamboo felt, so soft and easy to work with.

This calendar could also be easily adapted for year round use in a child's room by making the birds without hats and the number ornaments circles instead for days of the week. Alphabet letters is another option to make it a fun learning tool! Sew cute!

I have so very many talented designer friends, Elaine Schmidt just has a new Simplicity pattern released, #1931, beautiful and stylish shaggy rugs made from fleece. Fleece is cut in strips attached to a canvas back, a great way to use up fleece remnants. Elaine comments that any patterned fleece can be used as the pattern disappears and it is the overall color effect that is achieved.

 Her inspiring gorgeous ribbon book is also part of a give away with Quayside Publishing and Crafts 'n Coffee. This book has 700 photographs with a detailed how to sections and a comprehensive guide of all types of ribbon and designs to create! The STYROFOAM TM collection offered along with the book give away will give you the opportunity to create some stunning projects like the beribboned topiary trees. Elaine definitely sews up "oh sew pretty" things!

(photo compliments of Elaine Schmidt)

(photo compliments of Quayside Publishing)

Red is the color of the season and red flatters everyone, a red dress makes a wow statement! This dress by designer Ray Harris  is absolutely stunning, it is "pinned" to My Style Pinboard on Pinterest. His "garments are born out of a love of cloth and dressing people."

I love this red dress, I imagine feeling like a princess in it, spinning and twirling around.

This weekend I taught a kid's workshop and they made gifts, filled elfin stockings for all their brothers and sisters. The curly toed stockings were sewn, cut out and decorated. (The sparkly pompoms were very popular!) The fun part was watching them create different designs on each stocking. We listened to the classic Muppet's CD and sang along. With my girls grown and on their own sewing and crafting with my "kids" every month is such fun. I look forward to it as much as they do!  

There was lots of discussion on how to sneak the stockings downstairs as a surprise Christmas morning without anyone knowing. We came up with a plan but ...it's a secret so I can't tell!

Happy Holiday Sewing, I still have a couple gifts to fnish sewing up! 

A new home once again for the holidays, a smaller space but one still filled with the Joy of the season. Twinkling garlands on the wide window ledges, sewn doves, fabric foam cones adorn the tree. A collection of reindeer on the mantel, , table and server. A recovered chair holds one of my new pillow designs. Home is created  wherever the heart resides.   

I look forward to celebrating with my darling girls when they arrive. Love & Joy reside here, a wish for Love & Joy in every home this season.
       

I am preparing to exhibit in a local Art & Craft Christmas Show this weekend. It is the 37th year and showcases talented Maritime artisans. I have enjoyed getting back to creating some floral wreaths for the holiday season.

I love birds and have been sewing up doves and owls. I like to add them to the wreaths for a special handmade touch. I am living surrounded by greenery, glitter and piles of fabric and ribbons in my studio area, most days I have a sparkle or two on my face as well! Tis the season and I love it!

The doves are very delicate, fabric choice contributes to their elegant look. I also sew some up for tree ornaments with glittery ribbons at the wings. There are so many gorgeous holiday fabrics to choose from, I tend to go for the classic fabrics in my holiday sewing, golds and creams go with a majority of decors. Well it is back to packing for the show!