Elephantastic!

My sister and I were talking about Christmas a few months ago, and we thought it would be fun for all the sisters/sister-in-laws/mother (there are seven of us) to exchange handmade Christmas gifts.  Something small and simple.  Everyone agreed and we have all been working merrily away on our cute little gifts.  I chose to make elephants (like the one I made my daughter a while back.  Seen here.)  I know we have an owl,  an angry bird, a strawberry, and a needle book.  I can’t wait to see what else is in the mix.   Meanwhile,  here is a picture of my little cuties waiting to be handed out during the family Christmas party.

I used Heather Bailey’s pattern, Effie & Ollie.  Too cute.  I’ll have a hard time giving these cuties away.

Stormy

My finished afghan

It’s warm, it’s cozy, it’s my new favorite blanket (my daughter’s too)!  I’m so in love with it, I want to start another one.  Whenever I use it my two year steals it from me.  I think we both need one. 

Remember my inspiration piece?

It didn’t really turn out the same, because I couldn’t find the gigantic yarn.  But, I believe mine to be much much cuddlier.

It also looks fabulous on my new couch!

Stormy

Ruffled Tree Skirt

Yes, ruffled tree skirts are everywhere this year.  But, it’s because they are so amazingly cute!  I saw this one on HGTV.com and had to make it.  The only big problem was everything had a raw edge.  I could just imagine the shredded mess it would be after two or three years of use.  So, I used my 1/8 inch hemming foot and hemmed 4 yards of 3 inch strips.  It took hours.  But, it was totally worth it.  I zigzagged all the edges of the canvas fabric that the strips are sewn on AND when it was all finished, used a bottle of NO  FRAY on all the ribbon and zigzagged edges.  (Just to be on the safe side!)   I also changed the size of the 2 inch strips to 3 inches.  I really like how it turned out.  It does look a bit different from the original, but I’m pretty sure it’ll last for years to come.

Love, love, love it.

Stormy

Christmas Bulb Wreath

I’ve seen MANY of these beautiful Christmas bulb wreaths popping up all over the place.  They are so beautiful, I had to give it try.  I think it took as much time picking the colors of the bulbs out as it did making the wreath.  But, I’m very happy with the result.

I made it using a coat hanger, bulbs, ribbon, a beaded garland and hot glue!  It is a bit smaller than some I’ve seen, simply because I didn’t want to spend all the extra money on 80 bulbs!!  I used about 60 and cut down the size of my hanger wire.  I’m quite fond of my adorable new Christmas wreath.

Stormy