Off to a Good Start

Welcome to the New Year!  I know I'm a few days late but time has been getting away from me, even this early in the new year.  Christmas was a whirlwind, full of last minute sewing, gathering with family, and traveling up north and back again.

Before I headed up north I made three pillows for my sister to go with the quilt I made her for her last milestone birthday.  She's placed the quilt on the bed in her daughter's recently redecorated room -- decorated around the colors of the quilt.

Even though I thought of the animal print side to be the back side of the quilt my sister likes that side best in this room.  I made her a 40" bolster, a 22" bolster, and a 14" square pillow, so far.

Here's a larger view of the room, including the crib for the baby when they all visit.

I'm always saying I need to start sewing for Christmas gifts much earlier than I always do.  Seems like I get into a fever pitch sometime after December 15th each year.

This past Christmas I made simple circle skirts for my two great-nieces.  They're made from a layer of knit fabric and a layer of sequin fabric, with a simple knit elastic band.  

I used my serger to sew the two layers together and then my sewing machine to attach the elastic band.  This close up picture of the serged edge is a bit too bright.  Serging the two fabrics together before attaching the elastic was a definite help.

I think they turned out so well -- I'll be making more of these.

I'm really enjoying my sewing time.  Being creative really helps me balance my life.  When I sit down to the machine I can feel my soul smiling.  You can't get much better than that.  Unless my grandchildren were here to spoil a bit.