Snipping and Stitching

Before I get onto the subject of sewing, I have to admit that I was a bit of a plonker a few days ago. I'm not a particularly hairy person, but when I discovered a couple of tiny WHISKERS on my chin the other day (cute on kittens only) I had to take action! So, I decided to try a nice 'gentle' facial hair remover NOT! I won't mention the brand, but after following the instructions carefully I ended up with a nasty chemical burn about the size of a penny right in the middle of my chiny chin chin! It was so painful and resembled a bright red traffic light for a few days. Anyway, lesson learnt and I am thinking that a discrete little pull with tweezers in future will suffice.
This week I have been scratching my head thinking of ways to improve my shop and income, which is not looking too healthy right now, and at this time of year it needs to be. I received some very sweet polka dot cotton fabric in the post, ordered from another Etsy seller. I decided to try it out on a new slightly different birdie design. Inspired by the colours associated with the lovely Cath Kidston I made a set of three, this time adding little felt wings and elongating the tail on my pattern a bit.

I have put one in my shop so far and shall see if it sparks any interest. I just love polka dots, they make me smile :) Also made some more white doves from super soft fleece, which are filled with a mix of poly fill and vanilla scented aroma beads. 

It won't be long before I shall be getting out our Christmas decorations, this past time always fills me with excitement. I love to unpack them all and lay them out, remembering when and where we made the very special hand crafted ones. When Jemma and Amber were young we would try to work with a new material each year whether it be paper mache, salt dough, embroidery or felt. Those decorations are the best ever as each one is filled with love, nostalgia and wonderful memories.

The question this year is whether to have a real tree, as we did last Christmas or to use our quite realistic one stored in the attic/basement? Less mess and more environmentally friendly versus lovely fresh scent of pine and a natural element in the house. I am leaning towards the former at this point, mainly because Amber is having a birthday party and would like the decorations up by Dec 1st. I am not sure a real tree would survive for that length of time over Christmas and into the new year looking fresh and remaining intact.

Other sewing projects I have on the go are a little something for Jemma's dorm room and a couple of surprise gifts, but I can't tell you about those just yet.

What other news do I have this week, not much I'm afraid, I seem to be spending more time on the computer these days with regular conversations on MSN with Jemma, face book chats/comments and looking for inspiration in numerous craft sites and blogs.

This time last year I felt that I had no time for myself at all. I missed out on all the pre-Christmas excitement and planning, everything was a last minute rush. This year is much better and I have my daily lists that I can tick off throughout the day and have a sense of achievement. It sounds trivial but it's just the way I am.

Hazel x

Now where did I put that bit of paper........

A white Christmas perhaps?

Some re-vamped Christmas decorations.
The snow is still lying on the ground and it looks like this year we may well have a 'White Christmas'. After the two previous winters we have pretty much adapted to having heaps of snow fall on our doorstep, although according to the locals, we haven't seen a 'proper' Canadian winter yet! We did get snowed in last Tuesday and the girls had their first 'snow day' so were thrilled to bits to have an unexpected day at home.
Last weekend was a busy one and included a get together with some friends on Saturday evening where there was even some dancing! Well, just us girls, I had great fun as I haven't moved to music (out in public) for quite a while.
Ladies having fun on the dance floor!
Our Christmas tree has been decorated by my two little helpers and it looks lovely in front of the picture window in the parlor.The photo at the top of this post is of some tired looking doves which were a faded gold colour and are now painted white, the little birds along with some felt snowflakes are this year's new decorations, which are dotted around the downstairs rooms. This is a pic of Jemma's chandelier (mentioned in a previous post) She bought it with her saved up pocket money during our trip to Boston. It comes from a shop called Urban Outfitters. A sort of contemporary meets traditional look in her bedroom.
I have been feeling festive all week because of the snow everywhere, people dressed in wooly hats and scarfs running in and out of shops with rolls of wrapping paper and fresh green wreaths. The decorations look lovely down the streets and Christmas music everywhere.
It's early Sunday morning and I am the only one up and about, the fire is already roaring and a pot of fresh coffee is brewing :D
Hazel x