A package in the mail...

Opening the mailbox at the post office always gives me a tiny sense of "wondering."  Will there be anything good today?  A letter? -- (well...these days with email and technology that does not usually happen!)  How about a package?  Oh, yes, today it arrived -- all the way from New Zealand.  I participated in a "Skinny Pincushion Swap" this month, and today I received not 1, but 2 skinny pincushions -- along with a fun selection of goodies including fabric, New Zealand chocolates!, and a magnet.  Thanks, Swap Pal, it is lovely!

First ever ...

This month I am participating in a sponsored sewing swap.  Amy from Amy Made That! hosted a pincushion swap called "Getting Skinny for 2014."  Clever title!!  After submitting my name to Amy, she matched me up with another participant.  Our task is to sew a skinny pincushion using the free tutorial found here.  Completed projects are sent to your sewing partner by the end of February.  Fun.  So.... here was my attempt to "get skinny."  Amy also started a flickr page to showcase the many pincushions made, and for participants to cheer each other on as we go.  This one will be sent off soon to ????? ;)  Who knows -- if you are a participant and reading this -- it may be coming to you!

A Skinny Pinny sits right along the front of your sewing machine, and it quite handy for getting the pins safely pinned as they come off the sewing project.

I couldn't help myself ... and added a matching needle book to go with the "skinny."

We were given hints as to fabric preferences, so I think my swappie will like this.

I made my own simple design for this one.  It is a similar style to many needle books out there.

Spring Clutch

Spring?  Did someone say Spring??  One of the greatest things about the end of winter is that we REALLY look forward to Spring, and can know that it surely is just around the corner.  I recently finished this little clasp purse, and think it is just as cute as can be.  To me, it looks like Spring. :)

Kitchen Helpers...

Just a few more Christmas gift postings to go. :)  Here are three little aprons for "the girls."  I understand they are already using them when helping Mama in the kitchen.

Although a smaller size, these aprons are from my stand-by simple apron pattern!  It's the one that I find the most comfortable and easy to adjust.  Uncomfortable aprons just don't work!  Isn't that silly??  I usually have one on sometime during the day, so I'm picky about the fit.  It will soon be time for my annual "Cindy Apron."  I've got a few ideas "cooking", so stay tuned.  There is sure to be a give-away sometime in late February or early March.
Happy Thursday!
Cary

Pretty Scarf!

Love, love the soft feel of this infinity scarf!  This one was a Christmas gift.  I still have enough fabric to make another one, and I may just do that to feel that soft warmth on the cold days ahead!

Minky Infinity Scarf

Maybe this project would get me back to the sewing machine!  The new year has come, and my desire to sew seems to have gone out the door!   Any suggestions for sewing inspiration for the coming year? :)

Cardinal Pillow

The cardinal is such a beautiful bird!  I love to look out the kitchen window and see the vibrant red of a cardinal as it perches in a tree.  It also happens to be the "mascot" of my school, so I often see cardinals in one form or another around the school.   This one has "flown and landed" in the home of a dear friend and co-worker.

The pattern came from a magazine, I believe, years and years ago.  (Sorry, but I'm not sure who to credit it to.)  The fabric has become a favorite of mine, and is called "Esprit De Noel" by French General for Moda.

The backing and hidden zipper is one of my favorite features of the pillow construction!  Thanks to Amy for the tutorial!

Cardinal pillow with Topiary Tree Pillow

Hooray for a Snow Day!

A Snow Day is just what I needed to get back to my sewing machine!  Today I sewed a pocket scarf and hat set using Sherpa Suede, and all I have to say about that process is ... Grrrrrr!  It was not an easy task, and before I try again I will try to figure out how to sew with this stuff without breaking my threads!  But... the end product is one I like.  One gift down ... the recipient does not use a computer so no chance of a "spoiler!" :)