christmas cookies

I've been admiring the amazing and very creative paper pieced quilt blocks popping up on Flickr from different Bee groups. Some of my favourites are Ringo Pie, Cocorico and Patchwork 318 (be sure to go check them out!).

I've paper pieced my Farmer's Wife Sampler blocks from foundation patterns, but that's about it.

So I was surprised but very happy when I was invited to join the Cocorico Bee!

My initial excitement turned to panic when I tried to plan my first block and realised how hard it was! I was feeling very out of my depth. I almost gave up because I really didn't want to be sending out blocks that were way below the standards of everyone else in the group. I'm very glad I didn't, because I've already learned so much and it was exciting to see my own design come to life as it was sewn together. The Cocorico girls are such lovely, supportive people with lots of helpful advice and tutorials to share.

So here is my first block! January was Melinda's month and she requested 'Vintage Christmas' themed blocks. Of course my first thought was cookies :)

And now on to the next one! February is a Pippi Longstocking block for Muriel. Stay tuned for that one.....

little red

Look at these fabrics, I mean how cute can you get?! They are from the lovely collections by Aneela Hoey. A Walk In The Woods and Sherbet Pips.

They just make me want to make things for little girls......
Like this! A new library bag for a cute niece who starts big school soon. I pretty much made this up as I went along, but I did check out this tote bag tutorial by Kerry for tips on how to put it all together with the lining sewn in. Love Kerry's work, she's a super talented and creative lady!

holiday stitching

I seem to be unable to be without a stitchy project wherever I go at the moment. My hexagon quilt-to-be is my current portable project. I baste and stitch hexies while watching the kids in the bath, at swimming lessons, sitting in the car waiting for the school bus, on any car trip longer than 20 minutes.......the list goes on. Over Christmas we took a trip to visit family and I decided I should have a week of giving them my full attention and just relaxing without madly making anything!

Hmmm. I guess my addiction is worse than I thought as some hexagons still managed to jump into my bag.

But you know, when I look at this pile of loveliness, I have no regrets (and I swear I only sewed at appropriate moments like when most of the family were napping)!

And they did provide a half-hour or so of peace as two little girls arranged pretty hexagons into flowers and patterns on the floor :)

But wait, there's more!!

A couple more little Chrissy presents made by me :)

Another little hexie pincushion for a sewing buddy..

And a music note ornament for my daughter's piano teacher.

with a Christmas snack :)