Tis' The Season To Make Some Stuff

Well, since it's the time of year that is perfect for making things to give, I thought I would share a tutorial with you on how to make these composition book covers. They make up very quickly and I think they would be great teachers gifts. These two are going to Fletcher's teachers. I put the tutorial together pretty quickly, so let me know if you have problems with it. Now get sewing. We have lots of things to make before Christmas!

You can find the tutorial here. You can also find it up there at the top of my blog listed under the tutorials page.

For All You Deer Hunting Quilters Out There

My husband bagged this deer a couple of weeks ago. He seems to be very upset that I have not posted a picture of it on my blog. I tried to explain to him that I was pretty sure that you ladies probably wouldn't be very interested in seeing a picture of his deer, but he seems disappointed, soooo.... this post is for him and all you deer huntin' quilters out there. Congratulations on your deer, honey. I'm very proud of you! Ladies, be on the look out for my Pretty Patchwork Gun Sleeve Tutorial....just kidding.

Thanksgiving

These are for the kiddos on Thanksgiving. They are going to go at their place at the table. I think this year we are going to have ourselves a little Thanksgiving Day Pageant with all the kids dressed up.

I know that this year I am grateful to be with my family and not in some hospital room. (last year I went into pre-term labor on Thanksgiving Day) I can't wait to eat my two favorite things, Turnips and my Grandfather's Stuffing. I only eat turnips once a year, on Thanksgiving. My mom fixes them like nobody's business. (I actually think that my mom, my grandmother and I are the only ones who partake of the turnips out of the whole clan of 15 people that will be there.) We have Thanksgiving lunch at my in-laws around 11:00 and Thanksgiving "lupper" around 3:00 at my parents. It's some serious food eatin' so I will be wearing my "dress-up" sweatpants! Oh- I think I saw some Pajama Jeans for sale at Sears. Maybe I should splurge for some of those for Turkey Day.

Elf on the Towel Bar

Totally Cute, Right!?!



New Bag

With some time to work on my own projects, I finally got to make a new bag. I have been wanting to make the Cosmo Bag from Amy Bulter's new book since I got the book this summer. I had picked out some fun summer fabric to make it in, but now that winter is approaching I decided to use some Anna Maria Horner Velveteen. I love the way it turned out. It is a big bag, but with all the diapers and bottles I have to tote around it is a perfect size for me.

Finishing Things

I actually got Fletcher's sweater finished before he out-grew it. I started it last year about this time when I was on bed rest. I got it almost finished (all but one sleeve) and put it down. Check that off the list. Now the top priority is getting Nolan's Christmas stocking knitted.

What's Been Going On?

A lot has been going on around the Allen household. Believe it or not, I have gotten all the projects I needed to do for other people completed. I had some projects to finish up and I am not going to take on any more for a while. I am looking forward to catching up with my own projects and spending time celebrating the holidays with my boys. On Sunday, Nolan was baptised. It was a bitter sweet day. On the one hand, we celebrated Nolan's baptism, but then we had to attend the funeral of a dear friend. It was hard to say goodbye. I think Anthony and I are still feeling a little numb. His passing has been hard to accept. He was truely one of the best men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.