Like many of you, I have many irons in the fire between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year I referred to photos from last year and duplicated the decorating vignettes that were particularly pleasing to me and added new touches here and there. The day after I decorated outside, the next morning I was greeted with a fresh coat of snow which really sets the mood for the holidays. Too bad that also means it is cold outside. 
I did take a day to sew a Christmas dress for Ella. I bought a lovely piece of red and black plaid fabric while in Iceland last September and knew I had just enough to make a dress for her this year. One size bigger would have taken more fabric than I had. The pattern required all pieces be cut on the bias which took a little extra planning and fabric. The end result was wonderful and worth all the effort. She loves the dress. Here both Ella and Taylor are all decked out for a holiday brunch.
The Merry, Merry Tree Skirt in Quilts with a New Attitude is a great tree skirt for a large tree. It is a fast and easy to piece project and would also be a great tree skirt for a modern setting using modern fabrics. There might be someone in your family looking for that kind of tree accessory.
A treat I am making for hostess gifts this year is made from a recipe from Marilyn, a friend from forever ago and a really great cook. All of her recipes are keepers. I have made a number of batches already and probably will have to make a few more.
Sweet and Salty Nuts – These party pleasers are also mouth-watering tossed over a salad, casserole, or roasted vegetable dish.
Seasonal Pillows
Last fall, two of my pillow designs (the reindeer and tree) were featured in Fons and Porter QUILTY magazine. The reindeer design was used again in this year’s Nov/Dec issue. With my left over scraps, I made a log cabin block with wool strips and appliquéd circles on the strips so some of the circle would be incorporated into the seam. I then pieced flannel borders onto the wool block. I like the combo of the two fabrics and it is much easier to finish off the pillow when flannel is used on the outside edges.
While digging out the Christmas decorations, I found this Rudolph puzzle that I got for Christmas as a preschooler. I think I will get it framed…it would be a fun picture to use next year and maybe one of those things that my daughter might like for her decorating next year while the kids are still small.
I hope your holiday is filled with joy, friends and family and you take time to enjoy the season.
