The Last of Them

Rather than drag things on, I'm going to fill this post to the brim with the last of the handmade items I made over the last weeks. Varied for sure, all enjoyable to make, and each one gifted. It's been frenzied sewing for sure, but these small projects have been a nice diversion from those larger quilts, which I need to get back to shortly.

After making a set of Patchwork Potholders for a family exchange earlier in the month, I decided more were in order. I made three more sets inspired by Svetlana/s.o.t.a.k handmade's Patchwork Potholder tutorial, hang tab and rivets and all. This time, I used ultra suede scraps for the tabs, which should be totally washable.

Gotta show this set's back view, as it's my favorite print in Anna Graham's Forage collection, which I used completely for these sets. The cotton-linen Essex blend, along with a layer each of batting and Insul-Brite, made for pretty sturdy potholders.

And then, after realizing I'd never made daughter dear a set of Log Cabin Hexi Potholders, I had to rectify that. I've made several sets over the years from the free Craftsy pattern by SewCanShe, and come to think of it, with the upcoming changes on Craftsy, I highly suggest you go download this pattern for future use while it's available. They are so scrap-friendly, and still one of my very favorite potholder patterns.

One of my co-worker friends just loves Dala horses, and in past years, I've made her a pillow and a mug rug. This year I went on the hunt for some Dala fabric, not knowing for sure what I'd do with it when I ordered. But I found a darling print that was part of Katarina Roccella's INblue collection, and decided after some internal debate to make an improvisational table runner. I was inspired by one by Victoria Gertenbach that I'd discovered on Pinterest.

So I curated a little stash collection to go with the Dalas, and just went to creating. Puzzling the different fabrics together was a bit challenging but I like the feel of the piece I ended up with. The runner is long - 14" x 52", and thankfully, the recipient reports it's perfect for her table. I quilted a 3" diagonal grid using Aurifil 50wt #2250 [Red]. I debated going denser, but that scale with the Dala print seemed to work. The final step was a festive red binding.

A new-to-me pattern was the Boxy Travel Pouch from We All Sew, which I made for my mom. Measuring about 6 1/2" x 9" x 2 1/2", I again used Anna Graham's Forage, and with it's unique shape, I think it could be used for a variety of things for my mom's upcoming travels.



And, one more holiday pillowcase, again using the tutorial by Twiddletails. I really could have made these for everyone on my list, they are such a nice finish. Gotta say I've been enjoying the ones I made for us.

And one more repeat - another Danish star to tuck into grandgirl's stocking. I know it's a small token, but all the other 'girls' in the family got a handmade item, so I wanted to make her a little something too.

SO! That wraps up all my Christmas sewing, I think, other than several gift-bags that got put to use without time taken for a photo. Fingers crossed I can start holiday sewing a little earlier next year, but seriously I don't hold out much hope. It is what it is, and now that it's done, I'm certainly glad I did it.