Xmas crafting

This year I made a decision not to get myself too caught up in Christmas crafting. Last year, there were hats, toys, and quilts to make, and they were made, but this year time seemed to be speeding up on me. I chose only one project to do, the quilted wall hanging you see here.

This was a kit my mom came across somewhere (maybe a thrift shop find?) by a company called Alaska Dyeworks, now defunct, I think. The bright colors suit her much better than me, so I decided to make it for her.

I have to say, it didn't look too exciting until I started piecing it. Then the colors came together so nicely that I found myself really liking it. All of the fabrics are hand dyed cotton and thicker than regular quilting fabric, which made it very easy to piece. Cutting the pieces was kind of nerve-wracking, because there was only a small strip of each and no way to get more if I messed up. The finished quilt is something like 26" x 35". Even though it was the shortest day of the year yesterday, the sun peeked out long enough for me to take some pictures. These are really bright, happy jewel tones.


The backing I found at my local quilt shop and it's sort of an ombre fabric that is hard to photograph in its true color.


I hadn't done any quilting since the last project for mom, so my machine skills aren't all that accomplished but I can usually do these small projects. I like to put a handmade label on the back to date it:


Otherwise, I'm just puttering on some small projects as the holidays approach. I decided I'd like another pair of bed socks, so I got these going in Patons Classic Wool. It's a yarn I can always find at Joann's, and I can make these two-color socks for about six bucks. In fact, I could probably make two pairs from this yarn if I reverse the colors. I like this wool and would consider making something else out of it.


The pattern is Mrs. IBH's Toasty Socks from the Green Mountain Spinnery book. I've made these before and they are well-fitting, easy socks to make. They'll look something like this when finished:


Other than that, I've finally reached the lace edging on my Field of Flowers shawl, a very old UFO, but I can't work on that when there are people buzzing around me, so it's in the basket until after the holidays. I did finish my other burgundy Toast mitt and have worn them some. I'm also still working on my ribbed scarf from the Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady book.

With a birthday gift card from Webs (thanks, sis!), I recently purchased some Rowan Kid Classic in lavender, and I'm eager to start Emily from Kim Hargreaves' book Heartfelt. But first I will finish these other things.

I wish you all the happiest of holidays; may you get all your crafting done in time, and if not, wrap it and put it under the tree anyway!