New Year

This poinsettia is pretty much all that is left of Christmas around here.

And this box of oranges:

We left these oranges outside and then forgot about them. Last night Cody brought them in and they were as hard as baseballs. Oh well.

Even though I miss the Christmas decorations, I'm excited for a new year. I've got a fun project or two in the works, and with January stretching out long and cold before me, I've got the time too.

Here's to a Happy New Year.

Snow Day

The light in my house isn't very good for taking pictures today, but I wanted to show these ornaments. I made the mitten and polar bear a few weeks ago, and finished the red coat on Christmas Eve. They turned out pretty cute and if you like them too, the pattern can be found here.

Today really is a snow day. We just had a big storm and Abby has already built a snowman in the backyard. Her coat and mittens are hanging by the door to dry, although we've yet to spot a polar bear walking around.

And we had a great Christmas full of surprises. Santa brought me something new (and slightly intimidating) for my sewing room, and my parents gave Abby a new doll who needs some clothes. I also got a few fun sewing books full of projects and patterns that I can't wait to start once this new year settles in. But until then, we'll just finish out 2010 by watching movies and drinking hot chocolate and staying warm.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night

Julie isn't here to model her new nightgown. She and Abby are at Grandma's for a Christmas sleepover. I've made so many doll dresses from this pattern, that I don't need to read the instructions any more. So this nightgown came together pretty fast. It's simple, but I think Abby will like it.

So we are all set for Christmas Eve. And all of Julie's new doll clothes are wrapped and under the tree. I've put away my sewing machine for a long winter's nap and turned my sewing room into a wrapping station. And since I'm done with needles and thread for awhile, I now have time for some sugar and sprinkles.

Merry Christmas!

Clara

Abby's nightgown is finished. It was very easy to sew--the pattern is awesome. I was going to make a pair of bloomers for her to wear underneath for extra warmth, but the flannel is pretty cozy. The nightgown is so full, she'll feel like she's wrapped in a blanket. So I don't think the bloomers are necessary (and thank goodness, because I am running out of top-secret sewing time . . .)

But I am planning on making Julie a white nightgown too. It won't take long at all. I have this vision in my head of Abby in her nightgown on Christmas Eve, but instead of holding a Nutcracker, she'll be holding Julie as I tuck her into bed all giggly and excited.