Grammy's Knitting Organizer

Christmas gift-making activities are in full swing over here! This week, I made a knitting needle organizer for my mother-in-law.

I'm sad to say that I don't own a single knitting needle to display in it. (I hope you'll forgive my display of markers in the organizer instead.) My organizer ended up with a total of 24 pockets ranging from 1" to about 4"-wide; you can certainly customize the pocket quantity/sizes as you see fit. The tallest slots should be able to store up to 14" needles. Oh and the marker boxes are supposed to represent where you could put circular needles.

 

Materials Needed:

• One fat quarter for the exterior

• One fat quarter for the interior

• One yard of fabric for the pockets

• One 18 x 22" piece of batting

• Therm O Web PeelnStick Ruler Tape or a fabric marker/chalk

• One yard of ribbon OR a 3-1/2 x 36" strip of fabric for the tie

Good Cheer

It is officially the best time of the year and I cannot think of one single thing to complain about--not even Lorenzo's twenty pointy elbows nor his whirling dervish activities. Hard to believe he'll be here in less than two months!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I wanted to offer a Black Friday Deal of 40% off any of my patterns. Just visit my shop and use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout. Valid 11/23/12 only.

But don't worry--if you miss the Black Friday Deal, you can still get a discount of 25% off all season with the promo code GOODCHEER and that one is valid until Christmas!

  

Just a small way of letting you know how grateful I am for all of you! May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Hibernate: A Man-Quilt

Every year, my brothers and I participate in a Christmas gift rotation. This year, I have Mikey. 

I really felt like I needed to do something extra special for him--poor guy lost everything in an apartment fire a couple years ago and is still replacing items. One of those items lost was a quilt my mom made for him. Even though I know there's no way I can replace the sentiment he felt about that quilt, I thought a new one might be good anyway. 

Thankfully, I had all year to ponder over what the perfect man-quilt might look like. I was in a stupor most of the year, but finally found inspiration in these yummy yarn-dyed flannels (Primo Plaids for Marcus Fabrics). What is more manly than cozy flannel plaids?! I'm soooo glad my mom told me about them and agreed to send me some of her stash.

Last week, I started cutting it all up and piecing it all together.

It is the largest quilt I've ever made. Let's just say that I could have happily foregone the basting process.

I'm more than relieved it is finished and now a little sad I don't get to keep it.  Do you think Mikey will grant visitation rights? The free pattern is super simple and up on Marcus Fabrics' website.

Embellish a Stocking Cuff

***Contest now closed*** 

How are your stockings coming along for the contest?

Just wanted to direct you to a little tutorial I put together on how to embellish a stocking cuff for those of you who would like a few tips and tricks.

The tutorial is up at HoneyBear Lane--be sure to take a quick visit and pin it so it's easy to find when you need it!

*Oh and one quick note I need to mention regarding the stocking contest--you must use a "Merry" or "Twinkle Toes" pattern to enter. People have asked, so I just want to make sure there is zero confusion in the matter.    

See the full contest rules here and be sure to ask any additional questions you have! 

Knock Our Stockings Off

***Contest now closed***

Now that November is here, I am soooo excited for Christmas. The decorating alone is a reason to celebrate!

One of my favorite Christmas activities is making stockings for my family. When I created my "Twinkle Toes" stocking pattern, I found myself thinking about each precious family member, my favorite Christmas traditions, and the warmth and love the season represents. It was truly a labor of love and I found myself smiling with every single stitch.

I love hearing Camille Roskelley recount her own experience creating her "Merry" stocking pattern; she took design requests from family members and accommodated them--even incorporating robots into one son's stocking. (She didn't leave out the family dog either. Lucky Max!) I love how each stocking is so unique and clearly made with a lot of thought and love. Camille sure knows how to throw together a mantle full of eye-candy!

Camille and I love nothing more than seeing what happens when you use our patterns and add your own flare. Today, we're giving you a chance to do so and Knock Our Stockings Off in an exciting contest.

Since Fat Quarter Shop is the official sponsor, you won't want to miss out on the prizes! 

HOW TO ENTER:

1.  Decide which pattern you want to use and get sewing! You must use the "Merry" or "Twinkle Toes" pattern but go ahead and give it some of your own flavor! You can find both patterns and a fabulous selection of fabric at Fat Quarter Shop. 

 

2.  Upload a picture of each stocking you make to the Knock Our Stockings Off Flickr Group. ("Join" the group, add your picture to the group pool.) Each stocking counts as an entry, so make as many as you'd like! Entries will be accepted until December 15th 11:59 PST. (***Contest now closed***)

3.  On December 20th, our special panel of judges will announce two winners.

THE PRIZES: 

Fat Quarter Shop will ship a jelly roll and charm pack of  "Marmalade" by Bonnie & Camille for Moda to our 1st Place Winner!

Fat Quarter Shop will send the 2nd Place Winner a jelly roll and charm pack of  "Polka Dot Stitches" by Lori Holt for Riley Blake! I don't know about you but I am absolutely drooling over these prizes. Big thanks to Fat Quarter Shop for letting us give them away!

But wait! There's More!  In addition, I am donating a stack of my favorite fat quarters to each winner. (Includes a mix of "Ruby" and Vintage" Modern" by Bonnie & Camille for Moda). 

Starting December 15th, a special panel of judges will be looking through all of your lovely entries to try and decide which two people are going to win this yummy fabric! Good luck!