Some Christmas decorations

As I am finally back home after a nice holiday in Paris to see the family, I can wish you all a Happy New Year for 2013, may it bring you what you wish for. To me it means a happy family, spending time with friends and a good health all around. 3 of my daughters have got exams coming up in 2013, so there will be a lot of revision and studying in the house.

 I thought I should show you some of the new Christmas decorations we had on the tree this year. It was very special for us as last year, or rather in 2011, after moving house in December, we didn't have a tree. There were too many things to do, and we were away for Christmas anyway. But for 2012 we put up a Christmas tree and all the new decorations were special because they were made by friends or by myself.

 This one was made by a lady from my knitting group, her name escapes me at the minute, but it is quite a big bauble, all hand knitted.

 This beautiful robin was made by me following a pattern by Gail Pan for the Aurifil Christmas Ornament series, when we were given 12 designs to make over 4 weeks I believe. You might still be able to copy them from the website at Aurifil, or follow the post made by Gail Pan. I only made 2.

 She explains very well how to make this ornament.

 The second one I made was a pattern from Lizzie B found here.

 This one is new, made by me this year in our quilting group, Golden Lion Quilters. There is a ball covered with fabric. You cut the foam with a knife slightly and push the fabric in. Hide everything with the ribbon. There was a bit of calculation first to draw the lines on the ball.

This was a present from Fiona who lives not far from me and Nicola who introduced her to me. They both love sewing, with a slight preference from them for hand work and embroidery.
I love meeting for some afternoon sewing, they have so many ideas. They go to charity shops to buy outfits in nice fabrics and then give each other half a skirt or jacket, so funny. It is only if you love sewing and making things that you can imagine the pleasure of receiving half a woolen jacket, washed to felt it. Wonderful.
Fiona made many ornaments like this one for Christmas for her friends and family. I believe she didn't sleep much sometimes. I feel privileged to have received one.

I suppose you could copy some links and keep them for next year, ready to be made for Christmas 2013.

Enjoy your sewing.

Pascale.