Christmas and Christmas Presents Made.

It was such a busy Christmas season that I didn't get a chance to do much sewing. Most of my Christmas gifts were either done way ahead of time (at camp stitchalot), or done quickly at night. But I still managed to get a few done.

Most importantly I finished all four pencil pouches for Allie's teachers. I'm not sure if I've shared it here, but we moved this summer in order for Allie to go to a better school. It was absolutely worth the hellish move. She has four teachers who work with her every day (and many more who are there throughout the week) - who make her days great. She's getting the support she needs here, and there's no handmade gift that would say thank you enough for that!

Next up - the zippy I made for Pellon last month ended up going to my Mom. It was really hard to part with this one, but I know that I didn't need it, and she'll use it. I am hoping she uses it regularly enough that I get to see it when she comes to visit! 

Potholders! Did I mention that several people in my family have moved recently? My sister and her family moved at the end of the summer too. She's the baker of the family and needed some new potholders. So she was the lucky recipient of the potholders I made at Camp Stitchalot. These were made under the guidance of Debbie / Esch House Quilts, and they're fabulously thick! I know they'll get used!

Finally here's the one quilt gift of the season. This one is for my cousin Jordan's new baby who should be born any day now. I talked about this quilt here. Hopefully the quilt gets lots of use - that's what they are for!! 

Additionally I made several oilcloth box pouches, pencil pouches, etc. Somehow I didn't even take pictures of these. :) I also made a few custom ordered pouches this year - they were a lot of fun and it's great to have a bit of extra cash in the quilting budget! Thanks to those who supported me by allowing me to make some gifts for them!

Camp Stitchalot - An Overdue Weekend in Review.

My 241 Tote accidentally matches my wallet!

It's been a bit of a whirlwind in the past two several weeks since I returned home from Camp Stitchalot. It's hard to find a moment to sit down and review.

Our teachers: Jeni, Anna, and Debbie

First of all I have to say a great big "Thank You!" to Rossie, who picked me up and dropped me off at the MegaBus stop! Thanks so much Rossie - (and Mr. Rossie who made us delicious soup after camp on Sunday!) you really made it possible for me to attend camp!

All the finished stuff I made on retreat! 

Next I'll say that it was a really spectacular weekend!

Oh yeah, and I made a zillion of these flying geese - thanks to the die cutters on hand!

I was lucky enough to be able to rent a Bernina for the weekend - I couldn't risk traveling by bus with my Juki! The Bernina was nice, not fast fast - but not super slow either. The machine operated nicely and had a decent stitch quality - I missed Juki just a little. :)

AMH Flying geese and Kona Curry! My fave!

Over the course of the weekend we enjoyed three classes from our "camp counselors" Jeni, Anna, and Debbie. We made a pillow, a purse, and potholders. I also spent some time working on zip pouches and a zillion flying geese. 

The weekend was a real breath of fresh air in my busy schedule, and I'd love to go again. I really recommend it if you're looking for a fun and low-key retreat!