Saturday, December 26, 2015

Hooray, Christmas is Over!


My street under the Christmas night full moon

I like Christmas fine, but I'm glad it's over! And 2015 is not far behind!

I have done a bit of sewing, as well as some other stuff. Let me catch you up.

TOC:

Greedy Gift Grab

As you may remember, I participate in a Greedy Gift Grab with some talented sewers every December. This year was no different. (In fact, Jillian posted about the GGG. If you click on the group photo in her post to enlarge it, you'll see me hiding in the back.)

This year I gifted a pair of red Bohin scissors and a black Zirkel magnetic pincushion. Once again, I wrapped my offering with some battery operated Christmas lights, this time in a glass bowl.

I received a gorgeous hand knitted cowl!

Array of gifts

Silk Zipper Pouches

A few years ago I purchased a bag of silk remnants from a tie manufacturer, and I decided to use them to make zipper pouches as Christmas gifts. I have now given all but one of them away, so I can share.

The pouch in the far back is made from home dec remnants from FabMo, but the rest are made from tie silk.

From a Dress to a Top

My daughter needed a holiday top, and was having trouble finding one she liked. On my suggestion, she purchased a dress and I shortened it to a top. It was a lined top, but it was a fairly easy task.

The difference between a top and a dress was 10"!

And here she is, wearing it

Giving equal time to her sister!

Original dress, from Forever 21 website

Christmas Eve

I celebrate Christmas with my daughters on Christmas Eve. I like to find somewhere interesting to spend our evening. Two years ago, when my youngest was in Thailand, my eldest and I spent Christmas in a tree house. This year, I booked a yacht in Sausalito. Unfortunately, the day before our celebration, my eldest had her wisdom teeth removed due to an infection. That dampened her plans a bit (pain, swelling, and zero alcohol allowed), and I had to change our menu around, but it was still nice!

DD1 on Christmas Eve Eve, right after her surgery

Our Christmas Eve yacht, in the Sausalito Marina

Christmas Eve moon from our yacht

Our host put up a little tree for us

Playing games on Christmas Eve

Sausalito Marina on Christmas morning

San Francisco skyline from Sausalito

Downtown Sausalito

DD1 gifted me with a gorgeous wooden salad bowl and a necklace, and DD2 gifted me with a great hat. I'm sure both wearables will make an appearance at some point.

Diane Keaton

On Christmas afternoon, I went to downtown San Francisco to see Star Wars. I had purchased my ticket a month ago. Guess who stepped into line just in front of me? Diane Keaton! She smiled at me and said "hi", no doubt because my eyes were open wide and my brain was racing—I was asking myself if I was really looking at Diane Keaton.

But it was!

The theater was a chaotic zoo, and everyone else was completely oblivious to her, which gave me a sense of unreality.

Diane was beautifully dressed!

LoriAnne Pattern Collection

Have you heard of the LoriAnne pattern collection?

I discovered her line of patterns last year at Puyallup Sew Expo and I got on her mailing list. She sent out an email recently asking people what kind of patterns they wanted to see, offering a free pattern to those who responded quickly. I sent her an email, quick like a rabbit, and was one of the winners. For my free pattern, I chose her Encore jacket.

Encore jacket

(By the way, the brochure for Puyallup Sew Expo 2016 is now available. However, it turns out that I will not be attending Sew Expo this year. I have a conflicting work event.)

If you've tried one of her patterns, I'd love to hear about it!

Elfriede's Fine Fabrics

After I posted my wool vest, it was pointed out to me that Elfriede's Fine Fabrics, in Boulder, Colorado, has this fabric in a few color ways. As of this writing, they have it in purple, blues and browns, rainbow colors, and black, grey, white, and brown.

I definitely recommend this fabric! And, one day, I hope to visit Elfriede's in person!

"12 Days of Christmas" Sewing Photo Hop

Finally, Rachel, of House of Pinheiro, hosted a 12 Days of Christmas photo hop on Instagram at the beginning of December. Why do I keep participating in these? They are sort of addictive, though I think I need a break after this one.

Day 1 of #sewphotohop: You. Feeling festive! @houseofpinheiro

Day 2 of #sewphotohop: Naughty or nice? I must be naughty or why would I be wearing chains? Also, I bought something like SEVEN Craftsy classes in the Thanksgiving sale. I now have 20 that I haven't watched. @girlcharleeuk

Day 3 of #sewphotohop: Grateful. So.incredibly.grateful. @upcraftclub
Day 4 of #sewphotohop: Memories. My daughter gave me this fabric for Christmas two years ago. I've been driving myself crazy looking for the right pattern. I hope to sew it up soon! @sewalison

Day 5 of #sewphotohop: Shiny. @minervacrafts

Day 6 of #sewphotohop: Fun. For April Fools Day 2014 I made a Noogler Hat for the Google Bison. It still wears that hat today. So.much.fun! @thefoldline @houseofpinheiro

Day 7 of #sewphotohop: Treat. My latest treat is this wool ombré houndstooth fabric from Marcy Tilton! @fabricgodmother

Day 8 of #sewphotohop: While I craft I... I really enjoy Spotify and have a vast and diverse playlist. Right now some of my favorite artists are Kate Rusby, Beth Hart, Hugh Laurie, and David Ford. @sewoveritlondon

Day 9 of #sewphotohop: No regrets. I made this Butterick dress and knew I wouldn't wear it, even after I altered it to fit better (not shown). A week or two later I chopped it off. No regrets, as I enjoy wearing it as a skirt! @vhaberdashery @houseofpinheiro

Day 10 of #sewphotohop: Handmade gifts. I used to be an obsessive quilter. I made this quilt for my father in 1996—more than 20 years ago. My father passed in August and the quilt came back to me. @woolandthegang @houseofpinheiro

Day 11 of #sewphotohop: Wish list. I wish for more time! Time to sew and time to travel. @stylemakerfabrics @houseofpinheiro

Day 12 of #sewphotohop: Favorite things. (I knitted the hat on the left.) @dittofabrics @houseofpinheiro

Day 13 (bonus) of #sewphotohop: Holiday feeling. DD1 as Clara in SF Ballet's Nutcracker. Dec 2005. @workroomsocial @houseofpinheiro

Happy New Year!

It feels like we have arrived at a time where peace, love, and understanding have never been more sorely needed. Here's to a more serene and caring 2016!

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34 comments:

  1. EileensewsDecember 26, 2015 at 9:45 PM

    Lovely daughters. Looks like you've had a busy but fun month.

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    1. shamsDecember 27, 2015 at 12:56 AM

      Thanks, Eileen! That's why I'm glad it's over! :)

      Delete
  2. sewphieDecember 26, 2015 at 10:21 PM

    Nice collection of photos, Shams, and looks like you've been having fun with your girls!
    xoxo
    Margaret

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  3. DillianderDecember 26, 2015 at 10:24 PM

    You have the most fun Christmas Eve of anyone I know! Treehouse, yacht... will be hard to top this but feel sure you'll find another unique way to celebrate next year with your gorgeous daughters (who seem to have inherited your sense of fun). All the very best for 2016!

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    1. shamsDecember 27, 2015 at 12:56 AM

      Thanks, Dilliander! All the best to you for 2016!

      Delete
  4. The Material LadyDecember 27, 2015 at 1:28 AM

    Great post Shams. I am quite envious of your wonderful Christmas locations, but not so about your poor daughter's dental surgery! I hope she is feeling much better now.

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    1. shamsDecember 27, 2015 at 9:05 AM

      Thanks, ML! She's getting better. She was finally able to discontinue the heavier pain meds. She's still off alcohol but will be back in business by New Years Eve. She's got Big Plans for New Years Eve. ;)

      Delete
  5. VickiDecember 27, 2015 at 1:52 AM

    Aren't daughters wonderful!? Such great companions. Love your silk purses. Very cute. Best wishes for 2016.

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    1. shamsDecember 27, 2015 at 9:06 AM

      Yes, Vicki! I am SO glad they are up for my shenanigans! Happy 2016!

      Delete
  6. KayDecember 27, 2015 at 3:28 AM

    Shams, it sounds like a fabulous Christmas! Can you share details about those gorgeous red boots please. I love how it's wide in the front and low heels as well. Maybe it might fit my orthotics.

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    1. shamsDecember 27, 2015 at 9:06 AM

      Thanks, Kay! Yes, those are Algeria boots. The called is called Nanook and the color is red licorice. They are lined with faux fur and I find them SUPER comfy!

      Delete
  7. Evie JonesDecember 27, 2015 at 5:07 AM

    Glad you and your girls had such a fabulous time, despite wisdom teeth. May 2016 bring you all much joy.

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  8. a little sewingDecember 27, 2015 at 5:49 AM

    It was really nice to see the zippered bags again - that was the perfect use of the tie fabrics. And the quilt! Oh my that is really something! The piecing looks very precise which of course, you would be good at that too!! I really like it. Way to go and bye bye 2015!!

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    1. shamsDecember 27, 2015 at 9:07 AM

      Yes, I was a major, insane quilter at one point. Years ago, a colleague called me a Serial Hobbyist, and it's true!

      Delete
  9. KyleDecember 27, 2015 at 7:19 AM

    What a fun post!

    Your daughter's sparkly top is basically New Look 6071, one of my favorite patterns of all time. :)

    As always, I love your creative wrapping.

    Hope your daughter is recovering nicely from her surgery.

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    1. shamsDecember 27, 2015 at 9:08 AM

      YES! I noticed that, Kyle. It cost $20 to buy the dress, and I far prefer that to trying to make it for her! Thanks!

      Delete
  10. The Smuggler's DaughterDecember 27, 2015 at 7:57 AM

    Wow, your daughter was in the SF Ballet's Nutcracker. Very impressive!

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    1. shamsDecember 27, 2015 at 9:09 AM

      Yes, she studied with San Francisco Ballet for years, so she had many parts in Nutcracker, starting with the wee Mother Gingers. But to be hand picked by Helgi to be Clara... that was a highlight! I think it's funny how she looks the same now, at 23, as she did then, at 13.

      Delete
  11. Beth (SunnyGal Studio)December 27, 2015 at 8:31 AM

    what a great choice for a Christmas eve, that looks really fun. and I hope your daughter is feeling better (recalling with a shudder getting my wisdom teeth removed. the zippered bags are so pretty and useful.

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    1. shamsDecember 27, 2015 at 9:10 AM

      Thanks, Beth! She's so glad that it's over. All 4 were removed, though only one had the infection, so she's done done done. (Her dentist had been recommending that she get them removed at some point anyway.)

      Delete
  12. Claire RDecember 27, 2015 at 11:12 AM

    Happy New Year!! (And see you pretty soon!)

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    1. shamsDecember 27, 2015 at 7:40 PM

      Thanks, Claire! I am so looking forward to it!

      Delete
  13. MichelleDecember 27, 2015 at 12:18 PM

    What a bummer for your daughter! I had the same thing happen to me on Xmas break my freshman year in college--it certainly killed all of my plans of seeing/partying with my high school friends.

    I love Diane Keaton. I would have turned into a blubbery fangirl in your situation.

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    1. shamsDecember 27, 2015 at 7:41 PM

      Exactly! But at least she'll be cleared for alcohol on New Years, and that's the more important night. ;)

      I wish I could have talked to her! There really wasn't an opportunity, though.

      Delete
  14. Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)December 27, 2015 at 12:27 PM

    You pick the most interesting places to celebrate Christmas! Glad it was a good one. Love the little silk bags you made-I remember when you bought the silk remnants was jealous then even more jelly now because the bags are awesome!

    BTW, that's a great picture of Diane - haven't seen Star Wars yet plan to do that this week while I'm on vacation. Hungry Games too!

    I'm going to SewExpo again this year but only on Saturday for shopping. My plans are to spend time with Gaylen and the girls that weekend. So sorry I won't see you.

    Can't wait to see what you sew in 2016 and I love the sentiments at the end of your post. Hopefully...

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    1. shamsDecember 27, 2015 at 7:44 PM

      I am sorry that I will miss you at Puyallup, Carolyn! But I'm sure you'll have a great getaway. :) Happy 2016!

      Delete
  15. Su-zDecember 27, 2015 at 1:03 PM

    Diane Keaton is so darn cute! I love her style. Love your red boots, also.

    Happy New Year, glad your daughter is recovering from surgery okay, but too bad it cut into fun on the yacht. You do come up with exotic ideas.

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  16. Carol in DenverDecember 27, 2015 at 5:02 PM

    Sounds like a wonderful Christmas! If you get to Elfrieda's, be sure & make a trip to Denver to visit Colorado Fabrics. I was there today, the first time in ages, and saw some luscious fabrics: smooth & hefty bamboo/cotton knit; European purse fabrics, including an extremely thick white wool felt; colorful, long Riri zippers for $4 and more treasures.

    To a Happy New Year, and the last season of Downton Abbey.

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    1. shamsDecember 27, 2015 at 7:45 PM

      Hi Carol! If I do get to the Denver/Boulder area, I will make plans to visit both shops! Thanks!

      Delete
  17. MargyDecember 27, 2015 at 8:38 PM

    Aw, what a great summing-up of your Christmas activities I'm glad M is on the mend.
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete

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