Winding down, looking up

As the year is drawing to an end, I am in a way relieved to be soon able to turn a page. 2011 has not been the best of years by any means. Two surgeries, my father-in-law's cancer, many frustrations with work and the constant worry about Bug: all this was pretty taxing. Crafting and blogging have been my escape and my sanity check through this roller coaster. 

Things are definitely looking up for 2012: Bug has been finally properly diagnosed, the treatment is working wonders. She is doing great in school, beyond all our most optimistic expectations really. My father-in-law is in remission, with some mild adjustments he is back to a normal life.  I finally was able to transfer to the job I was hoping for and in a couple of weeks I will know whether I need another surgery... fingers crossed.

I want to thank all of you, readers, friends, for all your words of support and wish you a peaceful, happy and prosperous year 2012. For myself and my family, I hope for health and to be able find joy in every day.

Merry Christmas

I've been MIA this past week and probably will be until the new year. I decided I needed a bloggy break but I will be back soon .

After all the most important things I have to do are all about Bug

Merry Christmas !!

Black rose kimono scarf

Last year I made a myriad of satin and chiffon scarves for Christmas. I perfected the technique and style of the "Kimono" scarf but I had a harder time finding fabrics that I liked. Until I found this black and white roses print. I could not resist.  And there is the result: Very retro-chic isn;t it ?  So much so that it is currently on  display in a local vintage jewelry/clothing store  where it enhances an adorable  1960's cocktail dress.  The store owner asked me to make a couple more things to put in display  and we'll see if that sells. 

If not, no worries, I will wear this one!

  

Satin flowers ear warmers

 In case you were wondering... Yes,  I still make satin flower any occasion I get but you would probably get tired of seeing them all the time. With winter right around the corner, I figured a different way to use the unending supply: Instead of headbands, brooches and barrettes I made some cosy and chic ear warmers! I made quite a few but I still have some many fabric flowers I'm going to need other ideas ... Since I can't stop making them :)

Bug really liked the one with the pink flowers... the color is perfect for her

And Amie picked out the grey and yellow ... What a surprise...

Merry (early) Christmas Amie!

Trading Posts - Christmas Bunting

 Another Trading Post... this time Amie (Kitty Cats and Airplanes and myself were joined by a third crafter, Megan. The 3 of us whipped together something festive and simple to put Megan at ease with her brand new sewing machine: Bunting. We were able to finish one for each of us all the while, Megan learned some sewing tips, how to use a cutting matt and a rotary cutter safely and how to make custom binding. I think she left with a new sense of confidence on her new sewing skills and we definitely had a good time

I still have to find a good spot to hang the finished product...

After Megan left, and while waiting for a pizza (and Amie's husband), I helped Amie putting together a cutie little pincushion in shades of green. She did a great job !

Hanukkah table runner

The workshop is also gearing up for Hanukkah. We have a sweet friend that really helped us greatly when were were struggling to get Bug all the help she needed before she was diagnosed with ADHD. She also gave me a set of vintage glasses that are to die for: green with a gilded embossed rim. This is only a small token of gratitude. And hopefully something that will embellish her table during the Festival of Lights that is starting today

Rustic terra cotta and pearls necklace

Santa's workshop entails a lot of sewing of course but for the past year I have enjoyed creating jewelry. For this necklace, I mixed some Swarovski crystal pearls and more rustic glazed terra cotta beads. I wish I had taken more pictures because it looks fabulous on a rustic sweater as much as on a blouse. I love it. Too bad Santa has to deliver it somewhere...

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