Cuteness

We aren't able to go to Austin for Christmas this year so I sent an early package to Karlie with this little dress and tights. Her booties are so perfect with the outfit, I think it is so adorable.


The fabric is a knit from Girl Charlee and the pattern is Simplicity 1785. There aren't many knit sewing patterns out there for girls so I adapted the t-shirt part of this pattern and added a skirt. It fits perfectly, and I'm so relieved. I'm always a little worried about that sewing for her from afar.

In typical last minute Ashley style I pulled out a few Christmas ornaments and decorated a tiny bit last night.   I finished my felt garland and I love it.  My work/dining table is still covered with sewing projects.  I'm making Karlie a couple of surprises for her new bedroom.  As usual, anytime I sew for her I think whatever I'm making is the cutest thing I've ever made. 

I'm off work today and finishing up my crafting and baking.  Then it is back to work tomorrow for three days of mayhem leading to exhaustion.  If I don't get around to sharing my Christmas decorations before the holiday I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

xoxo
Ashley

I Turn to Baking and Crafting

I saw the horrible news from Connecticut on my lunch break at work last week. My heart goes out to all of the families that were affected by such a senseless act of terror and to the whole community of Newtown. It was a gray day here, which felt appropriate. I went home from work and turned to my Christmas baking and crafting for comfort.

Baking and crafting are my small way of sharing love with my family and friends, and this year my coworkers. I love to bake and make things for people and I love that these small things can bring joy to others. We are having a much smaller Christmas this year because of Frank being sick and off work. At first that made me sad, but now that I'm not running around, stressed out and tired, I'm enjoying the season. We will buy a few gifts, but I'm making more and that is really what I enjoy about the season. Baking, crafting, eating great food and being with family and friends. That is what it should be about.

Love to you and yours this in this stressful holiday season.
xoxo
Ashley

On The Table

I had two days off in a row this week, which is a nice treat. I feel like I accomplished a lot yesterday, but still have so much to do.

I have quite a few projects going on at once. I'm still knitting the triangle scarf, and I'm working on a felt garland, which I have been wanting to make for several years. I'm also working on a shopping list for Christmas baking.  Between Pinterest, blogs, magazines and our traditional recipes I'm overwhelmed with options.
 

I made Karlie this Christmas dress with kint fabric from Girl Charlee. I'm putting a little early Christmas package in the mail to her today with some ornaments for her tree and this outfit.

I do plan on doing a little bit of decorating, but it will be last minute like usual. I got an amaryllis bulb and some paper whites at work that I need to plant up. I don't know if they will bloom in time for Christmas but I'm okay with that.

We had a cold fromnt come through on Sunday and it hasn't quite warmed up yet. Between a pain in my hip and the cold I haven't been for a jog since Friday. I'm afraid the cold will drive me inside for the next few months, which I hate. I'm a Texan and a wimp apparently!

Frank put Lucy in her sweater yesterday morning and she got really excited about it. She is always cold in the winter and it is the only time of year that she cuddles willingly.
 

I have been shopping for craft supplies for Christmas gifts and I have so many ideas for things to make for our house. I am so indecisive though and never know where to start. I think I need to start collecting small pieces of quilters cotton that I love for pillows and such. I'm not sure how that works when you don't have a pattern or plan in place. I have always shopped for fabric with a pattern in mind. I suppose I should just get a quarter yard of each to start a quilting stash?

I hope your Holiday planning and shopping is not too stressful and that you enjoy the season.

Ups and Downs

I came home from work so tired yesterday, but the weather was perfect and I knew I needed to go for a jog. After a couple of not so great jogs, yesterday was just what I needed. The temperature was just right and I was able to jog for an hour and did five miles. That is huge for me! I felt great at the end and there was a phenomenal sunset to reward me. It might sound silly, but it was heart achingly beautiful and just made my day. Frank has been sick, and I was called into work on my day off Monday. I have a long to do list that won't get accomplished until my next day off. Stress was building and the jog took it away for at least that hour.



I still cannot get into the Christmas mood. I want to make gifts and decorations but don't have time. Frank being sick isn't helping. I feel like a grinch. Another jog will set me straight!