November came and went so quickly that the holiday season was here before I had a chance to catch my breath.  So many precious memories were made and stored away!  But now it is time to turn my mind to Christmas.  I did pre-plan this year on the gifts and had them all ready but a few bits and bobs here and there.  With 15 grandchildren, 6 children combined, family, and friends Christmas shopping is no small task.  I have been listening to Christmas music on Pandora for a month and recorded and watching pretty much every Christmas show on the Hallmark channel but….I just really couldn’t get excited about decorating.  I did do a bit here and there;

I always enjoy my little houses I’ve collected here and there.  They make a nice mantel display.

My eldest painted this little scene years ago.  It’s just so sweet. 

I haven’t put up a tree and I’m thinking I’ll just decorate these two sweet vintage trees I found last year at yard sales. I’ll find a sweet quilt to use as a tree skirt and add a few of my favorite ornaments.  I’m just feeling too much clutter so plan on doing some major cleaning out after the first of the year.  More decor would just be overkill.  

I’ve been so busy sewing up a storm.  But I can’t post the finished items as they are gifts.  Promise pictures after Christmas.  It has been so delightful to lock myself away in my sewing room once again.   I will share my little hanging Santas however…

Aren’t they adorable?  These are more items that I had cut out at least 15 years ago and just never got around to sewing.  I have several other fun Santas in progress.  

I just love my sewing room!

I love that I look out on my new cottage garden in the front.  Although now it is a rainy wet mess.  But I just love the rain!  I love the sound of raindrops on the roof as I am tucked away so cozy in my happy home.  Makes me want to nest and create things.  

I have done more knitting this last year than the last previous 5 years I swear.  And I am getting more adventurous in what I will try.  I attribute this to my youngest Becca.  She is a knitter extraordinaire!  My newest love is fair isle!!!

My first project and I’m hooked. I did have it nearly completed and frogged the entire thing as it was too small.  This is the skull hat by Gina Doherty.  A free pattern on Ravelry.  I used Quince & Co yarn in worsted weight which I am in love with!!  It was so fast and easy!  No more shawls for a bit as I dabble in fair isle hats and mittens!  

I did however finish a few projects. 

My Rivulet is all blocked and ready to go.  I love this pattern!

Still need to block my Zuzu’s Petals.  This was a quick knit made with Cascade.  I wanted a Christmas cowl.  I will make another in a hand dyed.  

And a cute little monkey hat for Maddox.  These knit up in a few hours.  I still have giraffe to knit up.  

I have been wanting to share this cute little pouch that Bella made for me to store all my knitting necessities in.

I had a bit of an exciting time when I learned a friend was coming through Salem and would be stopping for the night.

Roni is an absolute sweetie and the author of these great books!  Was so nice visiting and such a great surprise.  

And now back to my sewing room and more fun projects just waiting to be completed! 

Happy December!

Patricia