Traditions - New and Old

This year, we decided to jump on the gingerbread house bandwagon.  I grew up with a pretty minimal Christmas celebration given that my parents grew up in India and didn't celebrate Christmas themselves.  But, how could I resist this gingerbread house kit from Trader Joe's.  For $7.99, it's pretty great.  Next year I might have to make my own and start a new tradition.  

 Another tradition in our family is attending the local ballet company's performance of the Nutcracker.  I make a new dress for my daughter each year.  She really liked the style of last year's dress, so this year's is the same in different colors.

 The back....with 2 little helper monkeys.

I don't often do a rolled hem on my serger since it requires changing a plate and removing a needle.  But, since I teach about rolled hems and lettuce edging in my serger class, I thought it's about time I do it on my own machine.  It came out really pretty and is easier than doing a regular hem.

Another holiday tradition complete.

What's your favorite holiday tradition?

Burlap Placemat Tutorial

Today I'm guest posting for Jane of Trades as part of Roselee's Bias Tape Tuesday Series.

Here's a very simple tutorial taking advantage of some great printed burlap fabric I found recently at Joann's.

To make 4 placemats, you'll need 3/4 yard burlap and just over 7 yards of 1/2 inch, double fold bias tape (note there is nowhere near 7 yards shown in the above photo).  This is a great excuse to make your own bias tape using Roselee's tutorial posted here. 

Cut each placemat to be 13 x 19 inches.

At about the center of one of the short sides, sandwhich the burlap in the bias tape, and sew down until you reach the corner.

Fold back the bias tape and shown, and make a nice little mitered corner.  Pin, then begin sewing where you left off.  Do the same for all 4 corners.

When you get back to where you started, cut the bias tape so that it overlaps with by just about an inch.  Fold over the end, press and sew in place, hiding the unfinished end where you started.

So simple.

So beautiful.

They make my dining room look so much nicer than it actually is.  In reality, this table never looks this way.  It's usually the spot where all the kids papers and toys get shoved.  Where all my in progress projects get stashed...

A beautiful spot, even if for just one day.

Handmade Gift Ideas - Pin Cushion Jar

Happy Thanksgiving!  Here's a quick post with a fun gift idea.

 A fellow crafty friend has a birthday soon and I wanted to give something handmade but also useful. 

I used this tutorial from Make It and Love It.  

I made it and I loved it!  To add my own little touch, I spray painted the lid to get a antiqued look.

 The jar on the left has the hammered finish, the jar on the right doesn't.  Both look great.

Ready to fill with some yummy treats.

Hope your Thanksgiving Day is full of cheer!