Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Greetings on the Winter Solstice.

241 Tote

I made another 241 Tote (pattern by Anna Graham at Noodlehead here), this one is a Christmas present. It seems that I have succumbed to the urge to make handmade gifts.

241 Tote, inside detail

The fabrics are Echo by Lotta Jansdotter. I decided to make this bag at the last minute, and in 2.5 hours it was ready to go - this is an easy pattern with a great result and I recommend it. I am not planning any other handmade gifts, unless another last minute urge strikes.

Modern Christmas Table Runner - received from Vicky

This is the Modern Christmas Table Runner that I received from my secret partner, Vicky, who blogs at Patchwork Palace. It is perfect! It has trees and stars, just what I was hoping for. And she picked fabrics that work perfectly with my cherry coloured table.

Modern Christmas Table Runner - received from Vicky

It fits exactly right and will be on my table for the holidays. This room has a lot of ambiance - well it is fairly dark all the time - these pictures were taken just after lunch.

Modern Christmas Table Runner - detail

Here you can see the quilting details, which are lovely. Thank you Vicky, I am thrilled with this runner!

Beautiful felt owl from Vicky

And look at the cute little owl she also sent me. He is already on my Christmas tree. This owl is made from the most beautiful feeling felt. I had never experienced felt like this so I have already ordered some for me from Vicky's source - Laura at Lupin Handmade and Laura's lovely blog is Bugs and Fishes.

Tomorrow I am hoping to finish working at noon and then start some holidays. Oh, and I have to tell you that the F.U.N.C. has arrived at my house, all the way from Judith in Ireland. I am going to take him out to show him the sights and I think he will have to spend Christmas at my house before I send him on his next journey. I'll see if I can get some pictures before he heads off next week.

And, today is the winter solstice, the darkest day of the year, but that also means that starting tomorrow the days get longer again, which makes it one of my favourite days of the year.

All the best to you and yours for this holiday season! I hope that you savour the moments, have plenty of laughs, and relax too.

Best,

Leanne

25 comments:

MariQuilts said...

Love the bag and the runner. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Susan said...

Oh, I hope the FUNC has a great time sightseeing in Alberta! Does it have its Australian visa yet? ;-)) The bag is a beauty! And your partner did a fabulous job on your Christmas Runner!

Little Island Quilting said...

Great bag again...seriously interested now I know it only takes 2 1/2 hours! Oh and I got all excited about getting over the shortest day until my husband informed me it kind of stays the same or a few weeks and you don 't really notice a difference in the light until some time in February. Cheered me up no end that did!

Dianne Neale said...

I must have a go at that back - bet it takes me more than 2 1/2 hours.

Happy Christmas to you and yours

Dianne Neale said...

I must have a go at that back - bet it takes me more than 2 1/2 hours.

Happy Christmas to you and yours

Sarah said...

2.5hrs? well done! and Yay you got the FUNC! I'm envious... lol So glad you got your table runner in time too :-)

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

Love the runner and the 241 - it takes me that long to cur all the blimming pieces!

Pass that FUNC on - or you may become attached!!

Rhonda the Rambler said...

Don't forget to grab your FUNC button. Have fun with him...I sure hope he gets a Christmas pressie!!!

Linz said...

Cute bag and table runner!! Happy Solstice!

rachael {imagine gnats} said...

oh, that owl is darling :) and the bag... well, i think i might know what i'll do with my echo fabrics. i just picked up that pattern last week and i'm itching to get one started. happy holidays to you, Leanne!

Anonymous said...

Happy Winter Solstice!! ; )
We always go watch the sunrise after the longest night of the year. : )

~Monika

Judith, Belfast said...

You're the bag lady now! And you got a gorgeous table runner there - fab quilting & cute wee owl. Hope the FUNC enjoys its time in Canada! Have a great time! Jxo

Debbie said...

oh wow - great bag! and great winnings - how fun!!

**nicke... said...

LOVE the 241 bag! you seriously made it in 2.5 hours?!?!?!?

enjoy the FUNC! i am big jealous! can't wait to see where it lands next! maybe you should send it to narcoleptic sarah, she has been in a bit of a FUNK lately. i bet she would make great company.

Jennifer Mathis of Ellison Lane said...

Oh I love your bag and the fabrics you choose. What a fabulous gift! Merry Christmas!

Svetlana said...

Fabulous projects. I really have to give this 241 tote a try. You chose such fabulous fabrics. It looks wonderful.

Katy Cameron said...

Love that 241 in the Echo, it looks fab with the big prints! Your table runner and ornament are lovely too.

Have fun with the FUNC, hope it gets up to lots of adventures before it mores on...

Oh, and can I say, having seen the sky turn pink at 2:30 pm for sunset 2 days ago, I am entirely happy the days are about to get longer again!

Canadian Abroad said...

Too much goodness in one post. The bag made with the Echo is fabulous! The runner looks perfect in your home. And FUNC has made it to another country. Woohoo!

Patti said...

Wonderful fabric choice for your latest 241. Echo is such an amazing fabric line.
Lucky you, getting that beautiful runner and cute owl!
Thins is the first of heard of FUNC...so funny and a great idea!!
Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Lucy | Charm About You said...

Gorgeous bag! How fast are you?!! The table runner and decoration are adorable :)
The FUNC makes me laugh I love seeing it pop up!

Toni said...

Fabulous bag, Leanne! Looks like you had a wonderful swap with that beautiful runner and owl. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Mary Menzer said...

I think I need to make that bag.

I LOVE the owl! Jelly!

Nicky said...

Bought the fabric, have even bought the pattern - had not thought of putting them together! Great bag - what a lovely present!

Marci Girl said...

Hope you and your family had a Merry Christmas! Your bag turned out just fabulous!

Susan said...

(I'm way behind in blog reading!) Ok, you've finally sold me on this bag...you've made so many cute combinations that I must succumb and buy the pattern. :)