I have been working furiously to be ready for Christmas. When I originally planned to make gifts this year, I thought I would have plenty of time to finish them and spend a leisurely Christmas week baking goodies. I got more than I bargained for this year, and I was unable to begin sewing until Sunday. Yes, Sunday…as in 4 days before Christmas! And really, all of the preparations must be done before Christmas Eve, as my family always celebrates early. So here I am now, down to the wire, and I have exactly ONE gift left to finish.  (Well, kind of.  There are a couple that will not be given until after Christmas, so they don’t really count, right?)  I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel now!  Woo-hoo!  But then I will have to get on to the baking….  Actually, I will probably procrastinate on the rest of the baking until tomorrow.  Curling up on the sofa with a nice hot cup of tea and some knitting sounds soooooo relaxing!

Quilt giveaways are becoming quite popular of late! Dana at the Old Red Barn Co. is giving away not one, not two, but THREE different quilts!!! They are all stunning, but I particularly like the Nest quilt.

Time is running out, so run, don’t walk, to Old Red Barn Co. so you can oooh and ahhh at the lovely quilts. And while you’re there, take a moment to browse the homemade bath and body products. So tempting.

If you are in the mood to make some crafty Christmas gifts, Randi, from i have to say… has posted a wonderful tutorial for a kitchen set. Simple enough for the novice seamstress, and a breeze for the experienced sewist, these projects would make excellent gifts for you loved ones (or to keep for yourself). I also found a nifty oven mitt tutorial and a cute apron tutorial. All of these projects look like great excuses to have fun mixing and matching fabrics to suit the intended recipient!

Whew! In preparations for the holiday season, I have been a busy little sewing bee! I just finished restocking my shop, and there will be more updates coming soon. Here is a little preview…

I did my patriotic duty today. I also took advantage of the free coffee from Starbucks for those who vote. Mmmm…Pike Place Blend hit the spot today.

In other news, I just want to go on the record as saying that I have the best husband ever. Truly. He is so thoughtful and an all-around nice guy. (He even told me that I look cute with braces, although I feel like I am back in that awkward middle school stage once again – lol. I do not believe him, but I sure do love him for being so nice.) Last week he ordered this book for me. Yesterday he had a 40% off Borders coupon and brought home this one. He really does support my addictions hobbies. In return, I bought this for him last night because he had been wanting it. (with another 40% off coupon – I cannot get enough of those).

Here are just a few projects from Seams to Me that piqued my interest…