Finished sewing projects, and a Christmas decoration

Well, not only did I have a 'screen-free' Sunday, but Saturday as well!  Not really intentional, but there was just a lot going on and I couldn't justify spending time with the laptop.

We spent some time over the weekend with friends, enjoying a lovely meal together, chatting and relaxing.  It was good to take time out from the inevitable busyness that seems to overtake everyone in the run-up to Christmas.

N has been busy in the kitchen, playing with a new gadget we brought back from Manchester (where it had been gathering dust in the back of a cupboard for many years!).  We now have a burger press, and some festive turkey mince and cranberry burgers:

Waiting to be frozen; greaseproof discs top and bottom

We'll be trying them tomorrow, with home-made rolls.

In amongst visiting, cleaning, washing and shredding, I've been frantically trying to finish some sewing projects.  Why is it when you are in a hurry, things seem to take twice as long?  I had taken some hand sewing with me for the train journey to Manchester and back, so that was the first things to finish off when I returned home.  Having cleaned the vases on the lounge window sill, and sorted all the shells and stones out, I knew they would only get covered in dust again if they remained uncovered, so I have been busy with some little covers.

They are just a square/circle of cotton fabric, with a crocheted edging, and weights, in the form of stones with holes in them, or shells with holes drilled in them.

I have embroidered the top of each cover with a shell design; very simple but quite effective, and at least it keeps the dust out of the vases!

Next on the list was a 'New Home' card for M and J - it's fun working on a small scale - but it took longer than I anticipated.  Ah well, patience and perseverance needed in equal amounts ;)

I've also begun sewing for this year's Christmas ornament for the family.  This 'tradition' seemed to start last year almost by accident - I went into production with patchwork Santas - and I thought I would try to do something this year, too.  Plenty of time, I told myself!  LOL.  Anyway, the prototype is on it's way to M&J, and tomorrow I shall cut out some more for the rest of the family (that's the four children, and N has asked for a couple for the lounge, too).

I'm sure I saw the pattern or a photo of this reindeer on the internet but I can't remember where, apologies.  If I can find the link, I'll put it up.  No cost involved at all, just a few scraps of felt, wadding, embroidery thread, buttons and ribbon was all that was needed.  I now wondering if it should have had a tail or not . . .