Smaller than imagined!

When I added a project from Welcome to the North Pole to my FAL Q4 list it was with a rather large end product in mind.  Well life has a funny old way of changing your plans and idea doesn't it?!

So I did make something ..... in fact I made three things, all fabric postcards for Christmas.  This was inspired by a swap over on a FB group I am a member of.  The size requirements were minimum 6"x4" to a maximum 7"x5".  Mine finished up at 7"x5" and are made up of 4 layers:  the top layer which is applique with Heat 'n Bond, wadding, very stiff iron on Vilene and finally a piece of calico for the back.

 

 

I really like how this turned out and it was hard to send it off!  Luckily my swap partner loved it too.

 

Two other people loved it aswell ..... my daughters!  So, of course, some more had to be made for them for Christmas.

 

They got to open them on Christmas Eve, along with a Christmas decoration.  They were really happy to have one of their own each and they looked lovely on the mantelpiece over the holiday period.  Now I just need to start my 'large project' sooner rather than later in order for it to be done in time for Christmas 2061! x

In the post this week ....

I received my Schnitzel & Boo Mini Swap package.  It was ready to be delivered last Friday but we were out so I had to wait until Monday to pick it up from the depot!  I was very excited driving there ....

 

What a lovely package it was and definitely worth the wait!  As well as the stunning blue and white mini there were some rather funky extras.  Admittedly I had to look a couple of them up to know what to do with them!!  Aswell as a very handy straight 2 1/2" ruler there was a Hex n More ruler and a Wacky Web template and papers.  I have always loved the look of spider web blocks but haven't made one ..... yet!

Yesterday there was another little package through the post box ....

It's official - I am now an Authorised Co-ordinator for Project Linus.  I am starting a new area so there will be lots of work to be done, both in 'recruiting' sewers and in find organisations/individuals to donate the quilts to not to mention finding fabric, batting and backing fabric!  Realistically not much will get done before the New Year but I have some plans swirling around my head for then ....

And lastly I received my order of paperwhites.  Many years ago I saw a wonderful display of these scented flowers as a Christmas table decoration and have wanted to make something similar since.  This year I was too late to but them at any of the local shops who stock bulbs but managed to find them online.  They might not be quite ready by Christmas now, but whenever they flower they will bring a much needed dash of colour and scent to the short, cold Janaury days.

Sunday morning walk ...

Everything was crunching under my feet as I set off into the mist .....

and spotted this amazing fungus growing on the tree.  

There were two locations and they were tiny ....

I have no idea what they were but they certainly made me stop a while.

This tree always catches my eye with its extensive root system covered in moss and algae ....

and in the light this morning it seemed to glow.

The mist was lifting and gave way to clear blue skies which was the perfect backdrop for these winter trees.  It always amazes me how these empty trees burst into life each spring.

Blue skies one way ....

still misty the other.

The Welcombe Hills obelisk standing proud in all its glory.

All in all a beautiful walk and a wonderful way to start the day! xx