Pretty Little Things from Posie Gets Cozy

I am in love with these ornaments.  They are currently hanging in a row under the mantle - they fill the blank space left from putting away our Christmas stockings beautifully.

I went on a bender after the holiday and ordered four kits from Alicia Paulson.  So far I have worked my way though 6 ornaments (6 more to go).  Each one is impeccably designed and detailed.  I have really been able to hone my embroidery skills as I put together each one.  The accompanying writing for each kit adds to the whimsy I feel whenever I pull out materials to work on one.

What I love about these is that while I have stayed really close to the original design I do feel that I can take a bit of liberty with each one depending on my skill level and available tools.  For example, I didn't have the right shears for the detail work on the apron for the gingerbread woman so just adapted with what I had on hand.  I think it still turned out beautifully.

I have completed the ornaments that my daughters coveted the most (hot cocoa! a cute chubby mouse!) and am now working on the others as time permits.  Next up to finish is the ice skate and then the dreaming child.

These ornaments will certainly be a special part of our winter season from this year forward.  I'll draft a follow-up post when the other six are complete!  (Husband hint: Alicia does have two other kits as well -- maybe they will make their way into my stocking next Christmas?!)

Taggie Blanket v2.0

This holiday season I got to work on a really feel-good project -and fun taggie blanket for the sweet daughter of a friend in NYC.  I met my friend many years ago when I was living in NYC and when her daughter was born I her a taggie blanket that had been made by my sister-in-law.

From having my own kids I knew that most kids l-o-v-e taggie blankets.  This little girl was no exception and possibly loved her first one more than most.  Her Mom contacted me and shared that it was on its last legs - I jumped at the opportunity to make another for her daughter.

I was able to pull it together very quickly thanks to my Mom who had a ready supply of pre-cut ribbon.  (Unknown to me she has been making a few of these with her friends for grandbabies!)  I picked up the minky from a local fabric shop and the yellow front fabric as well.  The design on the front is a small repeat of yellow rubber duckies.  Too cute.

My friend emailed to share that her daughter immediately took to the new blanket and has lovingly paired it with her old blanket and is happily using both.  What a great thing.  The photos are of the new taggie blanket in it's new home with it's new owner (I was so excited to ship it off I forgot to take any, smile).