Squeezing in a little stitching

Frozen stems

Merry Christmas to all.   I have been out taking close up pictures of plants frozen in the snow and frost as a basis for a series of ATCs.  There is so much to see and to get inspiration from in this white frozen landscape.

In the days up to Christmas things are pretty hectic and there seems to be little time to catch your breath let alone do some stitching but there are always though few snatched minutes which present themselves.   Never enough time to start (nor indeed finish!I) any projects but I had a sudden urge to turn my boxes of buttons into little treasures by attaching them to small pieces of vilene.  I make backs for my ATCs (artists trading cards) from heavy duty pelmet vilene and these are great for collecting sets of buttons or even groups of  single buttons in the same colour.  

Suddenly after a couple of hours in front of a seasonal movie I am beginning to have a button collection instead of a button heap.  The clear ATC sleeves also serve to protect them.    I have a vision of boxes of carded buttons all colour collected and looking very usable.  So what will I do with them.  Well probably put in the cupboard with the rest of the stuff.  But who knows.  Maybe inspiration will strike.   

Let it snow!

The Christmas hanging made from a panel by Makower did not get finished in time.  Quelle surprise!  However I am having a lot of fun finding and applying beads to make snow globes snow and angels wings sparkle.  Perfect for a very relaxing evening.

Wings of gold

Five gold ring

Bit of a seasonal challenge coming up though.  My chum Mary P and I have agreed the date of the 29th December for a fabric dyeing fest using Procion dyes -we might even get some snow dyeing done.  The challenge comes from the fact it is well below freezing outside so turning the house into a dye bath and laundry at mid winter will be fun.   Will let you know later in the week how we get on.

Since my Christmas gifts included some wonderful jelly rolls and fabric pieces from Kaffe Fasset I am spinning  with ideas and inspiration.   Hopefully all to be realised soon.   I have also been working today on another piece for the Bordering project.  This piece will be patch worked, quilted and will include a piece of weaving I have had on small loom for more than 25 years waiting to be finished.  Watch this space!!!

Happy stitching to all and to all a good night.