Handmade Christmas

So I've been on a bit of a mission to avoid too much plastic tat and glitter this Christmas. Not easy when there's a 6 year old in the house who's entire Christmas list comprised of the rubbish that gets advertised on Nick Jr. Needless to say, Father Christmas has gone off-list. I just hope she's not too disappointed!

We've continued the tradition of adding new decorations to the tree each year with handmade ones by Amelie like these...

And I've been trying to make as many gifts as I can. I made these little purses and a pencil case for Amelie's friends. They're quilted and embroidered on the Husqvarna Epic and I'm really pleased with how they've turned out. When you're six, there's nothing better than something with your name on and the digital embroidery is such a nice way of achieving that.

Next up, for Amelie's best buddy I've made a velvet cushion with their photos on. Couldn't resist a bit of pompom trim to finish it off! He opened it today and it was a big hit. Course I now have to make another for Amelie to have the same...

My friends have been so kind and I wanted to so special things for them too, so for one I've done another custom cushion. This time an antique map of China (where she's from) printed onto velvet. I picked out some of the blue tones in the map for the piping.

And so far, that's all I've managed to finish and photograph, but there are still a few days left! On my list to complete is another Luna Lapin rabbit, which at the moment is just a collection of body parts. I did have plans for another cushion, a coat and top for Amelie, a hand knitted cowl for my sister, the cakes need icing and the garlands need making for the gates. I realise as I type this, how crazy this sounds, particularly when I spend 4 days out of 14 at the hospital for appointments and a further 5 days at least, laying low from the effects of the chemo, but hey, it's good to be ambitious. What will get done will get done and the rest can wait!

If I don't pop back here before Christmas, then I just want to wish you all the very best of health and happiness for the festive season and 2019. I have so appreciated all of your support and overwhelming kindness this year. I have never felt so loved and looked after! I will be very much enjoying Christmas as home with my nearest and dearest, but most definitely taking time to think about the people in hospital who can't be home, and the wonderful staff who work over the festive season to keep us all going.

Happy Christmas to you all.

Bye for now,
Laura
xx