Holly Swag & Friday Smile

 It looks like I might as well admit it.... these days, I only manage to post when I realise that it's Friday and I know I should add a smile to Annie's and all the other lovelies who join in this bit of fun each week.

This week I have been busy but I've managed a few bits of sewing and finished this swag for Christmas. There I have said it... CHRISTMAS!! 

It's looming making things for the occasion is the best part for me. 

No! I'm not leaving it up over the fire until Christmas! It's packed away already!

 I saw similar at an exhibiton in Kent, earlier in the year but I had to make it in my own pattern and change the style and size. It's quite quick and easy to make.

Just cut out big holly leaves in seasonal fabric and lining pieces for the backs. Stitch a bit of thin wadding or interfacing to stiffen them , sew around the leaves, trim and turn to the right size. Press and stitch up the gap. 

The berries are cardboard or plastic discs covered with red fabric gathered up (with a bit of wadding popped inside), or just use big red buttons. 

Here is my template but the leaves can be made any size to suit.

 I marked around the card then cut extra for the seams. 

It doesn't matter which way up the template is used.

Stitch veins onto the leaves using a triple stretch stitch, which shows up somewhat bolder than a normal straight stitch. Curve the lines to look "natural"

I spotted this poster, below, on pinterest ... how true! 

No matter where I go I always take "threads" with me! 

DH says that when they are in your sandwiches, that's the time to complain!

It's my Friday smile for Annie 

and I hope you'll pop over to her blog to see some more.

It's good to smile.. it costs nothing and it's catching!

When my friend Dolores visited last week I loved her new sewing case, which she had bought in IKEA. I had the green eyed monster so my DH kindly treated me to one this week. 

I thought I would personalise mine to distinguish it from anyone else's as I am sure that some of my quilt club friends will want one for themselves when they see mine.

I haven't quite decided what to add to the back to finish it off. Any ideas, a word, a quote??

 It is good value for £10 as there are so many sewing notions inside held by elastic keeps. Large shears, snips, unpicker, pins needles, etc. 
It's so handy to take in my kit for workshops.