Christmas Presents

After seeing my friend Debbie's (A Quilter's Table) version of an "On-the-Go Project Bag," (Debbie's blog posts here and another here.) I had to make a couple of them too. From an online store selling used books, I bought Svetlana Sotak's, That Handmade Touch which has these instructions. My book came from a Goodwill store in Austin, Texas! 

I used denim, and a canvas-weight print for each. Handles are ¾"-wide leather from Sew Hungry Hippie.  

The denim on the bottom was made that way - embellished with tiny metal studs. I bought the denim in November, 2006, when we went to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Fabric there was very inexpensive... at that time, anyway. 

Hopefully, my line dance instructor, and my hair stylist will make good use of these. 

Next, I sewed these Half Zip Fabric Wallets, following a YouTube tutorial by Sewing Times. 

Instructions are free, and the video is nicely-done, but no where could I find which measurement was vertical and which was horizontal - essential information when making this wallet from a directional print like those Tula Pink elephants. I had to stop the video and use a ruler against the computer screen to determine which measurement was which. I also asked the question in the comments, and though Nancy (of Sewing Times) replied, at that point I had already finished making the wallets. So, if you make a wallet, check comments to verify measurements! You can thank me later. 😁

I was happy to finish each wallet with a little charm, found at Hobby Lobby. 

After making wallets, I made a 10½" W X 8" H purse organizer to coordinate with the elephant print wallet. This Purse Organizer pattern is also by Sotak Patterns. The mesh pockets are sized to hold a cell phone.

Since I didn't have a snap the pattern called for, I made a buttonhole and sewed a clear button in that spot. 

The organizer and wallet makes a useable combo. 

Lastly, I made six Bowl Buddies - AKA Bowl Cozies. I couldn't find the original pattern I followed when first making these in 2013. So I made a version that's a combo of YouTube videos. I also wrote-up a little description of what a bowl buddy is and how to use it... so people who opened the gift when I wasn't around, would know what to do with it! 

I thought it was appropriate to send the Florida fabric bowl buddy to my virtual Bible study leader in Iowa. The bowl buddy made with peace symbol print fabric went to my "Peace, Love and Ukulele Club" leader, Mary. 

In 2021, I made Mary a ukulele pillow. Blogged here. Mary recently sent me a picture of ukuleles she and her husband have hanging in their music room, and I love seeing how they've displayed the ukulele pillow - the colorful one in the middle.  

My favorite part of giving presents, especially quilts, is seeing gifted items in action, used - and hopefully loved - by the recipient.

Book Recommendations

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center, is a story about a female bodyguard, Hannah, who has just been, unexpectedly, dumped by her boyfriend/co-worker. She wants to prove herself worthy of a new, overseas job assignment. Her boss makes is clear that he'll be watching her on the next assignment, to see if she's capable. 

That assignment is more than she expected. She's taking the lead on a job to safeguard a famous actor, Jack. He's handsome, and rugged-looking, and has been stalked by an overzealous fan who wants to have his baby. Jack's back in Texas to be with his mom who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Though Jack's brother doesn't want him back on the family ranch, Jack wants to do what his parents want. 

Hannah, after overcoming her awkwardness in the presence of such a handsome celebrity, reluctantly gets takes her assignment a step further when she agrees to pose as Jack's girlfriend so neither of his parents know that Jack needs a bodyguard.

This book is sweetly charming, and infused with light-hearted humor.

Linda's score: 3.9/5.0

Heather Gudenkauf is an Iowa author I totally admire, and follow on Instagram @heathergudenkauf. When Heather posts about a book recommendation, I usually follow through. The Push, by Ashley Audrain is one of those titles.

This psychological thriller is about Blythe. She's the third generation daughter of women with mental/psychological problems, particularly no understanding of how to be a loving mother. So when Blythe meets Fox, falls in love, and marries, she wonders how she will be as a mother. 

Their firstborn is Violet, who even as a newborn, tests Blythe's mothering capabilities. Blythe questions herself, but tries her best. Does Violet hate her? When baby Sam comes along, their lives settle into a more comfortable routine, the four of them a happy family. And yet, Blythe continues to detect something unusual in Violet. But then, isn't it Blythe who has difficulties being a mother? 

Though it took me a little bit to get into this story - I couldn't understand why I was witness to Blythe watching a house and the Christmas activities of a family of four that included her daughter. Then the story seemed to be all about pregnancy, giving birth, and having a newborn. But as I continued, I began to see what Blythe saw, and couldn't stop listening. This author reeled me in! 

Linda's score: 4.3/5.0

Recently my Texas friend, Patty, sent me a link to an article called Your Artistic Passion Has Purpose. The author states that human creativity takes many forms, and it's all God-given. When we create, we exemplify the character of Christ. I've never thought that way about what I make, and that the quality I put into my creations is a reflection of Christ in me. This has me thinking a little differently about making, and wanting to make the best I can.

Remembering why we celebrate Christmas, I wish you each a blessed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. May God's love-gift of Jesus change your heart. Linda