Sunday, December 14, 2014

Passing the Deadlines

Good Morning Everyone! I feel much lighter this morning now that I've finally got my brother's package off in the mail yesterday. He has two young boys, and I never know what to get them for Christmas. This year I left the shopping far too late and missed the mailing deadline for guaranteed Christmas delivery. Not too worried about that, however, as it's only two days past the deadline. 

At the very last minute I decided to make my nephews some pillowcases in addition to their other presents. They have recently acquired a second daschund (wire-haired), and are quite in love with all dogs (including Cody of course). Off I went to the fabric store to find a dog print, and was happy to find one in two colourways ... blue and brown. As soon as I got home, the fabric was tossed into the laundry for pre-shrinking, and then it was a sewing frenzy that afternoon and late into the evening.


It's the details that slow me down. Seams were finished off nicely. A little contrast fabric on the ends, topped with jumbo rick-rack. And a pocket was added to each pillowcase for a furry friend. 



Even though my nephews are getting past the plush toy age, I know they still secretly like them. And I found a little plush dog to go into each pocket after searching in every store I went into yesterday, I finally found two while buying the mailing box in the office supplies store of all places! Don't you love those pleading eyes on the tiny golden retreiver ... "Please take me home". His new owner will be my quiet, shy nephew, and the fox terrier will go to his rambunctious brother.


The parcels were all wrapped, boxed, addressed and popped in the mail by late Saturday afternoon. I was exhausted by the end of the day!


I had already had a long tedious drive to visit my dad on Saturday morning. A tractor trailer had rolled over and spilled paper products all over the highway, and only one lane of three was getting through. so. maddening. And then Dad, who was alert, in a good frame of mind, who knew who I was and I thought everything was going to be good ... fell asleep half an hour after I got in. Well, at least we decorated his room with a bit of Christmas cheer. I took over his own pinecone wreath and a small tree and he helped me put the decorations on the tree, then ZZZzzzzzz. I stayed on and knit him a little snowman and hung that in his window before I left.

Today is "Put up the Christmas Tree Day" ... also later than normal. I think I'll be pressed into baking some cookies this afternoon too. The living room is still slightly disheveled, but not too severe with all kitchen things back in the kitchen. I took over the kitchen table with my sewing on Friday, and I have to get that packed away too. It's going to be a busy day of setting this house back in order and getting it decorated properly. 

It's pretty gloomy out there today, so probably no photos of my decorations and kitchen until it brightens up. 


Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you're all enjoying your weekend!

Wendy





15 comments:

  1. Love the pillowcases and puppies, what great gifts.

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  2. The pillowcases came out so cute! I made bear pillows for a little boy gift this year! I would love to make new pillow cases for our bed! Holiday hugs, Diane

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  3. Hello, I love the pillowcases. They are so cute and the plush doggies are adorable too. Lovely gifts for your nephews.. Have a happy day and week ahead!

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  4. I love these gifts !!!! nice to make for sure ... and unique !!!! Good idea and well done !!! Have a lovely day !

    http://woolandcats.blogspot.fr/

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  5. Pillowcases are certainly original gifts and the boys will go up to bed early just to see them. The soft toys were worth searching for.

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  6. These are brilliant Wendy!! I love how they can put their little stuffed animal in the pocket! SO precious! I am so happy to hear that you were able to visit your dad and that he was in good spirits when you visited him! Though he fell asleep I am sure he will enjoy the decorations you left him! Wishing you an outstanding week! Nicole xoxo

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  7. You are very talented - LOVE those pillow cases with the pockets for stuffed animals!!

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  8. What a neat idea! You did a great job on the pillow sheets!

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  9. I love the pillowcases with their little puppy pockets! Such a clever and unique idea! Wow, you really work well under deadline pressure ;)

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  10. wow busy busy-I am always slow at sewing-I love your pillowcases too and the pocket with a little dog toy is too cute-I am sure they will love them.
    glad you were able to visit with your Dad before he did fall asleep-hugs

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  11. Wendy I'm dizz just listening to all the things you have done and have yet to do, Those pillowcases are so lovely and what a nice touch to put the little toy in each pocket, I have a weakness for soft toys myself they are so cute I have several all over the house. It's a shame your Dad fell asleep during your visit but what a nice surprise he will have got when he woke up, you are so kind and thoughtful, good luck with your preparations, my son is coming home today so I'm looking forward to that and tomorrow I will start with the lists again. :) xx

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  12. You are one busy lady!! I love the pillowcases and I am sure that the boys will too! What a lovely idea for a gift. Sorry to hear that your Dad fell asleep, but good to know that you had some time together and that you managed to put up his decorations with him, they will have cheered him when he awoke I hope. xx

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  13. Those pillowcases are adorable!! What a great idea. Especially with the little plush dogs tucked in a pocket. I can just imagine your dad waking up to see the knitted snowman, what a special treat for him. I have been taking my own advice about relaxing with tea a little too seriously, and so this week I'm going to have to get busy, mostly wrapping and baking, the fun stuff! Hope you have a good week, Wendy.

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  14. What wonderful gifts Wendy. I know what you mean about the detail taking the time. So often I've thought I would whip something up quickly and then it takes ages. Your pillowcases are definitely worth the effort though. I'm sure they will be loved.

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  15. I love the rick rack details and pocket for furry friends. Nothing wrong with loving stuffed animals well into adulthood.

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