I have been sew beesy!!!

Going to two Christmas markets meant a lot of work like sewing, organizing, packing, decorating the the tables, standing there about nine hours...
During the last two weekends I was at a very nice hotel, where some more artisans were also selling their items. The first weekend was nice and fine, but the second one was kind of slow, it was very cold and wet and I think that was the reason why people were not coming. But now I am glad I can settle down a little bit and carry on with the decoration and all the other things for Xmas at home!

I know I have a lot to catch up, so many great posts to read and comments to answer!
And a wonderful award from my dear friend Ulla!
It was such a nice surprise when I finally turned on the computer and started visiting my blogging friends!
You get me going Ulla!

Now it is time to pass it on. The rules are as follows:

1. 5 people are allowed to receive this award

2. 4 dedicated followers

3. 1 new follower to your blog who lives in another part of the world

4. Please link back to the person who gave you this award.

This award goes to these lovely, kind friends:

1. Anne Marie
2.Anne Mette
3.Anne Ida
4.Nicolette
5.Lisa

Thank you girls for making blogland a beautiful place to be!!!

As it is starting to look a lot like Christmas....
Part of the decoration is now out of the boxes!
I'm choosing new places and looking where I should place and arrange them.
Every year I get another idea and I like when it looks a bit different.
I closed my old sewing machine, put a table cloth on it and set these fellows to greet everyone who comes in:

Another Santa. I found this kind of wire at a flea market and I think it was a good buy for this wall hanging:

Some red stitchery, it looks nice and goes along with every season.
The Gingerbread man is always welcome!

A place for Christmas cards( these ones are from last year, but I hope we'll get some again this year! ). The linen fabric with these Santas or Santas's helpers is one of my favorites, I have sewn quite some pieces using it.

Moose and reindeers gather here:

Should I hang the mittens?

Or the stockings?
Perhaps both of them!


And what would be the Advent and Christmas without cookies?
Not a sweet one for sure!
I love to bake and to eat these ones:

They are called "Kulleraugen", something like "big eyes" I guess!

Hmmmm.... Chocolate!!!
The greatest creation ever!

Don't they look delicious?
Chocolate cookies with white chocolate on top!
I always have to bake them twice!

The ones DS2 loves to help to decorate:

Next week I'll bake some other ones!
Cookies are like Fat Quarters, one never has enough!


Finally, the tutorial for the little bag.
What you need:

Two pieces of fabric for the bag 15 cm xc 13,5 cm (6" x 5 1/4")
Two pieces of fabric for the lining 15 cm x 13,5 cm (6" x 5 1/4")
About 30 cm (12") red ribbon
Ric rac
Polka dots ribbon


Sew the ric rac on the right side of both pieces for the bag:

Place right sides together (for the bag and also for the lining) and sew with a 0,6 cm (1/4") seam allowance:

Using the bias square ruler, measure and mark 4 cm (1 1/2") for the bottom at both sides:

Fold it like this so that you have a line where you will be sewing:


Cut the pieces off:

Fold about 1 cm (1/2") hem and press it with the iron. For the bag inwards and for the lining outwards:

Cut two pieces of ribbon 15 cm (6") each:

Make some marks about 3 cm (1 1/4") with a pencil where the ribbon should be sewn:

I like to sew both ends together with zig zag so that they stay neat when I turn them out. You don't need to do that if you don't want to:

The lining should be inside the bag:

Place the ribbons on the markings, secure everything in place with pins:

I use my old Pfaff for this tiny work, I take off part of the section and the bag goes right in!
Sew with a scant seam to hold all the layers together:

Make a pretty ribbon, sew it to the bag and there you go!
Ready is your little bag!
I hope you'll have fun sewing some little bags like I did!


I have to wrap and pack some Christmas gifts for a Swap and a "Secret sister" and then I must go to the post office. There are still some work to be done!

Have a lovely week!