New Sewing Machine and Oil Cloth Bag

While shopping for Christmas gifts, I finally purchased a sewing machine that can zigzag,  and was looking forward to making things with felted old sweaters.

However, I bumped into a book at the library called "Oilcloth Inspirations", which didn't really have that much in it, but it did have a picture of a carryall on the cover that looked cute.  Mine is nothing like it, but I was inspired.

This is a simple bag of one piece seamed up the sides, and mitred at the bottom to create a flat bottom.  then I added a pocket and a handle and "Voila!".   I think it is a good size to hold a knitting project.

If you look closely you'll see the lines of stitching are a little wavery, i'm still getting used to the tension on the machine, but I'm happy with the first attempt!

Christmas Reindeer

OK, a few years ago, after my son had left home,  we were thinking of getting an artificial tree, so we (my daughter and I) went to the hardware store, and it was depressing, they just didn't work for us.  Instead we found this lovely pre-lit reindeer that has wire places to hang ornaments, and we added a star on top, and ta-da! 

It's not trying to be a real tree, and it adds the light and fun that a Christmas tree does, and although s/he doesn't smell like a fir tree, we have plenty of that right outside the door.

And, it's sustainable, just goes back in a box under the stairs to be re-used next year.   Now, on Bainbridge, there are a couple tree farms, so we could support local agriculture and go cut our own, but I figure there are plenty of people who do that (they seem to sell out every year).  And I don't have a good place to replant a live tree, but I really like to hang ornaments and enjoy Christmas decorations.  So, the Christmas reindeer works.  (I think he was intended to go outdoors in a yard, but he fits just fine in my little home).