I hope & pray that everyone enjoyed their Christmas. This year was the best Christmas in recent years. I was able to enjoy family and activities without the usual stress. I owe this to my new job that began last year at this time. Working for the State of Michigan has it's perks with holidays off and not the usual scramble to catch up work before and after the time off.
I finished a couple more Zippy Stripy bags for gifts.
I also made a wool stocking for my granddaughter. I used a pattern meant for embroidery and used the shapes to cut out the wool pieces. I also added additional shapes and attached everything with a variety of embroidery stitches. I chose pink and purple for the main colors and mixed in a variety of other wools that I had on hand. I used a butterfly embroidery pattern and interpreted it in the wool, as well.
I really enjoyed the process of making this stocking. I just started putting together the pieces and added more wool pieces as I went along. The creative process can be so freeing. If you haven't stepped out of the box of using a pattern or kit, give it a try. Just use a pattern as the starting point. If you can't visualize your idea, sketch it out first. Start with something small and try out different fabrics until you get the results you are looking for.
Christmas is over and 2012 is just around the corner. I will be spending my time at the hospital having surgery to remove my left thyroid gland, followed by recouperating at home for the first week of the year. Please pray for the doctors, a successful surgery, and tests that show no cancer.
Happy New Year!