We had one of the best weekends ever.  Christmas tree?  Check.  Gift list nearly complete?  Check.  Christmas tunes party playlist?  Check.  Trip to the movies?  Check.  We saw the new Muppets movie, so cute!  It brought back memories of watching the show as a child, I confess I was nodding my head back and forth to the Muppets Show theme…”it’s time to put on music, it’s time to light the lights…”

Today is a great day, as we kick off  the Holiday Home Parties, and today Layla is hosting table decor.  I hosted a tablescape contest last week (announcing the winners soon!) so I thought I’d create something for the host or hostess you can make and give that they’d be proud to place on their  table!  The best news is these wine bags can be made with scraps of fabric you have leftover from other projects. They’re easy to make and a great way to personalize a gift of wine or bubbly.   

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One of the most popular symbols of this season is the Christmas stocking.  Stockings are like Santa, candy canes, and fruitcake, they make their appearance every December (some more welcome than others!) I had never sewn a stocking before until the day before yesterday but I’ve had this project on my “Christmas DIY To Do List” for years.  I finally managed to stitch one together with some apple green velvet ~ here is my little cuffed creation.  

Sewing a simple stocking couldn’t be easier if you can sew a straight line (and around the little curved boot) on a sewing machine.  Of course I had to complicate matters and add batting for thickness, piping for contrast, and a decorative cuff, but in the end I’m glad I decided on those little extras. 

If you’d like to sew your own cuffed creation, here’s what you’ll need:  1.  ½ yard stocking fabric  2.  ½ yard liner fabric  3.  ½ yard cuff fabric (only for bias cut piping, otherwise just a scrap)  4. batting (optional)  5. thread  6. stocking template  7. piping cord (optional)  8. scissors and pins.    

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I love a great challenge!  Last week Katie and friends announced the second Pinterest Challenge (Fall Edition) and since I missed it the first time around, I decided to hop on board this time.  A few weeks ago I had cozy accents on my mind, specifically sweater pillows.  Pottery Barn has made versions of these in the past and there were a few DIYers who came up with their own interpretations too. I loved Megan’s version from Brassy Apple so I pinned it. (Don’t you love the ability to comment on Pinterest too?  Thanks Julie, you made me laugh!)

I also loved Megan’s button center and floral accents too!  I went down to my local Goodwill and saw at least a dozen sweaters to choose from.

I bought the center one for $3 bucks and brought it home.  Then I pinned this:

And a few days ago I made this! 

The flower is a lapel pin I’ve had for awhile that suits the pillow perfectly. 

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A few weeks ago, my friend Janell sent me a set of five colorful pashmina wraps as a thank you for writing an article for her recent House of Fifty magazine.  I love the silky feeling of them and have several already in my closet in similar colors.  I thought I’d turn a few into a striped throw blanket to toss over a chair or over my lap when I catch up on my reading. 

With three pashmina scarves and some batting, I stitched up a simple sew striped throw blanket to add a pop of color to my home.  We’re still having warm days, but the nights are cooler, so I reinvented the pashmina scarves into a transitional throw blanket.  

It took just a few hours to stitch it together, here’s my step by step!

What you’ll need: 3-4 pashmina scarves/wraps; twin sized quilt batting, sewing machine and thread.

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I have a serious affection for nice linens on a tabletop, they’re just the easiest way to add a touch of comfort and elegance to any table setting, from formal to casual.  I have several sets of placemats and cloth napkins that I’ve acquired over the years and keep in a linen closet, but I’ve never actually made any for myself, can you believe it?

I’ve always wanted to, so when I was sent a few yards of pretty gray floral and stripe Cabbages & Roses fabric (thank you Lily!) I decided this was the perfect opportunity to try my hand at making my own.  Sew glad I did (hardy har!) because it couldn’t be easier. 

With one yard of cotton in each fabric, you can make four napkins or four placemats. If you can sew a straight line, you can easily make your own beautiful sets of reversible cotton or cloth napkins and placemats for any season, and for less than you’d pay at most retail shops.

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