Tuesday, December 20, 2011

last minute gifts and a back deck friend

I've been busy doing a little of this and a little of that. I'm not terribly rushed, although I've just started wrapping. I think I'll finish it comfortably. Yesterday, I made these 2 quick little gifts. The first is a  little mug rug inspired by Exuberent Color's blog post. She made so many and I managed one; still I'm quite satisfied.

I also made this potato bag for the microwave. A quilting friend had one at our UFO day to microwave her potato, and I thought it was really neat. To make the small one I cut about 7.5 by 16.5 inches of a cotton print, muslin and cotton batting. Stitch them together envelope style and turn right side out. After stitching the opening closed and ironing, Fold it muslin sides together at the same time folding down a flap, right sides together for closing. The flap can the be folded over top for cooking.

I haven't actually tried it yet, but the directions are to wash the potato, lightly dry it, no need to pierce, and microwave for about 3 minutes.
I got my little table top tree up and finished putting my antique ornaments and birds on it. The garland is actually a ball of specialty yarn.
I have 2 bluejays that have finally gotten comfortable enough to stay awhile at the feeder. I so love their colors!

10 comments:

elle said...

I know I have jays, they just are kinda shy, I guess. I LIKE the branches in your evergreen. Nice touch.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

I love your tree....it is darling and unique...very pretty....have a Merry Christmas Holly

Dolores said...

Love your tree. I haven't seen any blue jays here in a while but I did see a pair of cardinals on my walk last week.
A mug rug is a nice gift to give and to receive.

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I love your mug rug! I gave 2 of mine as gifts today.

Love your tree! I need a small one like that.

I had 3 bluejays one day but they bob around so much I couldn't get a good photo.

greelyrita said...

Lovely pictures of lovely things! You emanate a peace that I'm lacking. I'm wondering about that potato bag, especially if you don't prick the potato. Isn't it going to need washed after every use? I love your postage stamp quilt, btw.

Leah said...

Beautiful pictures. What a wonderful jay. My mom has some at her house.... and we've been watching them everytime we go over.


We never bake potatoes around here - but I keep thinking I should make one for my mom... You bag looks great

Dresden Quilter said...

The mug rug is so beautiful. I have never tried a potato bag.

In stitches and seams said...

looks like they blue jay is peeking in on what you are up to.
great gift ideas.
Merry Christmas

Charlotte said...

Love the mug rug! Great idea for (after) Christmas gifts to a couple of co-workers! I'll have your phone case ready in a couple of days - the material is sitting by my sewing machine just waiting its turn! Are you going to be able to make our play date on the 27th?

rtquilter said...

Love the little tree!