Is it too early to be sharing Christmas projects?

It’s official I’m in “wind down mode”. After a week of having a heinous sinus infection and cough I’m starting to perk up and so are the boys. I’ve been slowly chugging through my to-do list and I’m nearly to a point where it’s starting to feel like it’s under control. (Although now that I’ve typed that it’s probably going to blow out again real soon!) I have some long term projects still on the go (that little thing called the Farmer’s Wife, oh and there’s writing a book to deal with as well) but on the whole I’m settling down for a nicely paced end of the year.

We made the tough call and decided it was better for us in the long run if we saved our pennies and didn’t head away for Christmas. It’s been a hard decision and I know that on Christmas Day I’m going to really struggle with missing my family, but I’ve got to keep focused on the bigger goal. Besides, after the year we’ve had there’s something kind of decadent with being home for 2 weeks without any commitments.

I’m looking forward to getting out the Christmas decorations and having fun setting everything up with the Little Man for the first “real” time. (He’s been too young in the past.) I also need to get a wriggle on and organise our Christmas cards. They’re another fun tradition that I love to do, but I’m not sure the boys enjoy the family photo as much as I do. I know the second week of November seems early to be talking about Christmas but I find that momentum builds in November and then we tend to speed through December and the end of the year is here before I know it.

So, with that in mind it’s time for me to get off the computer and get on with my day. I hope you have a fabulous day!

FUN THINGS TO CLICK ON

• Looking for a festive project to make as a gift or for some added colour to your home, click here to see my latest project for Brother Australia. (I’ll give you a hint, it’s a cushion!) Click here to get the free pattern.
• Kirsty at Bonjour Quilts has just released her latest pattern and it’s a great one for those of you (like me) that love to have a big splash of print and colour. Click here to see more.
• For those of you that have been following the #quiltblockstohealviolence there’s a great article in an Australian newspaper about the lady behind the quilts. Click here to read all about it.
• Emma from For My Little Monster has released another fun bag to make. Im loving the use of gold foil denim. You can see more version and check out the pattern by clicking here.
• Clover & Violet have released a new pattern, Glisten, and they’re hosting a quilt-along to celebrate. Find out more by clicking here.
• I am drooling over these Strawberry Pistachio Shortcakes by Bizzy Lizzy, click here to get the recipe.
• If you’re looking for a handmade alternative to Christmas cards this year why not check out this fabric card tutorial from Blossom Heart Quilts, click here for details.
• If you love making softies then check out all the amazing softies you can make with Kid Giddy and Sizzix (including the adorable fox), click here for more details.

COMMUNITY CORK BOARD

• Gifting our Sisters Support are collecting money to purchase a sewing machines which will then be gifted to a group within Australia that is using sewing as a means to provide education, healing and comfort to women from all backgrounds. If you would like to find out more or donate please click here to email the coordinator, Margie.
• Tiny Sparks WA are looking to provide 200 Christmas quilts to neonatal nurseries right across Western Australia and need your help! Quilts measure 16″ x 24″ so perfect size to master the art of the mini quilt. Click here to find out more.
• If you are a “modern quilter” located in South Australia, please join this new facebook group where we are working to arrange regular sewing days and coffee meetups for members. Country members are very welcome, although currently we are only planning Adelaide meetups. Click here to join SA Modern Quilters.
• Jackie Gillies (@jackiegillies) is asking those who can (and want to) to make and donate Tic Tac Toe blocks to help make quilts for women’s refuges in Australia. You can find out more by clicking here. If you can’t make blocks, but would like to still help out you can donate by clicking here.

Want something included on the Community Cork Board, then why not drop me an email and if it’s applicable to the GnomeAngel community I’ll share it. It can be anything from a local fate, a charity raffle, a class you’re teaching, a pattern you’ve released, a sew-a-long you’re involved in to a community event that’s happening. Be sure to send me as much detail as you can and links to any applicable websites. I do not have any affiliation with the information provide, it is done so as a community service only. Click here to email me.

SPONSOR MESSAGES

• With the year nearly at a close it’s time to start thinking about what projects you’ll be working on next year. Why not check out the Fat Quarter Shop Crossroads Quilt-along to benefit the March of Dimes. I’m going to be an official blogger for it and so I’ll be sharing my version of the quilt (which I adore) you can find out more by clicking here.
• If you’d like to take a class with me, then why not check out my class list by clicking here or maybe you’d like to work with me to help promote your brand/business/store/product, click here to find out more about partnering with me.