I’ve been talking about the things I was working on for Christmas, but I couldn’t reveal them until they were firmly in the hands of the recipients. Now that they are, here’s a few pictures for your viewing pleasure …

First up is my dad’s quilt …

His biggest hobby is fishing, and the minute I saw this fabric back in the spring, I knew it was for him. I used the free pattern put out by the fabric manufacturer, but I had all sorts of issues – for one, the two outer borders were not part of the pattern. I added them myself. The pattern instructions weren’t quite as clear as I would have liked, but I think my real confusion came from the person who “helped” me a the LQS where I bought the fabric. I told her I wanted to make the quilt bigger so she was “helping” me figure out the borders, and by the time I walked out of there, I had no clue as to what I was going to do with it! But it turned out pretty well, I think … and all’s well that ends well, isn’t it?

The second quilt was made for my mother-in-law.

This was made using the Turning Twenty Around the Block pattern. I love this pattern because it’s so easy, and uses primarily fat quarters (I have a fat quarter obsession). I don’t know how well it will show up in the picture, but I embroidered a rose outline in each of the large center blocks of the quilt.

And finally, my sister’s present was a tote bag, filled with wine …

It looks lopsided but it isn’t … This was a very easy pattern (once I actually started making it) I found somewhere on the internet. Unfortunately I didn’t bookmark it so I can’t give you a link to it, but I think I did print it out so if I find it I’ll give you the website. The tote is lined and could very easily be used as a reversible bag. It features nice sized pockets both on the inside and outside. Made in a different size, it would make a fantastic reusable shopping bag (this was a little too tall and too narrow for that purpose, I think), but it makes a great wine bag!

All in all, I was very pleased with the way things turned out – I worked on my dad’s quilt till shortly before we left to have lunch and exchange presents on Christmas Eve, so I was sweating it a little – and I’m thinking that next year may feature even more handmade gifts for my family. Of course, that means I need to get started right now!

What did you make for Christmas this year? I’d love to see, so please leave a link to your pictures!