It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

We had our first snow of the season today. It was just a dusting but it's starting to feel like the holidays. I met my friend Jenn at the annual Bazaar Bizarre to do some Christmas shopping and then walked back to the T thru the Copley Place and Prudential Center to check out all the holiday decorations. It definitely put me in the holiday spirit.

Sadly, still no tree as I have a few projects to finish up before I can pack away the sewing machine that is currently set up in the middle of the living room. But I did want to share our newest Christmas ornament:



It makes me smile everytime I look at it. I had it custom made by an Etsy shop called Lynn's Little Creations. She does beautiful work and I was impressed with how quickly she was able to put it together. If you are looking for something special I would highly recommend her shop.

Canine Couture

I've been working on a number of projects for the holidays but I don't want to spoil any surprises by sharing them here. However, I couldn't resist posting my first attempt at canine couture because I know the recipient and her owner don't read the blog.

I stuck pretty close to the original pattern, using some black wool I picked up a yard sale this summer (for free!), faux fur for the lining and collar and hot pink topstitching. I love the result as modeled by our stuffed friend Winston and I think it will look even better on the stylish Jack Russell terrier who will be recieving it for Christmas.

The Countdown Begins

I can hardly believe Christmas is right around the corner! No tree yet as that would require packing away the sewing machine and I still have a few gifts to finish up but I was inspired to create a new Advent calendar. Mine is based on this pattern from the adorable Allsorts blog.

Wishing....

Just in case Santa is reading, I thought I would mention that I am in LOVE with this collage from doe-c-doe's beautiful Etsy shop.

Sue's White Chili

My aunt Sue has been talking up her white chili for some time now and I finally decided to give it a try. She says it tastes better the next day but I can't confirm that since we ate the whole pot.



Sue's white chili with corn bread

If you would like to give it a try here's the recipe:

1-2 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and cut up
1 can chicken broth
1 can cannelini beans rinsed and drained
1 can green chilis, not drained
chopped onion
garlic
cumin to taste
Put chicken broth, onion, garlic and cut up chicken in pot and simmer til warmed through, Add beans and chilis and cumin, cook for 5-10 minutes. Serve. Great with corn muffins on the side.

I garnished it with a little shredded cheddar and a couple crushed up torilla chips. It's a lighter twist on traditional chili (especially if you skip the garnish) and while the chilis add a nice flavor it's not too spicy. It definitely hit the spot on a chilly (pun intended) evening.

Just Do It

When you're done treat yourself to a free coffee at Starbucks or free ice cream at Ben & Jerry's.

Slippers version 2.0

While I loved the look of my first slippers, they were made of two layers of thin cotton and not particularly warm. I had some extra fabric left over so I decided to make a new pair, adding a layer of warm & natural cotton batting to the uppers and another layer to the insoles.



I cut the pieces slightly larger (I just eyeballed it) to accomodate the extra bulk and adjusted the fit as I went along. I kept the quilting lines simple so as not to compete with the bold print.

I'm really pleased with the both the look and the added warmth. I wear them all the time and they seem to holding up to the heavy use. I would definitely make these again.