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I have been making the most of the autumn sun, getting organised for winter and stocking up for Christmas. I love December for all its excitement and sparkle. Its the month that always goes by at a dizzying rate; school productions, Scout troop/colony parties, Christmas pantos, tree trimming, the twins’ birthday, daily mince pie baking….the list goes on.

This year I have added two new things that, depending on how well it all goes, could join the pantheon of our Christmas traditions. The Santa Dash and Christmas sewing.

Santa Dash

Apparently, there is a run through town centres done in a Santa costume! It is for all ages, abilities and pets are welcome. The organisers raise money for St Gemma’s Hospice. Instead of unilaterally signing up the family for the event, I sought consensus. The first thing the kids asked was “Do we get chocolate at the end of the dash?”. To which I answered “Yes. Absolutely.”. And that was that. My husband, on the other hand, was less keen (he is very suspicious of me now – on account of all the hints I throw around about how running/yoga/gym/swimming are SO good for wellness). But the kids swayed him. So we will be doing the Santa Dash in December! I am hoping we all have a great time and can make it an annual fixture. Wish me luck. x

Christmas Sewing

For years I have considered Christmas sewing but for once I started considering it in time to actually do a little bit of it. Like most of my sewing life  – it was a random idea that started it all. For some reason, I woke up with a vision of a vintage style skirt in Christmas fabric with a border. Something like this..

 

Christmas Theme Skirt 

The very same day I stopped by Fabrics for All to have look and et voila I found a cotton poplin border print tablecloth that fit the bill.

Christmas Fabric – Fabric For All

I couldn’t be happier with this fabric – its bright and just the right weight. I plan on making a dirndl that doesn’t require a pattern. I will be adding pockets at the side seam using a pocket pattern piece from a McCalls M7242 that I have made before (I realised that I need to make another one of these dresses).

As most trips to the fabric store happen for me – I picked up other bits and bobs of fabric. My eye was caught by the red birdies on a navy background. The fabric is a brushed cotton twill that is so soft to the touch. I just knew that I had to make matching pyjamas for the whole family! At only £5/m it is a great bargain. I have traced out New Look 6170 for the younger 4 kids trousers. For the 3 adult sizes, I used a different pattern.

Brushed cotton from Fabrics for all – lighting is so dull. The red is much brighter irl.

Pocket piece that I will use for the skirt.

I drafted the simple pyjama pants pattern for my oldest son using Winifred Aldrich’s book.

All five pants cut out – ready for sewing.

I am also going to give making Christmas theme pillowcases a go – I have been inspired by Tialys’ adventures in home furnishings so I am starting small (and simple).

All the pattern pieces are cut out. I want to have everything ready for next week Saturday when we decorate the house for Christmas.

It’s not much by way of Christmas sewing – but it is a start and I am excited! So I am curious, when would you recommend to start planning for Christmas sewing and when to start the actual sewing itself? Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for stopping by!

Peace and love,

Hila

I made a video the day after buying the Christmas fabric and was so excited I made a video about the plans.