Hip Holiday Challenge and GIVEAWAY

I was delighted to be picked by Rachel to participate in the Hip Holiday Challenge.  Presents are practically my most favorite thing on the planet.  I love shopping for them, wrapping them, giving them, and (of course) receiving them.  When I saw the fabric for the challenge, I immediately knew I wanted to make present toppers, bows, tags, etc.  Designer Josephine Kimberling incorporated some definite Mid-Mod themes and colors in this line of fabric, which I tried to capture in the things I made.

I was happy I got to dress up the tree with my collection of vintage glass ball ornaments.  I don't use them on the big tree, they're in hiding until my girls are older and less destructive.

I'll be able to use these tags every year!  These could look really great if, unlike myself,  you have better than rudimentary embroidery skills.

Using elastic means these fabric wraps fit many sized boxes.  Add an old brooch for glitz, a fringy pom pom for fun.  

The elastic around the covered button makes this easy to put on and take off.  I made this one in a standard size: DVD/Wii game.  I know I'll give at least one of those items each year.  

This tiny stocking ornament holds a gift card.

The green bow has elastic at the back, and a vintage button in the center.  

Using felt makes reverse applique very, very easy.  Plus, there's something so sixties about felt at Christmas.

This long scrappy strip used twenty 5" x 3.5" rectangles, which was the perfect amount for a large shirt box.  I left the selvedges on for a texty accent.  

Lucky me, looks like I have a head start on my wrapping this year.  Thanks so much to Rachel and to Ruth at Sew Love Fabrics.  It was refreshing and challenging to do some non-quilty sewing for a change.  

There's one more present under this tree, something for one of you!  Ten fat quarters of one of Snippy Sister's favorite lines of the year: Scrumptious.  Plus a yard and a half of the large red floral.  

Being a part of the online quilting community has given me so much, I wanted to give something back.  To enter, leave a comment telling me your favorite zippy pouch pattern or tutorial.  I need one that has thorough zipper installation instructions, I'm a novice!  Make sure you leave a way to contact you if you're a no-reply commenter. And if you don't have a favorite zipper pouch tutorial, just say hello.  Ends 12/8/13

Since we're speaking of presents, I love this sweet video that reminds me of the best kind of gifts to give.  It's a good one to watch with your kids.

Merry Christmas!

-Pinspot