Applehead

That would be me.  Choking down munching through a mountain of apples that arrived in a huge gift basket on Tuesday.  The non-perishables can be saved until M gets home tomorrow but fruit doesn't last very long so it's been my snack of choice (not to mention, occasional meal) this crazy week.

I've been wound up since I got back from Chicago on Monday night, but this afternoon I'm feeling pretty good.  The international packages have been sent, the tension problem on my sewing machine has finally been resolved (how & why do these problems only ever develop with a deadline looming?) and things are falling into place.

Today I got back to this gift project and spent several hours, jaw clenched, zigging and zagging through its final steps to completion.  Kathy wrote a wonderful pattern, but there's no getting around topstitching light thread on dark fabric and the perfectionist in me was stressed out until the last thread was snipped.  I was actually planning to rubberstamp my nieces' names on the front of these with fabric ink but have decided not to tempt the fates and am calling them done.  All but the pencil sharpening.

And I'm on cruise control with That Little Scarf so it looks I'll be able to join the Procrastinators-Not-So-Anonymous line that will be snaking out of the post office early Monday morning.  And I'll be happy to be there.

Seven repeats to go

Now I need to answer some email (my inbox runneth over) and address the Christmas cards, literally.  If you're waiting to hear from me, my apologies.  Soon.  When I get overwhelmed with lists, I prioritize and email is what got put on the backburner this week.  It looks like most of the country will be getting some snow this weekend.  I hope you all have your errands finished and can enjoy some quiet time at home.  I'll be putting on a pot of chili and knitting lace.  But not anywhere near each other.

Comments

[Emily]

Those pencil rolls are to die for!!!!!!

[cindy]

Great job. I've thinking about trying one, maybe after the new year.

[Heather]

Wow! That scarf has really grown and those pencil cases are very, very beautiful. Love the ties! Haven't been to the post office yet, and I know that I won't make it there on Monday either, so, you're doing well with your to do list from my perspective.

[amandajean]

your pencil rolls are great! as is your lace scarf...it's beautiful.

[kathy]

The 24 set is so dramatic to look at, they turned out beautifully! Someone posted a pencil roll to my Flickr group where they stamped a name onto twill tape and sewed it to the exterior. I'm making a new one for Leil and I'm going to try that idea out. It makes me too nervous to actually stamp onto a finished project!

[Chris]

Those cases are absolutely amazing!

[Camilla]

Of course you know the pencil roll idea is being morphed into a dpn case, just as soon as I get my hands back onto my machine, which, not surprisingly, decided to develop a thread-shredding disorder as soon as I got two pineapple quilts cut out and ready to sew for shop samples. I am awed by how cute the pencil rolls are... it sure beats the grotty old boxes that never make it past the first three days. (And yay for your scarf. It looks beautiful, but *nearly done* is even better!) Cami

[Kathie]

I'd say you're doing pretty well with the gift projects. The rainbow colors in the pencil roll are a visual treat.

[geri]

Oh, imagine the looks on your neices faces when they open those pencil rolls! How delightful! Mental note: make one for my 8 yr old daughter for her birthday in April . . . (no not Christmas . . . tempted though . . . !!)

[Kristin]

The pencil rolls are gorgeous. Have a great weekend!

[anne]

wow i love that needle holder . . how pretty! and your scarf is knitting up a real treat!

[anne]

oops, it's not a needle holder it's a pencil roll . . hehehe, i was so entranced by the colors that i just assumed it was knitting-related. the kids will love it!

[Bloom]

Beautiful pencil rolls. I totally understand your 'jaw clenching while topstitching light thread on dark fabric'. I recently had the same dilemma while making up Kathy's wonderful pattern (http://bloomandblossom.blogspot.com/2007/12/school-is-out-almost_13.html). From one perfectionist to another (!), I used clear nylon quilting thread on the top as it blends with each and every fabric colour. It is virtually invisible. You have to be a bit careful pressing later as a hot iron may melt the thread (yikes!) but I've not had any disasters yet. I used a thread matching the outside fabric in the bobbin. Hope that makes sense!

[sammyjo]

i love the pencil holders their great. i think i'll have a go at making one after christmas ofcourse lol.

[Cindra]

My pot of chili is in the crockpot and soon enough I will be sitting down to finish the baby blanket and a couple of other knitted gifts. Enjoy the snow!

[Wendy]

I love the pencil rolls, they would also be great DP needle cases, really cute! You were quite busy last week! Thanks for sharing!

[Leslie]

The pencil cases are beautiful! What a great gift.

[carolyn]

very pretty! great fabric choices

[gray la gran]

what a beautiful pencil case! that reminds me of what a slacker i am, as for the last two (or three) years i've said to myself, "i really need to make myself a dpn case !" ... (perhaps) in 2008 ;)

[africankelli]

Wowie -- that artist roll is simply stunning. Beautiful work Jan!

[Amy]

Beautiful job on the pencil rolls. Your fabric stash looks as enviable as Kathy's herself. Mmmmmm. Your nieces will love them.

[susan]

ah i took the cowards way out and just bought the beautiful black and white one with the lady bug for my daughter for christmas... heh. your's is lovely too jan.
happiest of holidays to you my dear!
xo
susan
who is going to die from all this shoveling.

[Mary Lou Weidman]

My goodness I always find good things here and that pencil roll is the best! I love color in anything and I think you have inspired me in a new way! I think you do wonderful things and LOVE checking in on your blog. Keep up the good work in 08!
Thank you.
Mary Lou
Marylouweidman.blogspot.com

[Hedgehog]

I just love your pencil roll! I made one this year - it was a big hit and I'm going to plan on making a few more for next year! Happy New Year!

[Yuri]

Hi! Great colors, great fabrics! Do you have any tips about online stores tht sell nice fabrics? All the stores that I've shopped in have all closet down, so I need to look for new sources. Would appreciate any tips!