Happy New Year wishes to you and yours!

 

Missing in action today!

Hope everyone had a very blessed Christmas!  Just a short note from me this morning to tell you that we will be collecting our #1 son, daughter-in-love, and grandson for a short two day visit.  See you Monday!!

 

Merry Christmas wishes to you all!

 Today, rather than my usual mumblings, I give you some virtual Christmas gifts....to you, from me, with love....

First of all, I give you the gift of music....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D-DH9aT3bs

and I give you this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogg8uVRq8LM

and also this..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwJ4SwxEvb8

 another gift of music...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uXEA6dL5rA

and finally, this gift....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKQULTTnaI8

Merry Christmas to you all,

from the Resident Chef and I.

Hats, hats and more hats

 You'll be glad to know that my supply of bulky yarn is dwindling and so the Grande Hat Caper of 2024 is nearing the end.  These are the latest...

Here at Chez Magpie we are as ready for Christmas as we'll ever be.  Gifts are pretty much all delivered, social engagements are pretty much at an end, and there will be no more shopping done until after the day.  The only errand I foresee is to pick up some 'on hold' books from the library.  Time to cocoon and do a whole lot of nothing!

- You might enjoy THIS concert.  I know I certainly did!

- HERE is something that would be easy and quick to make for gifts.

- If you have leftover fleece from making other projects, perhaps one of the ideas HERE might help use it up.  Or perhaps THIS.

- Must say that THIS is a novel way to give a monetary gift!

- HERE is another quick-to-make little gift that someone on your list might like.

- And I wouldn't mind being your official taste tester for some of THIS!

One of my favourite Christmas quotes is from the Grinch... “What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas ... perhaps ... means a little bit more!”

Using up

 I found a couple partial balls of Lion Brand Go For Faux as well as some balls of Lion Brand Hometown in my stash, all of which are a bulky weight.  What to do with them was the question.  An extensive search online led me to think I could use it up making hats for donation so here is what I've accomplished so far....

I think there's enough left to make two more hats.  Using  8 mm needles so they work up really fast.  

- THIS takes you to a PDF for a really cute quick project that would make a nice gift.

- THIS is most definitely an awwww-worthy thing!

- There are all kinds of ideas HERE for presenting a monetary gift.

- I'm always rather fascinated by THIS technique, but I really don't know how my machine would like it.  Anybody tried it and can tell me how it went?

- If I did more decorating for Christmas, I would love to do THIS.

- I keep the cards we receive and use them as gift tags the following year, but I like THIS idea too.

Today the quote is from Donald E Westlake..."As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December's bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same"

Playing peek a boo

 (written Friday at about 4:30 pm)...just looked up and saw this amazing display of light outside my sewing room window.  The sunset was reflecting on the top of the trees across the river, making them look as though they were on fire ...

While I was out on the balcony getting that picture I heard chirping from beside me and ended up playing a long game of peek-a-boo with a woodpecker.  She kept popping her head around the feeder and chirping at me before ducking back to hide.  I managed to capture the moment....

AND.....huge excitement here at Chez Magpie when a pileated woodpecker visited our feeder.  I've never seen one up close so it was a thrill.  

Our feeder is a tree limb with holes  drilled into it that are filled with suet.  When it's cold like this the birds will empty it in a day (sometimes less).  

- Not Christmas-y, but if you're a quilter, you might like to pour yourself a cuppa and gather up some breadcrumbs before you explore all the goodies available HERE.

- Perhaps visions of sugar plums might be dancing in your head if you make THESE.

- There are some nice-looking treats you could make HERE.

- THIS is an awwwww-thing!

- Lots of easy gift ideas can be found HERE.

- More cute ideas HERE.

- There are some good last-minute gift ideas HERE.

- Although I've never thought gnomes were particularly cute, I know they're popular so how about making one of THESE?

Today's quote... Every gift which is given, even though it be small, is in reality great, if it is given with affection.

Being social equals....

 Yes, a number of things on my calendar this week means there's been little time spent being creative.  I had the second hat well underway and ended up frogging it back to the brim to start over (how can I not remember to utilize ALL my fingers and toes when I'm counting I ask you?).  So....no pictures to share.  Sorry!

- THIS is a fun thing to create for your Christmas decor.

- THESE would be fun too.  And so would THESE.

- One of THESE would make a fun gift or an addition to your own decor.

- I know several people who would appreciate receiving one of THESE.

- Lots of fun ideas HERE too.  And HERE.

- If you need a gift for a man in your life, how about one of THESE?

- I definitely would love THESE in my stocking!  Or some of THESE!

- THESE look yummy!

Today's quote is from Tom Baker..."Some Christmas tree ornaments do a lot more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago"

Well then....

 There are days when (to quote my mother) I should have stood in bed for all I accomplished.  I thought I would be thrifty and use up some leftover flannelette and make a couple extra pillowcases for us.  Despite having made lots of them over the years, I screwed up and had to end up reverse stitching and adding pieces to bring them up to size.  What should have taken me likely an hour to do ended up taking nearly four.  The burrito method is so easy - provided you remember which way on to place the fabric.  Argh.

Monday was a good day to stay home because we had freezing rain most of the morning.  Luckily we didn't have plans to set foot outside the door so all good as far as we're concerned but there were a lot of people out there dealing with it.  So far there's been three school bus cancellations in the space of less than two weeks so one wonders what the rest of the winter will bring.

I'm knitting another 1898 hat which, at this point, looks pretty much the same as the one I showed you previously, so I won't bother showing it to you again.

- There are links HERE to some really pretty Christmas-themed table runner patterns.

- THIS is a great idea for a gift if you are handy with power tools (or know someone who is).

- Although THIS project isn't exactly for Christmas, it would be a pretty way to present a plant.  

- If you have leftover fleece from other projects, perhaps making THIS would help use it up.  And while you're there, check out some of the other free ideas HERE.

- There are tons of links HERE to ideas for Christmas decorating.

- I don't know who created THIS (and it's not Christmas-y) but it's an awwwwww thing.

- THIS is  really simple and yet a nice gift.

- Some good foodie ideas for gifting can be found HERE.

Today's quote is from Lisa Heckman..."In a society that has you counting money, pounds, calories, and steps, be a rebel and count your blessings"

A hat? Check!

 One hat is done.  Pattern is the 1898 hat and I used Vanna's Choice yarn.  I add a few additional rows to the band as well as to the 'height' in order to better fit a man.

- THIS is adorable - and rather than use it as a purse I think it would make a great gift bag.

- If you have a dog on your Christmas list, perhaps you'd like to give them some of THESE.

- I make THESE for our grandies every Christmas but don't know if I've shared the tutorial before.  If I have, it bears repeating.

- THIS might make a nice gift, particularly if it was accompanied by a bouquet of seasonal flowers.

- I should make THIS gift for myself!

- THIS would make a cute little gift for someone.

- If you are wanting to make some quick ornaments, how about giving THIS idea a try.

- There are a number of gifting ideas HERE.

- If you have little ones in your life, perhaps THIS might be fun.  After all, sometimes Santa needs a little help!

Today the quote is from St. Francis of Assisi..."For it is in giving that we receive"

Switching gears somewhat

 This is the time of year I want to hibernate and not set foot outside unless I absolutely have to (can you tell I'm not a fan of winter?) so what to do with myself now that the Christmas 'rush' is pretty much over.  My ongoing quest to use up stash has led me to start this...

background is one of the blankets I made for donation to the local humane society

It's an 1898 hat (pattern is HERE) and will be destined for donation after I get a few more done.  There are so many people in need this time of year so I'm sure they will be put to good use.  Friends go to a church that offers free clothing to those who need it so they will go there for distribution.

- Perhaps one (or more) of THESE might be a great gift for someone.  And perhaps a tea-drinker would like THIS.

- I haven't made THIS (yet!) but it caught my eye as a good possibility for Christmas giving.

- Perhaps one of THESE would be a perfect gift.

- THIS would make a nice gift too.

- Sometimes our four-legged friends need some love too as THIS will attest.

- I found THIS article to be quite inspiring.

Today the quote is from Ruth Carter Stapleton..."Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most"  (and a note from me - please consider, when choosing your gifts, remembering to give to your local food bank or a charity of your choice.  Our communities are filled with people who need a helping hand).

Stash reduction, of sorts

 My drawer of #4 weight yarn is overflowing with small 'bits of balls' and, since I hate throwing yarn out, I decided that I would make small donation blankets for the humane society.  A search online led to a size suggestion of 24x24".  So far I've done two and a third (and likely the last, at least for now) is well underway.  Just a simple granny square works fine.

- THIS would make a wonderful gift for a neighbour, a senior, or someone who works long hours.

- A selection of THESE would make a great gift too (scroll down for the recipe)

- Be sure to invite me over if you decide to make THIS!!!! Or THIS!!

- There are multiple links HERE to recipes for making truffles (note - see above)

- I think we might try to make some of THIS 

- Perhaps one of THESE ideas would make a nice gift?

- There are some fun ideas HERE for your Christmas decor.

- HERE is another nice idea for a gift, especially if it came with perhaps a book or some bubble bath.

- THIS is a fun idea for presenting a gift of fudge.

Today's quote..."This year, instead of worrying about what's under the tree, just maybe be grateful for who's still here to be around it"

Blinging it up

 The decorating is done, the wrapping is all done but the finishing, so I decided that I simply needed to make some little decorations to add a little extra glimmer to our tree.  A dig into my broken jewelry/bead/fancy button stash yielded some interesting pieces that were serving no other purpose....so...

Sadly the photo doesn't do the 'bling' justice.
Most of them measure only a couple inches long.

I justified the entire enterprise by saying that I was using up some stash and that the additional ornies would tuck easily in and around other ones so I can retain the 'container concept' for Christmas decorations.  

- I just made one of THESE (and if I had more of the right sized pins I would have made more!).  THESE are really cute too!  And so are THESE.

- Sometimes it's the simple things that come in really handy as THIS will show.

- There are lots of links HERE to some great ideas for foodie gifts.  HERE too.  And THESE would be for someone with a sweet tooth.

- THIS is a simple stocking pattern/tutorial that might come in handy.

Today the quote is from Jillayne Wickware (who wrote this on her blog and it really resonated with me so thought I'd share it)..."Perfection can be the death of expressiveness"

Just a wrappin' fool

 That title sounds like it should be a song title doesn't it!  And yes, RC and I have been busy little elves and most of the wrapping is done.  All that's left is to add the jars of relish/jams and those we'll leave until the last minute...and the cookie/baking tins.  I'm a happy camper because we're a whole week ahead of schedule...woo hoo!  I still have to write the Christmas newsletter and address the cards - but who knows when the postal strike will be over and we dare send anything via the mail.  

<a href="http://cliparts.co/clipart/3352328">Clip arts</a>

- THIS is an awwwww-thing!

- THIS caught my eye.  Wouldn't it be pretty with Christmas balls in the bottom?

- There are some nice ideas for gift-giving HERE (scroll down).

- THESE are an awwww-thing too.

- THIS might be fun to make (and would be nice in Christmas colours too).

- Although we haven't made THIS (yet!) it would definitely make a nice gift!  Scroll down to get the recipe.

- There are lots of gift ideas HERE.

- If you know someone with a sweet tooth, perhaps something HERE would be the perfect gift.  Or perhaps something HERE might suit.

- THIS would be a great gift!  And for a coffee-lover in your life, how about THESE? (scroll down)

Today's quote is from John Holmes..."There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up"

....and....now it's on to pillowcases.....

 Fabric is all cut out and I'm ready to start sewing.    Sewing is done!  I used the burrito method which is really fast and easy. Had to do some intriguing piecing to get enough co-ordinating pieces to go along with the main fabrics but the grandies won't care if there's a few extra seams.  

- I thought THIS was a really cute gift idea.

- THIS is really pretty and wouldn't be difficult to make.

- and THIS too!

- I love THIS and am seriously tempted...but....would I wear it?

- THIS is a great idea for a gift (or more than one!)

Today's quote.."God gave you a fingerprint that no one else has, so you can leave an imprint that no one else can"

Grandma Jammies? Done and dusted!

 Yes, the Grandma Jammies are done!  Four pairs of kid-sized (tops and bottoms) and four pairs of adult-sized lounge pants.  All waiting to be wrapped up and gifted.

***************

Just a little public service notation...during our downsizing efforts we found several towels, sheets and blankets that we no longer needed.  None of them were worthy of donation to a thrift store but the local animal shelter was more than happy to take them.  Perhaps you could keep that in mind when getting rid of such items.   

***************

- IF I were a sane quilter and IF I did more in the way of decorating for Christmas, I would love THIS!

- Perhaps THESE might make a good gift for someone?

- Have a look through the gallery of THIS artist!

- I thought THIS was really pretty.  And THIS one too.

- HERE's a cute little project that would make a nice gift.

- If I had space to display THIS, I'd love to have it with my winter decor.

- And HERE is something, just to make you smile.

Today's quote is from Shira Tamir...."Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dance in the wind"

Pedal to the floor!

 Grandma's jammies are being churned out at a fast clip (although still waiting for some measurements I need to finish them off).  4 adult-sized lounge pants 👖✔;  1 pair kid-sized pj's ✔;  2 more pairs kid-sized PJ's cut out and ready to sew ✔.  About half done on the PJ front and hope to get a lot done today and tomorrow.  

Note: Image is from the internet, not
the ones I'm making!

- Someone on your gift list might like THIS.

- THIS takes you to a PDF of a fun Christmas project.

- THIS would be a fun project to make for any time of the year.

- Perhaps making one (or more!) of THESE would enhance your Christmas decor.

Today's quote is by Lewis Carroll..."The secret, Alice, is to surround yourself with people who make your heart smile.  It is then, only then, that you will find Wonderland"

More bubbles

 The canning caper continues here at Chez Magpie and this time we made Onion Garlic Relish which, in a photo, doesn't look a whole lot different than the apple pie jam.  Trust me, it is!  I don't know where I found the recipe so can't point you to it, but if you're interested let me know.

And...I finished the postcards.  You will notice that I changed my mind about the design and instead went for something faster to make.  It's proving to be a moot point though because the mail system here is at a standstill while Canada Post is on strike.  Who knows when the mail will start moving again so the postcards (along with all the rest of the cards) will sit and wait.  

- THIS fellow made me laugh.

- THIS little guy is cute too.

- HERE is an easy and useful gift idea.

- Going HERE will lead you to multiple pages filled with great projects.

Today's quote...."I grew to understand that people don't always build walls to keep others out.  It is done out of necessity to protect whatever is left within"

Bubble, bubble....

 Stumbled across THIS recipe and decided we simply had to try it and RC has pronounced it good.  I suspect a few jars will find their way into gifts over the holidays.  We got ten 250 ml jars out of it.  

- THESE would be a cute way to give a gift card or a small item.

- There are lots of great ideas HERE if you're looking to make special Christmas stocking for someone.

- Well, I guess I should 'fess up and admit that I'm regretting getting rid of some scrap flannel pieces I had because if I still had them I could make one of THESE.  Oh well.

- THIS would make a quick gift for someone.

Today's quote..."Karma.  When a bird is alive, it eats ants.  When the bird is dead, ants eat the bird.  Time and circumstances can change at any time.  Don't devalue or hurt anyone in life.  You may be powerful today, but remember, time is more powerful than you.  One tree makes a million match sticks but only one match is needed to burn a million trees.  So be good and do good"

Lady of the Evening

 Hah - get your minds out of the gutter you lot!  What else could I be referring to but the fact that the knitting needles are polished and fired up and my evenings have been spent creating these...

Next up is to make inroads on the hundred kitchen dish scrubbies our #2 son has requested.  He was kidding (I think!).

- THIS takes you to a PDF for a really nice tree skirt.

- I try not to send you to a pattern that costs money, but THIS one is an awwwww thing.

- If you have a Harry Potter fan in your life, perhaps one of THESE might be just the thing.

- There are some fun ideas for using those cups and saucers we have collected over the years if you go HERE.

Today's quote is from Anita Roddick..."Be courageous.  It's one of the only places left uncrowded"

And.....a switcheroo!

 Yes, the studio space here at Chez Magpie has made the switch from shoveling mode into full-bore Christmas makings, beginning with a few cross stitched postcards.  I started one design (the poinsettia) and decided it would take too long and have now switched to the tree design.  Once I add the beads I think it will be rather cute.  Might peek in my fabric stash to see if I have something that could be used as a 'table' for the tree pot to rest on.  Or maybe I won't.  Jury's out.

Still have to pick out the waste canvas.

Oh, and our Christmas shopping for each other is done.  Now, after yet more moving of stuff, these two have been delivered...

In case it's hard to tell, it's a matching set of small-sized fridge and freezer that fits just exactly into the corner in our storage space.  Our old freezer was running constantly and we knew it was just a matter of time before it conked out.  We got it second-hand and have no idea how old it is.  The fridge replaced a bar-sized one that was held together with just a little too much duct tape.  We'll put a bow on them Christmas day and call it done. 

- Knitters and crocheters might find THIS something useful to know. It looks somewhat confusing but there's a video for those who find them better than written instructions. 

- THIS is for those of you that are interesting in weaving.

- And THIS is something quilters might find useful.

- There are some fun designs HERE.

Today's quote..."Expect nothing, appreciate everything"

Well, who knew?

 After spending the better part of nearly two days scouring the internet for a Canadian source for the  requested-themes for flannel PJ makings I think I've finally done it.  Who knew that finding Spiderman flannel would be so danged hard?!!  The other requests  for something Harry Potter, something with outer space or wolves, and rainbows weren't too difficult to source.  Of course the entire process was complicated by also wanting to find plain ol' cotton in the requested themes for making pillowcases.  Now I await the pleasure of the mail system and keep my fingers crossed we won't have the looming postal strike to deal with.  Serves me right for not getting on this sooner!  Once the fodder arrives I'll be firing up the sewing machine.

In the meantime - the downsizing continues and next 'up' on my dance card is my landscape fabrics that are currently overflowing the storage system I have.   DONE!!! 

Speaking of which...I'm a huge fan of Dana White who advocates choosing an appropriate container to hold specific items and once the container is full, you can't have any more of whatever 'it' is unless you get rid of something.  The container can be anything from a shoebox to a drawer (or whatever size you decide upon).  If you're interested in learning more about her, check out her web site HERE.  I follow her blog and have read her 'Decluttering At the Speed of Life' book (excellent!).  I've read a ton of organization books and that one is the best I've found.

- All of this downsizing and organizing led me to read THIS article with interest.  The main thing I took away was from the very first picture in the article - I was searching for some sort of 'system' to store my spools of Sulky Petites threads and had a 'duh' moment when I saw those jars!

- Have a look at the creations of THIS incredible artist!

- Sometimes the simplest things are the best as THIS will attest

- THIS caught my eye - would you believe the base is a hula hoop?  If you scroll down you can see some other fun ideas.

Today the quote is from Pablo Casals...."It takes courage for people to listen to their own goodness and act on it"  

A minor hurrah

 Sometimes we need to celebrate the small things in life and right now I'm doing just that over the fact that I finally waded through the file drawer filled with genealogy materials.  There's a huge pile gone to recyling and on Tuesday I will be taking a number of books to donate to the genealogy department at the library.  One more file drawer to go through and then it's on to my landscape fabric storage units.  The end is in sight!

Once that is done I must turn my attention to THAT day in December and get busy on projects to add to the box.  The search is on for appropriately-themed flannelette for Grandie PJ's.  Up until now I've pretty much always knitted them each a sweater but my hands are balking at that so PJ's with hopefully matching pillowcases are their replacement.

- I thought THIS was interesting but not sure about using beads.

- I may have pointed you to THIS last year (or maybe the year before).  Thought it was worth a re-do.

- If someone with long hair is on your gift list this year, perhaps one of THESE might be a nice gift.

- Have a peek at THESE!

Today the quote is from Thomas Edison..."Most of my ideas belonged to other people who never bothered to develop them"

Still sorting

 I'm still bogged down in the genealogy files and can't see any light at the end of that particular tunnel, at least not for awhile.  Needless to say you don't want to see pictures of piles of paper!

- Some of you might find making one of THESE would be useful in your sewing room.

- THIS would be a nice project for your fall decor.

- Sometimes I come across something that makes me wonder why I didn't think of it myself and this is one example of that...

- I rather like THIS - would be fun to attempt.  She also has a tutorial to make THIS which is another fun little project.

Today this rather fitting quote is from George Orwell... "In our age there is no such thing as "keeping out of politics."  All issues are political issues, and politics itself is a mass of lies, evasions, folly, hatred and schizophrenia"    Thoughts and prayers are with our neighbours to the south - as well as for our entire world.

For lack of something better

 How about a recipe today?  You really don't want to see photos of the massive amount of paper mess I'm sorting through so thought I'd share something good to eat instead...

SPINACH DIP SOUP

- 1 bag baby spinach, blanched

- 1 block cream cheese

- 2 large onions, diced and sauteed 

- 1/4 c. roasted garlic

- 3 tablespoons butter

- 2 tablespoons flour

- 4 tablespoons minced garlic

- 3 litres chicken stock **

- 2 c. cream

The recipe doesn't come with actual directions, but we melt the butter and combine with the flour and then add the chicken stock and then the rest of the ingredients.  **We buy concentrated chicken stock and combine with water to get the required amount.  I'm sure you could use regular milk rather than the cream if you wanted to reduce the calorie count somewhat.

- Some of you might find THIS of interest.  It looks like they have a really interesting lineup for the workshops.

- THIS looks like something fun to make.

- THESE look so cute!

- Those of you who are interested in weaving might find THIS article useful.

Today's quote.."There is a seat waiting for you at tables you haven't even seen"