~Christmas 2015~

Thought I would open up this post with a pic of JoJo's cakes that Mr Armchair helped her make last week

Top left (the green one) is a Christmas Tree

Under that (the red one) is a Christmas stocking

and bottom right one of my Instagram friends spotted a blue sewing machine!!!!

In the centre I can see a red coffee percolator.

Here it is Christmas Eve 2015

Wherever did 2015 go........the years just seem to be flying by

We have just had an overnight visit from our Son

Our 2nd Daughter is here at the moment with her 2 children/our grandchildren

Spirits are high and all is well in our World

JoJo decorated the tree and this is the result

She spent such a long time at it and I just filled in the gaps

Well done JoJo

My Fruit and Nut Cake ready to go in to the oven

And my latest favourite collector item.........little reindeer, how cute are they!!!

(My internet/computer time is getting less and less as I am still plagued with these headaches.  Thank you everyone for your visits and lovely comments throughout the year.....You are all the best!)

If I don't get around to seeing everybody I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Joyous and Prosperous New Year

Have a beautiful Christmas Day with your Loved Ones

Dzintra xo

~Merry Christmas 2012~

Decorations above are ones I made by Lenna Green featured in Homespun magazine which actually made it into the magazine and which I wrote about over here

Wow, what a whirlwind week I have had

Spent the week preparing for our other 2 children/partners/grandchildren to come here for a Family Christmas......
I have barely had a chance to go into Blogland and comment on my favourite Blogs although I have popped in now and then to catch up......

Barely any stitching happening here and I think I'm going to have to join a Swap next year!
But I did have my first singing lesson after much encouragement from a few special people
Turns out my voice is alto
The main thing I learnt is breathe....breath....breathe
Turns out this could take 6-8 months to get right.....geeeeeezzzzzzz

Now back on track here
I want to wish everybody a Happy and Contented Christmas whatever you may be doing
Thank you so much for calling in......leaving your wonderful encouraging comments......
It all means so much to me......I've met so many lovely people here!

I'll leave with 2 very meaningful quotes
Merry Christmas......love Dzintra xo

'I believe in everything until it's disproved.

So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons.

It all exists, even if it's in your mind.

Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?'

~John Lennon~

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

~Calvin Coolidge~

OPAM (One Project a Month) December...

Here is the last for OPAM for 2011...

2 items this time...

A Volkswagen Combi Cushion especially for JoJo...

Pattern is 'big camper' by Hot Possum and fabric is 'Now We're Goin' Places' by Monica Lee 

for Timeless Treasures...

I even did the applique with my machine...and this was a first for me...

Back of the cushion...this is the first time I have attempted buttonholes with my machine...

so easy!!!  I'm ready for more ha ha...

Even had some VW buttons by Nikki Tervo waiting for something special like this...

Front of cushion...

and back...

and a little cross stitch for JoJo...

she just loves Santa so this was quite apt for the occasion...

only thing is...I have had it for 2 years...

Thank you so much to Peg and Kris for hosting OPAM for another month...

I know that I wouldn't have finished a lot of what I have!!!

SSCS (Secret Santa Christmas Swap) 2011 sent to Lynn...and OPAM (one project a month) October revealed...

Finally I can reveal the swap parcel I sent to Ann-Marie as part of the SSCS organized by Chookyblue...

Goodies all wrapped up in a fat 1/4 (by Debbie Mumm)...

Card by Australian Designer Christine Book......

Little bag made out of a tea towel...

towel, pattern and fabric by Nancy Halvorsen......

Appliqued tea towel......

Little 'Joy' Stitchery Wall Hanging.....the front

Back......

and all together...

These items are also part of OPAM which I couldn't reveal back in October......

and Christmas decoration and tag......

I also included some other goodies for Anne Marie.....

Anne Marie I have so enjoyed making this for you......

and I was very excited......and nervous..... when Chooky asked me to be part of this fabulous swap......

I am so happy you are pleased with it all...

These items are going to be brought out at Anne Maries mountain cabin in Norway to be enjoyed every Christmas....

Thank you so much Chookyblue for organizing this swap......I have loved every step of the way!!!

Mandeni Quilt Hanging...with a touch of Christmas!

In Springtime we went to a Hanging of the Quilts at Mandeni Needlecraft...

A lovely Hanging, gorgeous quilts...lots of pics following,

Looks like an Anni Downs quilt here...

love the warm country colours...

 a cross stitch on display in the shop...

and a Christmas section that JoJo could not resist...

JoJo saw a Christmas quilt on the wall and asked for one too...

think I'll have to do that one for her...it's not very often that she will ask for something like this!!!

Christmas has come around so fast this year...

one minute I have a sling on my arm...

and the next it's almost the end of the year...

I feel like I've lost a bit of time!!!

Wishing everybody a beautiful Christmas Season wherever you are,

and a Blessed and Happy Healthy New Year...

'I believe in everything until it's disproved.

So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons.

It all exists, even if it's in your mind.

Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?'

~John Lennon, 1940-1980~

Well said John!!!