Pre-holiday projects

 In the last few days, I've finished four table runners, three 12" table mats, and 3 potholders, most of which were made with "Snowflake Bentley" fabric.     The two table runners that had other fabric in a disappearing nine patch pattern will be going down to the florist's shop for sale.   I just need to update my written list that I always take along with the items.  I'm wondering, too, if I should take the fall items home or leave them there for a few more weeks.

I'm planning to give the Snowflake Bentley items to various family and friends for the holidays.  My next door neighbors are a blend of religions, so the winter theme might be particularly good for them.  After I finished those gifts, I started making tissue cases, mostly out of holiday fabric.  Each little case takes just a 6" square and an 8" square, so they are great for using scraps.  Here are the first 12 I made - in just an afternoon!

These are going to be given to the library staff at the Friends of the Library's annual staff appreciation lunch.  I'm a little worried that there are three men on the staff, but then I figure they can hide them in their desks or give them away.   It's been several years since I made gifts for the staff, and I always enjoy doing it.  I have run through my repertoire, though, and am already wondering what I can make next year.

Because these were so easy and quick to make, I made 12 more, even though I am out of little packets of Kleenex.  Those are on order and should arrive next week.  While I was online ordering the tissues, I came across several books that family members might like to receive for Christmas.  Almost all of them like to read and also depend on my suggestions sometimes.   The titles are now in my Amazon "shopping list," and I'll review them in a week or two and then pace an order.  I like to get my package to relatives in the Netherlands out by Thanksgiving and, for those stateside, a little after that. 

This morning I did a little sewing with "strings" and this afternoon seems like a good time to curl up with a good book.    Several pre-ordered ones have arrived on my Kindle.  I'll probably be reading them tonight while the World Series gets underway.