Made with "XOXO"

I had a wonderful time stitching up gifts to give to Jeanie as a part of the "Twas the Night" blog hop.  Jeanie is an animal lover and recently lost her second beloved kitty (Oliver) and so, he became the inspiration for my gift making.  Cotton + Steel fabrics were the "purr-fect" choice for my projects.  The orange kitties were an obvious pick, but the navy print was chosen because it is aptly named "XOXO" (I thought some hugs are just what Jeanie needs). 

 

A "purr-fect" set in Cotton + Steel fabrics.

Now, what to make?  I decided to stitch up a matching set of sewing goodies for Jeanie, featuring, "Oliver".



I made a fussy cut fabric "stamp" to stitch to the front of the needlebook and love the vintage snap closure that looks like a button.

First, a compact needlecase to securely store her needles (designed by Tone Finnager. Pattern can be found in her book Sew Pretty Homestyle).  This is by far, my favourite needlebook pattern.  I have lost count of how many versions of this pattern I have stitched for gifts.

Made using the Prettified Pincushion pattern, from Patchwork, Please! by Ayumi Takahashi.

A needlebook needs a pincushion!  It was serendipity to have a paper pieced pincushion pattern that allowed me to fussy cut kitties for the front, with a "hug" button in the middle

and a kitty face on a self covered button on the back.  Love all that kitty goodness!

My own design for a round bottom drawstring bag.  It's my new favourite way to "wrap" a gift.

Keeping it all together, is a round bottomed, drawstring bag which I couldn't resist embellishing with mini pompom fringe and a fabric tag.

Here's a peek at the insides of the bag and needlebook.  This was my first time using Cotton + Steel fabrics and I love how those fabrics mix and match.   Jeanie has been so appreciative of these gifts, that I'm sure my noggin' has swelled so big I can barely fit through doorways anymore. ;o)  Seriously, what can be better than knowing your handmade gift has been received and appreciated with so much love?  Jeanie made it all such a pleasure and it's my hope it gives her heart a lift each time she uses my gifts.

Oh, but wait... I'm not quite done with the kitties...the finishing touch to all this?  A handmade card, featuring "Oliver", wishing my new friend, Jeanie, a "Meowy Christmas".  Well said, Oliver!

A simple idea - add a fussy cut of cute fabric to a mini card and then hand stamp greetings.  Love it!

 

I'm linking up this very happy finish with Amanda Jean at Crazy Mom Quilts for

Finish-it-up Friday!