Saturday 15 October 2011

C is for......crikey, is it that time of year already?

So there I was, innocently marking a dentist's appointment on the wall planner, when it hit me! We were already a third of the way through October. It would soon be Christmas *said in a hushed voice* Eeek!!! 

Having worked in retail for many years I have mixed feelings about when it's appropriate to start preparing for Christmas. I used to hate this time of year as it usually saw the arrival of the 'holiday season' music tapes. Listening to Slade for 10 weeks can seriously damage your festive spirit. And don't even get me started on Cliff!

Ideally I wouldn't think about it until the 1st of December, when the advent calendar gets put up. Unfortunately, in order to have enough stock of decorations for the glut of craft fairs leading up to Christmas, I really should have started my preparations in August. I hadn't.

I hastily placed an order for some scrap bundles from Strawberry Fayre. Most of their cotton fabrics are quite traditional, perfect for what I had in mind.         

my fabric scraps

Many of the fairs I attend are ones I take part in every year. I try to make some new items to give regular customers something fresh to look at. So this week has been spent experimenting. 


I'm not quite sure what this could become. A napkin ring perhaps?


 I thought I could make my fabric flowers look more like stars. The smaller prints work better when there are so many folds. 


I wanted to try something simple and inexpensive that would work with larger print fabrics. I've filled this pyramid with some spicily scented wadding. Hmmm, I'm not sure it works.  


And finally, mini bunting, my alternative to tinsel.I was thinking about sewing small bells on to the points for a little extra festive cheer.




What do you think? I'd love to have your feedback or suggestions.     

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the bunting... very cute !
I like the star and the pyramid , not as keen on the flower , think I'd prefer it all one colour.
You're right about time zooming on , 2 weeks till Hobbycrafts yipeeeeee x

gtlady said...

Love the mini bunting, a fab idea, but I really love your napkin ring idea and the star flowers, GORGEOUS on a christmas tree, I think they will fly off the shelves! I really like the idea of the scented pyramd, but it doesn't look quite right, I'm not sure why, maybe the shape, I don't know, but I do think its got possibilities, I like the idea of a scented decoration on the tree - good luck!

Ali said...

I'm so pleased I've fixed my images problem as now I can see ALL your beautiful festive projects..previously there were only 3! I love the first flower - reminds me of a Pointsettia - I'd wear it as a brooch but napkin rings are festive possibilities.
The stary flower looks really elegant.
The scented pyramid made me smile - great idea to be smelly and I like the shape - as its continuous...or looks the same shape whichever face is showing.
Bunting with or without bells on is fab!!
May you have many successful Christmas shopping/selling experiences!
Ali x

A Time for Stitching said...

I like the star/flower and think it would look great as a tree hanger or a larger version for the topper. My favourite is the mini bunting - I think you must be the first to think of it as an alternative to tinsel!!
Teresa x

Linnhe Mara said...

Alexis, Jane, Ali and Teresa,
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave your feedback. I'm veering away from the napkin ring idea ( not cost effective! ) and as soon as I come up with an alternative use for the flower I'll post it up. Glad you all like the bunting tinsel, with or without bells on :o)

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