Are you experiencing problems wrapping small, awkwardly-shaped gifts? Do you hate sellotape but love stitching? Or do you (like me) have family members who simply can’t resist prodding and pulling at their presents, trying to lever their fingers beneath the folds of paper to peek at the contents?
Then I present to you the Ravioli wrap! I am sure lots of people know this method, but sometimes I can be rather slow on the uptake and I only discovered it last week as I was spending a happy half-hour hopping through some lovely craft blogs.
(Thank you so much to the kind crafter who posted about this wrapping technique – I am so sorry but I didn’t make a note of your blog – if you see this please do get in touch and I’ll happily give you all the credit – you have changed my wrapping experience forever!).
All you have to do is make a paper bag shape from your folded wrap, stitch around two sides, pop in your pressie and stitch the third side. Trim the edges with pinking shears and hey presto! Your present is wrapped without stress. You could then decorate your giant ravioli-shaped package, but I have left mine plain as a certain canine member of our family delights in removing any bows from parcels left within his reach!
I don’t know if I’ve mentioned before, but I am one of the organisers of our Senior Citizens’ Lunch Club. We are a team of volunteers who meet every Thursday to serve our members – some of whom are well into their eighties and nineties – a tasty home-cooked meal. We have some very talented cooks, as well as willing drivers who will bring those unable to make their own way to our village hall, and helpers too who prepare the vegetables, lay and clear the tables and much more as well. It’s a lovely club and I’ve made lots of friends over the years I’ve been involved. Although we hold special events throughout the months, the highlight of our year is our Christmas Party when we serve a “proper” Christmas meal to nearly 100 people!
Here’s everyone arriving – doesn’t the hall look lovely!? I’m afraid I don’t have photos of everyone sitting down to show you as I am the Master (Mistress?) of Ceremonies and was very busy with my microphone! (Yes, they actually let me loose with a microphone!). But I did manage to video all our wonderful helpers and cooks when they performed their very own version of “My Favourite Things” – with apologies to Julie Andrews and the cast of The Sound of Music …..
Sorry it’s a bit wobbly, but I was holding my phone and trying not to giggle too much!! We had such a good time - I always feel the Lunch Club Christmas Party with its mixture of young and old, volunteers and the vicar, carol singing, mince pies and music is the true beginning of Christmas for me.
When the weather outside is frightful (or even when it’s not!)
On the beach is quite delightful
It’s the only place to go ……
Let it snow…..
Let it snow …..
WISH IT WOULD SNOW!!
Hmmm… not too sure about the snow, Ben, though I know you love it and it’s much more fun than rain. But whatever the weather, it’s snug and cosy indoors now our wood burning stove is installed …..
Sorry about the poor quality of the photo – the light is dreadful as it’s raining again here today. But the stove is sooooo warm – I foresee a winter of contented stitching and toe-toasting in front of its golden glow. We’ll be decorating after Christmas, but simply no time left to splash paint around beforehand!
Did you spot my printable Christmas bunting in the corner of the photo cheering up that corner of the room? It’s a great last minute addition to your decorations if you’ve any gaps to fill. And as part of my season of giveaways, I’ve reduced it by a third to the bargain price of just $3.00 for the downloadable pdf file containing 16 flags all based on vintage patterns. Just print, cut and hang – a totally stress-free addition to your Christmas decorations! If you’d like it then just CLICK HERE to view details and purchase from my Christmas shop.
Inspiration can come from all sorts of places, from the obvious to the less so. Below is my latest work in progress – a Little Red Riding Hood embroidery design for the January issue of the Bustle & Sew Magazine ….
No prizes for guessing who was the model – and inspiration – for the “not-very-scary-woof ” sorry, WOLF! But inspiration also can be found in all sorts of strange and much less obvious places…. Rosie sent me a picture of her Christmas manicure…..
And I thought …. “I love the clean, simple shape of that reindeer head.” Then I thought…… “he would look great as a machine embroidery/applique project!”
So now I am proud to present to you my next Bustle & Sew Christmas gift ……
My Christmas Reindeer Tote Bag!
A good-sized, sturdy tote that’s quick and simple to make – and perfect for carrying home all your Christmas Shopping! If you’d like to make your own Christmas Reindeer Tote Bag then just CLICK HERE to download the free pattern.
Oh … and I nearly forgot to mention …. for this week only, I am offering a 25% discount on all orders that include a pattern from my Christmas Shop. Just enter code XMAS25 at checkout to claim your discount!
