A Handmade Tree

As Tilly is able to stay up longer and longer, I am finding it best to have smaller and smaller projects on the go, so that it is still possible to get something sewn and finished in a day. And so, I've built up quite a collection of handmade ornaments for our tree this year. 

The little house, to symbolise our first year in our own home. The cross stitch heart, which reminds me of all the Danish-style Christmases I had growing up. Wool felt hearts, for all the warmth and love that surround us. Red and white felt do-dahs, because they are the fabrics I have most of. And little embroidered mittens, which can be picked off the tree and put onto Tilly's hands on chilly days.

Family Heart

A couple of days ago, Justin was offered a new position with his company, one that will require rather a lot of travelling. And so, as a little present for him (and fun project for me!), I thought I'd make him a little something that might make the travelling a little easier.

The inspiration comes from Handmade Home again, and is what Amanda calls the "Family Heart". The idea is that when one in the family has to go away, whether for a sleepover or a business trip, they can take the heart with them and feel a bit more connected.

My heart is made out of my favourite spotty red batik fabric, with a little patch of soft flannel sewn on for the pocket. And inside the pocket is a little note.

It's the first few lines of E. E. Cumming's poem, "i carry your heart with me" which I thought fitted extremely well. (Although I did add in grammar and capital letters... sorry, E. E.!)

And it sits inside my big branchy heart over the fireplace, ready to be given to Justin tonight, when he gets home from accepting the job!

P.S. My sewing machine skills are improving no end! I can sew curves now without stopping to adjust every two seconds! Yay!