I really thought I’d have a sewing project to share (I’m making another Built by Wendy #3835 dress, this time with the sleeve ties!) but I simply don’t have time to finish it before Christmas, what with all the last minute gift-wrapping and pie-making going on.  So, I’m just here to wish you all a joyous and safe holiday with your loved ones.

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season so far!  I haven’t been a very good blogger lately and posting has been sporadic the last month or two, even for me.  In a nutshell life has been unusually hectic except for this week which has been gloriously slow-paced; I no longer feel like I’m constantly on the verge of having an anxiety attack.  I’ve also been considering re-thinking my blog, its purpose, etc., and haven’t had a lot to say or was feeling too lazy to write, snap photos and the like.   (I’m still in this mode actually.  These photos were taken with my phone and I didn’t even bother to open Photoshop to edit them, ha.)

Anyway, I hosted Thanksgiving for my parents which was nice especially now that we’ve got a real grown-up table, perfectly rustic and charming.  Out came Grandma and Granpa’s wedding china, their Wedgewood candlesticks (that you can see are still there because they look so festive), and a big leafy bowl to show off persimmons from Mom’s garden (she said she left the stems on because she knows I like that sort of thing).

Now it’s onto Christmas.  I HAD to share this darling old-time kitty that came in a set I bought on Etsy.  Isn’t it sweet?  I favorited another item from this shop months ago but at the time I thought it was actually vintage, I had no idea there was such a wonderful variety of these newly crafted ornaments until I spotted them on the Design is Mine blog.

Do you have any plans for this weekend?  For one thing I am NOT working!  I have to say I’m looking forward to catching up on some sewing.

Hi peeps!  Last month on my Facebook page I briefly mentioned doing a haberdashery giveaway and it’s finally up!

I have an abundance of craft supplies–I could probably open a little shop!  Ha!  But a de-stash giveaway is more fun and just in time for holiday crafting.  Anyway, there’s new and vintage rick rack in red, white and green–in different sizes–red double fold bias tape, tiny red craft pompoms, a baker’s dozen of red/white striped twist ties and wooden spools (oh, and a Japanese squirrel paper clip thrown in for fun).

To enter just leave a comment and let me know what you look forward (or hope) to make for the holidays.  It doesn’t have to be craft specific meaning it could involve cooking, photography, etc.

Comments will close Sunday October 23rd, 10p PST. Comments are now closed. The winner will be randomly selected and announced  soon after.  Open to everyone.

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By the way, I LOVED reading your mischievous mouse stories on my last post!   I guess many of us have had such encounters or episodes of nearly losing something that left quite an impression.  It’s funny how the human mind works.

There seems to be a break in Southern California’s parade of rain.  It’s been so dark these past few days, I almost felt like we’ve been enclosed in a gigantic submarine finding its way along the bottom of the ocean floor.  Now we’ve finally come back up to the surface, hurray!  So here it is, beautiful and white winter light.   They say, though, more rain is on its way.

Dark days aren’t the best for picture-taking but they are quite suitable to hunkering down in blankets and quilts, sipping hot chocolate (I’ve basically replaced water, tea and any other beverage with hot cocoa which may not be the healthiest way to go but it certainly is delicious), and lots of reading.

I’ve been reading so many good books lately.  I’ve just started “The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate” and I’m already in love.  You know how sometimes when you start reading a book, especially by an author who is new to you, and you may have to stumble a bit getting used to his or her voice before getting sucked into the story?  Not with this one.  From the first word on the page I was immediately drawn into that world.  Like going to sleep and falling into a dream, mid-scene.

I’m so glad Christmas and the new year are on their way.  I haven’t decided if I’m going to close down shop for a few days but I’m always reachable via email or this blog.

OH!  I’m going to move my current Etsy shop to a new one: http://thefabledneedle.etsy.com sometime before or in the beginning of January.   Yes, it’s all part of the big name change from love, Liette to The Fabled Needle.   This should be the last of it!

Happy Solstice and Happy Holidays, everyone!  Be well and I’ll be back soon.