Free Christmas pattern number 5...

 

Today I'm sharing the last of my five free Christmas patterns for 2023 - "Glory to God". 

It's definitely a good pattern for button lovers, but you could also applique the little berries or satin stitch them instead. When I first designed and made "Glory to God" back in 2016 I chose to use buttons as I had a lot of pink and red ones that blended so beautifully with the border fabric. 

The background was made from alternating strips of soft golden green prints, which to my eye gave the whole thing a touch of royalty, and indeed that is what the birth of our Lord Jesus was about. Royalty come to earth as a man to save His people...no wonder the angels sang Glory to God in the Highest! 

Use the link below to download the free pattern

DOWNLOAD Glory to God pattern

This morning I went to visit Blossom and the children, taking freshly baked cranberry scones and a pineapple fruit cake which I had baked yesterday. It's been raining here for days, and yet walk outside and it's hot (odd thing about the tropics and rain)...so we stayed inside, turned down the air conditioner so we could imagine we were in a cold climate watching the rain, brewed hot cuppas, and feasted on scones and fruit cake. Blossom put a crackling fire on the television (from YouTube) and with that wonderful scene and sound, we chatted, played hangman with the kids, sang songs and really just enjoyed being together. 

It was such a special morning and as we thought about our Christmas plans we decided to change them. Instead of her, Ross and the children coming for Christmas day brunch, they are coming on Christmas Eve afternoon instead. 

The children can play in the pool with Ross and Poppy while Blossom and I prepare a Christmas feast for dinner that night. It means a much quieter Christmas morning for them at home the next day, before they head off to Ross's father's place in the afternoon. Usually there's a lot of rushing, stress, time management and weary children when the day is split between two families...so we considered all this and are now excited to have a family Christmas Eve here! 

She asked if her dad and I would be sad on Christmas Day, but I assured her that would not be so, as just knowing that we had a relaxed evening beforehand with no need for anyone to hurry off, and the children allowed to swim, play and eat until they were exhausted (meaning straight into bed when they got home) - oh how much fun that will be! 

It's always saddened me hearing of family disputes about where to have Christmas, and at who's place. This season is really about rejoicing in the gift of Jesus, showing love, humility and care for others more than ourselves, putting aside what we want to make another's life easier. I am already bubbling over with happiness at being able to really bless my daughter and her family by giving them the gift of 'time' together with their children on Christmas morning, time without the need to rush off, or have others rush in. 

May you and yours be especially blessed this Christmas!

Love and hugs

PS: Here's an oldie but a goodie!!

Free Christmas pattern number 4...

 

Christmas 'firsts' can be a reason for extra celebration, such as when Blossom had Charlie David in early December 2020, and the joy we experienced welcoming that new wee babe to our clan. This blessed gift from the Lord after a year of challenge with covid lockdowns and restrictions made that Christmas even more special for our whole family. Holding newborn Charlie David in our arms, Blossom and I considered the moment Mary held her own newborn Son, Yeshua (Jesus), in her young arms and the enormity of her heart now overflowing with favour, gratitude and joy for a safe delivery and a promise fulfilled.

But Christmas 'firsts' can also be touched with sadness for those who have lost loved ones throughout the year. I believe God's comfort is the only healing balm which can hold a broken heart together during times of celebration, when those around are rejoicing.

This Christmas I have two dear friends who lost their mothers during the year, and many others who have asked for prayer in comments and emails, after the loss of their husbands or family members.

Let us be mindful of those around us who will struggle in this 'first' Christmas without their loved one, and hold them in prayer. And let us also pray for those who do not know the Lord yet, and have not sought His gentle comfort. 

I am praying for all of you who have faced loss this year, and asking the Lord to magnify His great comfort and love within your hearts, that you may lift teary eyes to heaven and be able to rejoice also in the gift of Christ our Lord.

Use the link below to download this free pattern

DOWNLOAD Comfort and Joy pattern

Thank you for your prayers for little Charlie David. He is still unwell, as is Cully May now too. When we visited yesterday, I sat holding 7yo Cully May for a long time in my arms as her body burned with fever, and Blossom held her little boy as he struggled to sleep. We have prayed, and glorify God for His hand upon each of their lives, for nothing is allowed without His approval, and sometimes sickness must run its course before the healing is sure. 

I shall be back in a few days with the 5th free pattern for Christmas 2023. In the meantime we're expecting a lot of rain as Cyclone Jasper edges closer to the coast. There's still uncertainty as to where it will make landfall, but it's unlikely to be close to us. However, it's a slow moving cyclone, and that means it gathers a lot more water, so heavy rains over areas below the cyclone are expected, and that's us.

God bless dear ones,

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Free Christmas gift pattern number 3...

 

With finances tight for many families and singles these days, creating small gifts which can fit inside a card, whether for Christmas or birthdays, means we can still reach out with love to family and friends near or far. 

The three little gifts included in this one pattern today can be sewn using small scraps of fabric, and embellished with beads, lace, ribbons, tiny buttons - the small bits and bobs we save because they are pretty and we hope to use them one day. 

Inside this free pattern you will find not just embroidery instructions, but tutorials for making the sweet gifts. The lavender sachet below can be kept under a pillow, in an underwear or nightgown drawer, or hung as I have done from a coat hanger in the closet. 

The bookmark is a lovely gift to send to an avid reader, and could even be gifted inside a book. Are there some lovely books on your shelf which you will no longer need or read? Consider regifting them with a pretty bookmark, or perhaps you could sew a pretty cover for the book using one of the little embroidery motifs in this pattern set? 

For many years I would gift Blossom one of my vintage novels every Christmas, and she was thrilled to receive the beautiful works of Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott and other favourite authors which I had read with her during our homeschooling years. Now they sit on her own shelves, awaiting the day when she can begin reading them to her own daughters. Perhaps you can do something similar with treasured books to be handed down?

The gift card is such a cute way to dress up a wrapped present, but is also lovely just as it is because it can be used as another bookmark. 

One of my projects for 2024 is to make a box of these kind of gift cards, using small fabric pieces such as vintage or recycled linen, lovely cottons, sweet satins and old lace. I'll also make some of the lavender sachets and the bookmarks, because there's nothing more satisfying than to have pretty handmade, useful, gifts on hand to send away in a card. 

Oh, and I'll also be making cards, something I have planned for the longest of times, but which has not been followed through on thus far.

Use the link below to download the free pattern.

DOWNLOAD We Three Gifts pattern

If you missed the first two free 2023 Christmas gift patterns they are HERE and HERE

Not a lot has been happening here at home. There's been no rain other than the hour we received a week ago, so the garden is a bit worse for wear. My roses easily scorch on the tips of their petals if I don't pick them first thing in the morning, when still at the budding stage, yet they smell divine and grace my desk with beauty and dignity. 

Blossom bought me a bunch of sunshine yellow chrysanthemums last weekend and they are still as fresh as ever! That's what I enjoy about mums - they last and last, decorating your home with their presence for weeks. 

As we need to stay indoors more at this time of year due to the intense heat and humidity, once the housework is done I settle down for a bit of reading and a cuppa. I have all three of Rhonda Hetzel's books, and have read them a few times each, but this little one is brilliant for a condensed read and I have highlighted and made notes all through it - adding more each time I read it. 

If you haven't got her two large volumes, or don't have finances for them, then let me assure you that this small book is simply marvellous for learning of her journey to a simpler life, the success and freedom she and her husband found, as well as the challenges along the way. Its available here on Amazon Australia

It's also available here on Amazon US and I just checked and the Kindle version is only $2.99 at the moment. 

I am NOT an amazon affiliate, just really love her books and think this little one is a great place to start. 

Molly-dog is now one year old, and has become our little shadow, no matter where we are. The funny thing about pugs is that they don't look happy, and yet I have found them to be very happy dogs. Molly loves her toys but her favourite is a piece of checked fabric which I tied with a knot in the centre. She was getting into mischief in my sewing room, you see, pouncing on any bits of fabric I dropped...so I thought, "Aha, you are fabric lover too are you, Missy? Then you shall have your own." Since she got her own large piece she has not touched mine. Yay. 

Many of our sunflowers have gone to seed now, which has brought even more birds to the garden. A gorgeous pair of red-winged parrots visit each afternoon to feast, and they are joy to behold! 

The cockatoos prefer to eat from the bird feeder, as do the rainbow lorikeets, but these parrots swing back and forth on the sunflowers and have dinner there instead. 

I have been doing some more crochet edging, but mostly for my older daughters. I'm sending them new crochet-edged tea towels for Christmas (they live in other states far from us) as they both prefer something handmade for gifts. I bought tea towels on sale at Bed, Bath & Table yesterday, in a mix of styles as both girls (and Blossom too) have very different preferences. These are a few I'm working on today...

I finished this blue one last night. It only takes an hour and keeps my hands occupied while we listen to a sermon, or teaching on various subjects like gardening in the tropics or health related seminars.

I always match the cotton yarn with the print of the tea towel, and leave a few pairs on the table at a time so that even if I only have twenty minutes or so of free time (while dinner is cooking perhaps) I can pick one up and make a start for later in the evening.

This is the new runner I'm working on for the top of a chest of drawers in our bedroom. I'll get back to it once all the girl's gifts are made. It's more of the Cath Kidston cotton duck fabric I have had on hand for years. 

Today is Charlie David's 3rd birthday!!

But I am going to ask you to pray for him as he has been ill for a few days - dreadfully high fever, vomiting etc. It has gone through all of Blossom's children, plus Ross (and it was his first week on his new job), but little Charlie got it last of all. So we shan't see him today as he needs rest and healing. Your prayers would be the best birthday gift. ((thank you))

Did I ever tell you that the 'David' in his name was for King David? Blossom always knew that if she had a son she'd want him to be a man after God's own heart and that she would have David in his name so that she could teach him all about his namesake and how God was able to use him. 

(Charlie David pretending to be Nana at her desk - :-)

How are YOU?? What's been happening in your life this past week? Is there anything you need prayer for? Just ask. xxx

My love and prayers go out for all of you who read along, knowing that our God hears them and acts on your behalf because He loves you so much. His answers may not always be what we wanted, they may not come as swiftly as we'd hoped, and for a while we might think He is deaf to our needs...but no, He is our Father and He always answers prayers in the way that is best for us because He is outside of time and knows the beginning from the end. So, we must have faith, hold fast to hope, always choosing to live according to God's Word, and remembering we were bought at a great price by the blood of His Son.

We have a cyclone on the way, and the Bureau of Meteorology expect it to hit somewhere around our region on Wednesday if it follows their predicted trajectory, however, having lived in this cyclone region for more than fourteen years now, I know that cyclones can change their track at any time, so it may move further north, go south, or decide to make landfall here. For the next few days we'll just watch and prepare 'in case' it comes close to home. Thanks for all the emails asking me about it's proximity to us. I'll update on Monday when I share the fourth free pattern. 

God bless you all!

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Free Christmas pattern number 2...

 

I love making a new pincushion from fabric scraps, especially during a change of season or when beginning a quilt project.

Back in 2014 I designed this "Noel" pincushion as part of a set of Christmas projects, and at that time I was also designing for some Australian sewing magazines, which sadly have since closed due to the rapid rise of the digital age. Anyhow, at that time I often designed with fabrics and colours that were not really my style but 'hit the brief' for magazines which wanted to show projects in various themes to suit as many different magazine customers as possible. That's why I made the original version of 'Noel' in a very country blue. 

Now don't get me wrong, I still loved this pinnie! But over the years I've thought about remaking it in fabrics that show my own style...and this weekend I did just that. Naturally, with my current love of crochet edging, I ditched the binding part of my pattern and opted for some lacy, almost gathered in appearance, crochet.

The yarn is 4ply crochet cotton, from that op-shop bargain bag I found recently. One of the colours was a perfect match to the vintage Tilda fabric I used as the stitchery/applique background. 

The floral applique and scissor pocket fabric is from a beautiful old piece of Barefoot Roses by Tanya Whelan, one of my favourite fabrics lines ever. 

Now, I am no crochet expert, as I have said before, and I cannot do graphs or anything like that to explain how I do an edging, nor do I intend learning - life is to be slowed, not wound up these days - but the best I can describe it is to say that (in UK terms), I blanket stitch the stitches slightly less than a 1/4" apart...and when I begin the crochet I do a full row all around of double chain (chain in the US).

Then, for that nicely gathered look, I crochet into every single stitch of that first row. So I start in a corner and do three trebles (UK) into one stitch on the row below, then a chain (not into a stitch) and  then into the next stitch on the row below I do another three trebles and another chain (also not into a stitch). From there I continue a pattern of one dc, three trebles, one dc, three trebles, into every stitch on the row below. Between each of the dc and three trebles I do a simple chain that does not go into any stitches on the row below. This creates the gathered effect because it's so full. 

Normally when I crochet my edges I skip a stich on the row below when I do a chain between the dc and the three trebles...but not with this pincushion edging. And that's about as technical as I will ever be with crochet edging. I just use what I have and sometimes fudge the corners a little, but in the end it looks lovely and I am satisfied and quite pleased with the end result. 

Getting back to my magazine days when I designed to a script a lot of the time, it really stretched me as a designer, and I learned a lot of skills along the way. I only began designing in 2009 at age 50...so I had a lot to learn. But by 2015, I stepped away from the magazines and decided to design for my own pleasure, and that's when my first Stitchery Club began. 

I learned back then to stay true to myself. And though over the years I dabble in different styles and fabrics, I find myself always returning to my first love - that soft, shabby chic almost, style. Another favourite is old 1930's, and sometimes fabrics with a real vintage look about them catch my eye and inspire a project, but the stream of gentle florals always runs true in the end. I'm not a fan of gaudy or bright prints, and I do not like Christmas fabrics or any novelty prints to be honest. 

Knowing your personal style is so important. It defines you, and it brings JOY to your work. Don't be concerned about what others (or me!) like...create the way you like, make items that bring a touch of *you* to your home environment. My one concession though, is when I make for others...always be mindful of their style and make things that reflect them and not yourself. :-) 

You are unique in more ways than you will ever know this side of heaven. Created by the Master's hand, He made you to be just that, YOU. If you make this pincushion, choose the fabrics that make your heart soar. As you decorate your home to celebrate Jesus, do it in such a way that it shows the beautifully unique style the Father impressed upon your mind when you were first made in His image.  

Our God CREATES, He did it from the very beginning, and we are made in His image. So we can create too. I prayed every day for two years that He would bless me with a touch of His own creativity. And one day in 2009, that prayer was answered and a gift I'd not previously had, was given. To this day I am still astounded that at age 50 He taught me something new, and He opened doors for me that I could not have opened myself...and He blessed this blog, my writing, and my heart. 

Today, He still teaches me, corrects me, stretches me beyond what I can do alone, and at time he re-directs my path, tells me when to slow down or lay down certain things, and shines a light on the things that matter most - His Son. 

He also prods me to write more and more about this beautifully gifted homemaker life, and the high importance it plays in the family, from the days of babies and toddlers, to the latter years of grand-children, rocking chairs, and fewer sunsets at the end of the day. 

Today my mind is stayed on Him, on the gift of His own Son, on the depth of LOVE for all mankind that brought about a birth, a ministry, a death and a resurrection...all delivered as a gift for you and I who love, obey and believe in Jesus to receive. 

"Noel, noel...noel, noel....born is the King of Israel."

Use the link below to download the pattern.

DOWNLOAD Noel Pincushion pattern

If you missed the first of my five free 2023 Christmas patterns go HERE

God bless you...

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My basic crochet edging and five free Christmas patterns!

 

Every year I share a new free Christmas pattern, but this year I decided to share a few of my favourites from years past. Today you'll be able to download the first pattern (a oldie that I get requests for all the time!), and over the following two weeks I'll have four more to gift you. Some are for decorating your home, and others are perfect for small gifts that can be posted, or simply popped inside a card for friends and neighbours. 

Back in 2017 I hosted a Christmas Wreath stitch-along, and as mentioned previously, it became one of my most requested patterns for this time of year ever since. I may even re-make it myself this year as a table centre, but originally it was made to be hung. 

The pattern is very detailed and a tutorial is included. Let me know if you're going to make it, and what colours or prints you will use. Will you hang it, or will it become a table centre or large candle mat instead? Perhaps you have a different idea for displaying The Christmas Wreath? Please share in the comments as you may inspire myself and others to try your suggestion. 

Use the link below to download the full Christmas Wreath pattern

DOWNLOAD The Christmas Wreath

Another request, but this has been a recent one, is how I make the crochet edgings on my tea towels. Many have emailed privately, as well as the comments on blog posts, and the common questions are do I begin with blanket stitch and what thread and yarn do I use. 

Yes, I do begin with blanket stitch, and I stitch it with a cross stitch needle. The thread I use for the blanket stitch is a 4 or 5 ply cotton yarn, or a Perle 5 embroidery thread. If I don't have the right colour in that size I might choose to use Perle 8 or two strands of Perle 12 if I already have the colour needed. 

Using just what is on hand or what I can find cheap at the op-shop, has kept expenses low. A few years back I bought a pack of six 5 ply cotton yarns in assorted colours, intending on using them for dishcloths, but never got around to using them all, and the ones I did use had loads leftover. These are what I initially used on the table runners and tea towels I began making in October.

Admittedly I did outlay a little bit of money on some balls of cotton baby yarn from Spotlight when they were half price, and they are lovely and soft to work with, but I am loving these balls of 4 ply crochet cotton which I found in a bag at the op-shop - $2 the lot! What was a blessed bargain! 

After I sew a row of blanket stitch I then crochet a row of double chain (single chain in the US)...

...and that gives me the foundation for whatever I want to crochet on the next row. Sometimes I do another row of double chain, but mostly I do a mix of double chain, skipping a stitch, and treble.

I'm no expert on crochet, and many of you will easily be able to create your own pretty borders, but I am quite content with what I've done and am giddy with joy at the new stack of tea towels which are ready to restock my kitchen towel drawer on January 1st. 

If you go HERE to my Pinterest crochet board there are some links to edging patterns. 

I purchased most of the tea towels at TK Maxx on the reduced rack for around $5-7 for three, and they're all fine quality cotton or linen, made in India or European countries. I prewash the towels so that they can shrink before I begin the crochet edging. There is nothing more embarrassing when gifting a tea towel than after the first wash it shrinks and the embellishments (applique, embroidery, crochet) are all distorted. 

Some extra towels have been gifted to family and friends, and as tea towels are always useful, they are happily received. I still have a few towels left to edge, but I shall take a little break from them now and get back to a project which has a lot of crochet edging to do - my Virtuous Wife quilt top! 

I have been holding off on quilting it because I wanted to be very sure about whether I'd bind it or crochet edge it instead. Crochet has won out, and as soon as I get started I shall share some progress pics. If you missed any of the free Virtuous Wife BOM blocks they are HERE to download.

It's been ghastly hot here for a while now, and even though summer's arrival is today in Australia, we've been feeling it since October. Our garden has suffered badly and even the pumpkins are not coping (they have never failed before). It's never cold in the tropics, not what most of you would call cold anyhow. Winter days are around 25C, and late spring/summer/early autumn can be anything from 35C to 42C - occasionally higher. The wet season is around us, but not over us this year, and that makes the heat so much worse to bear. I admit to feeling that the weather has taken a toll on me and the garden so  we'll have to heavily mulch most of it and just keep the fruit trees, banana trees and shade trees going until the weather cools next May. 

Pushing too hard at this stage of life is counter-productive, as my dear friend Rosie reminded me this week. When you're young (and in good health) you can almost move mountains, and I remember being that way right up into my 50's. But not now. I'll be 65 in February, and though I am no slacker, and love to keep our home running smoothly, neat and tidy, I must take heed of these very long hot summers we face every year, and the level of physical exhaustion they bring to people of all ages, but especially those of us on the older end of the spectrum. 

I shall 'walk the room' again soon and plan what needs to be done inside during the next four to five months...and I shall do some other things which have sparked some interest, and brought some fresh enthusiasm and ideas to mind. If you want to know what I mean by 'walk the room' go back to THIS blog post and have a read - you may consider joining in. 

Well, that's enough today. I have washing to get off the line and fold, a dinner to prepare, floors to vacuum and mop...and a lovely cold ice-cream calling my name! :-)

Bless you, each precious woman. May the weekend ahead open pockets of His joy in your heart, deep pockets of joy, so deep that they overflow into the lives of all who cross your path. 

God bless,

Don't miss out on any Elefantz news or free patterns. 

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