Crafty Christmas Party Part Deux

Before I start I just want to take a minute to say thank you for all the kind words on my last post.  It was one of those things that I didn't know if I should write about or not.  But I'm glad I did.  J's leukemia is a part of our life now whether we like it or not.  So it may pop up from time to time.  We really are doing well.  He is doing well.  The scariest time was during his diagnosis.  Thinking about the unknown was far worse than getting a definite diagnosis and moving forward.  So anyway.  Thanks so much for the thoughts and good vibes and for those who shared their own stories.  The support is very much appreciated.

Ok, moving on!  I had my second annual crafty Christmas party last weekend.  You can read about my first one here.  It was awesome, dorky fun.  I had more people show up this year after hearing stories about last year's party and not wanting to miss out.  We did the cookie exchange again.  What a great idea that is.  Just not for my willpower.  Once again I was left with way too many cookies.  I may have to let someone else host next year so I don't eat so many damn cookies afterwards.

For the crafts this year we folded origami boxes, did some easy applique and made a few paper poinsettias.    I'm most proud of those poinsettias since I made them up myself.  I even took some photos of how to make one and hopefully I'll post about them before Christmas.  I am making a wreath with some.  They are just paper bags and spray paint.

 

Look at those legs!

The applique was by request.  I helped host a baby shower for a friend recently and we did diy onesies during the baby shower.  I know you've seen it before.  You set up a station with fabric, some sort of fusible web, embroidery floss, and various trims and buttons.  Then guests at the shower can go to town making a personalized onesie to give to the expectant mom.  The shower was loads of fun.  So we decided to do it at the crafty Christmas party, too.  I had most of the supplies left over from the shower.  I just had to get some Christmas-y fabric.  I made this onesie for Jane.  I wasn't super creative or anything, but I like it.  I actually used some of the leftover fabric from the baby shower instead of the Christmas fabric.

I'm a little disappointed in the fusible web I used, though.  I bought Pellon Wonder Under since that is what I've always used for applique.   Only I normally stitch it down with a sewing machine as well.   I read that it's ok to just fuse on fabric and not stitch it down, which is what we did at both parties.  I figured we'd get a couple of wears out of whatever we made with some fraying, of course.  But baby Jane wore her onesie today and two of the Christmas lights starting peeling off right away.  Maybe it didn't bond right?  I followed the instructions on the packaging exactly.  Or is it because I fused a woven to a knit onesie?  I've read online that something called Heat 'n' Bond works better.  Anybody know if that's true? Any applique experts out there?  I'm going to stitch over baby Jane's appliques so she can wear it another time or two before Christmas.  But I'm a little bummed that the other guests might have similar experiences with what they made.  Live and learn.

And what about this sweet baby?  Jane is eight months old now, which I can't believe.  She sits like a champ.  She isn't crawling yet but she can steamroll her way across the room if she sees something interesting.

Look a little closer at this face.  Can you spot anything different about my baby?

TEETH!!  

Two adorable little teef.  Just when I think it's impossible for her to be any cuter.

Merry Christmas, y'all.