All Wrapped Up

This post is a wee bit overdue.  A combination of sewing like crazy, wrapping presents, mailing packages and a sinus/head cold thing have made it difficult to keep up with everything.  As we approach the homestretch, I'm alternating between cool and calm (I've got this one in the bag) to completely panicked (I'll never get everything done in time!).  Right now, it looks like most everything will get done.  A couple things have been removed from the list (more on that another day).  But, for the most part, I'm feeling confident about sewing almost everything I intended to sew this holiday season.

I can't post pictures of some presents until after the holiday (since the recipients are likely readers of this space).  But I'm pretty sure I can post about these two presents without ruining any surprises (I hope).

First up is the Buttercup Bag.  This is the third Buttercup that I've made and I absolutely love this purse (after the holidays, I'm finally going to make one for myself).  And, get this -- the pattern is free!  You can find the pattern at Made by Rae.  Another thing that makes this pattern so awesome is you only need two fat quarters of fabric!  My mother-in-law's extended side of the family does a Christmas drawing each year (there are far too many people to reasonably gift everyone).  This bag is for the gal I drew in the drawing this year.

Here are all the pattern pieces, cut and ready to assemble:

Pinned together and ready to sew:

Finished:

 

 

Then I had this brilliant idea (well, it seemed brilliant but I'm sure I'm not the first person to think of it) to use the torn-off selvedges as ribbon!  I really like wrapping presents and this was a fun (and free) way to tie the wrapping into the present (pardon the pun).

The other project is a little zippered cosmetic bag.  I used some fabric from Amy Butler's Love collection:

Tucked inside, a Sephora gift card so the recipient can purchase some cosmetics of her choosing.  (I'm a big fan of themes -- theme gifts, theme movie nights, etc.)

All wrapped up with selvedge ribbon:

So there you have it -- this is what I've been up to since we last conversed.  I thought Christmas was on Thursday this year.  When I realized it is actually on Friday, I felt like a bonus day had been awarded to me!  Maybe I really will get it all done...

What about you?  Are you feeling overwhelmed by the holidays?  Do you need to remove a few items from your to-do list?  Or do you have all the presents wrapped and under the tree?