Christmas is probably the only holiday I get excited to do some sewing for. This year I had ambitions to finish a Christmas-themed quilt called “First Snow” from Quilters Newsletter Magazine. I got all of the houses done, but did not make a single tree. Oh well, there’s always next year!

But this year, I was very excited to make this cute Christmas train set from Embroidery Garden. They are battery-operated tealight covers. It’s an in-the-hoop design with applique. When finished, I added some hot fix crystals to give them some shine.

I also finally got to use a design I purchased from Embroidery Library. I was thrilled to find some heavy-weight dark purple fabric at a thrift store going-out-of-business sale. It was a perfect backdrop for the embroidery. And I was also thrilled to finally find a worthy use of the many fat-eighths of Robert Kaufman Kona fabrics I purchased on Bainbridge Island at Esther’s Fabrics with my friend Paula. Of course I turned the project into yet another tote bag. But for a fellow seamstress, I think it makes a wonderful Christmas gift.

I love feeling inspired to sew and I really like making things for others. What inspires you to sew for others?