Pajama Eaters, Snack Bags, and a very Candy Christmas!

How do I know I feeling better??  I've been at the sewing machine for about 3 hours a day for the last week. I am passionate about sewing; its by far my favorite hobby.  Nothings beats creating something with your own two hands, that you can look of and feel proud of!

Unfortunately, every time I looked at my quarter-finished, cutout pattern of my "Pajama Eater" project over the year, (link goes to "Sew Fearless' " original blog post and free!! pattern.  She has tons of amazing projects, check it out!)  I felt not proud, but guilty;  I had originally planned to make it for my son LAST Christmas.  By Spring,  I completely forgot about it... until I found the scraps last night in a drawer!  With my wonderful new-found energy, I finished it up in about 3 hours.  (The project probably took about 6-7 hours total, including the work last year).

Here, for your viewing pleasure, is one of  Jimmy's Christmas present this year, a "Pajama Eater".  It is part stuffed animal and part practical accessory... kids "feed" their pajamas too it in the morning instead of throwing them on the floor! Thus it is the perfect gift for a mom with toddlers... practical and adorable!

Feed me your jammies!!

Jimmy will be able to open the zipper to stuff his PJ's in (and see the cute "roadway" flannel fabric inside his mouth), and then shut it to keep the jammies nice and snug in its "tummy".

Love the teeth. 

 I can't wait to see his face when he opens this one; I promise to post a pic :)

Projects part two:

Many of you know I make reusable/foodsafe sandwich and snack bags.   I started making them after buying one at a consignment in Reston, and bemoaning the fact that I only had one, which was covered with basketballs (Jimmys style, not mine!).  I've made at least 20 at this point and have finally perfected the pattern.  I'd be happy to share the pattern with anyone who's interested!

I had a bit of a drought over the past few months of illness however, but I'm back!  In the past 2 days I've made 5.  Mostly Christmas presents, but some will be for sale at three little monkeys consignment in Sterling, VA.  So if you're interested, head on buy! They sell kid styles.  I also make 'grown up/mommy' styles, like the black/white number shown below.  Under the way-more-awesomer 'very hungry caterpillar' bag.  Yes, yes I did almost cry tears of joy when I found that fabric online.

If anyone wants a bag and can't get to the shop, or wants a particular color/style, just let me know! I'd be happy to ship =D

The only other thing I'd like to say this evening is Have a Very Candy Christmas!! To stave off a severe depression brought on my horrendous NFL hometeam, the Washington Redskins, I went a little nuts with the Christmas decorating this year, and the theme is "Candy" (as it is every year, of course. There is simply no other theme that could possibly compete with "Candy") .  Here are a few pics, including my cupcake and gumdrop centerpiece and gum drop mini tree.  Of course, I also covered the entire christmas tree in both fake and real candy.   For the tree, I made a garland out of hard candy peppermints (tied ends together with ribbon), and then proceeded to shower it with candy canes, lollipops, and other candy (both real and fake).  I'll try to add some closeups of the various candied christmas tree components soon. 

The candy theme has definitely made the short, cold days more bearable... although it also has contributed to a constant craving for sugar.  Whoops, there goes my anti-inflammatory diet...

Mini Candy Tree

Cupcake and Candy Centerpiece. Apologize for the lighting.  It looks sooo much yummier in real life :(

My favorite drool-worthy pic, a blue gum drop ornament