Cozy Christmas Holiday

 

Merry Christmas and Happy whatever holiday you celebrate! This was such a fun blog tour idea that I knew I had to sign up. What a great way to see all the different 5 out of 4 patterns in a holiday light, hear about traditions, and pick up a few new cookie recipes to add to your favorites! I have to admit, when I think of 5 out of 4, I think of summer tops, skorts, swim suits, ninjas, all with a sporty feel. I had to really think about what to sew, even though I’ve made some of the long sleeve fleece and sweater patterns. I love testing and sewing patterns from 5 out of 4 and am amazed by Jessica running a business with 6 kiddos! 

I finally decided on the Nancy Raglan because ever since the listing was posted, I’ve loved the cowl neck version shown. Mine is made from this Lush Fleece in red plaid and this Lush Fleece in black, both from Joann’s. I’ve been wanting a plaid dress and may have gone overboard sewing one in lush fleece! The stretch is not the recommended percentage for the pattern so my sleeves are very fitted. The rest of the dress fits fine but the fabric is so thick that I sewed the cowl with only one layer. Lush fleece is difficult to sew with, just like minky or fur. My coverstitch machine didn’t like it either. I had to do some convincing to get it to sew! It sure feels cozy! What do you think; do the lacy tights go with it or not? They were sewn last year and are Gazelles from The Wolf and the Tree.

The little snowman I’m holding is a craft we did with my sisters and our chicklets one year when we were visiting them in Colorado. So much fun!

Our Christmas tree is usually covered in snowflakes and red and white ball ornaments, although you can see that we haven’t done the decorating yet this year. The snowflakes I’m holding are ones I’ve made over the years. I just love Christmas crafts! See that stocking hanging from the mantel? I made that too. Clayten is our last child left at home so it’s the only one there.

Unless it’s very cold, I won’t be able to wear my dress on Christmas Day. We always have a fire in the fireplace even if it’s not cold enough for one (we live in Phoenix so sometimes have to turn off the heat and open the door). I will be able to wear it to church on Christmas Eve though, since the service will be held at the park. It will keep me cozy and warm! It sure felt good wearing it today and I almost didn’t take if off after the pictures!

This is my favorite time of year, but also sometimes the worst time of year. I love Christmas lights, baking cookies, parties, seeing concerts, ballets, or shows, and hearing the holiday music. But I never feel prepared enough to be able to fully enjoy everything. Some things are a must every year like decorating our home, especially the garland on the banister and the tree. Once those are are decorated and the lights are up outside, I can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere while I panic about the cards or something else! 😜Another thing we love to do is attend the Celebration of Christmas show and a driveway Christmas concert in our neighborhood every year. It gets us in the holiday spirit in a land of no snow! And reminds us that it is a celebration of Jesus most of all!

One of our traditions is to built a gingerbread house every year. Sometimes they were built from graham crackers and hot glue and sometimes they are a boxed kit. This year I dug out a gingerbread train that we didn’t get to last year. My chicklets were out of creativity after building the house so the train got put away. My son and I enjoyed some time together while I made new frosting and decorated the train. Clay is almost 17, so I’m soaking up every bit of time we spend together! The little silver tree with ornaments is a kit we worked on several years ago when my daughter was still at home. It was a Shrinky Dink kit and so much fun to work on together! We are still enjoying it each Christmas.

Another fun activity is baking cookies. I remember my sisters and I helping our mom bake and decorate Christmas cookies every year. We made the most elaborate and beautiful cookies using cake decorating bags and tips for all the little details! Since I opened my Etsy shop several years ago, we are lucky if we even have cookies at Christmas. With limited time, that is the one thing that gets left out unless I plan ahead and put some in the freezer. Making cookies for this blog tour put me just a little bit ahead with the baking, except that some of them got ruined. I thought I’d use this oversized pan…so many cookies fit on it!

But it was a bad idea!

P.S. Don’t use a dark pan for these cookies! My old silver colored one worked way better!

Press cookies are the ones I try to make every year. They are quick to make and no frosting required so when you pull them out of the oven, they are done! Of course, when I made these, I had problems with the press so they were not fast like they are supposed to be! Look how festive and pretty they are though!

Check out the others on the blog tour by clicking on the names below. There have been some great outfits, traditions, and recipes!

SURPRISE! If you’ve read this far, you are eligible to enter for a chance to win a pattern from 5 out of 4! Just leave a comment below before December 10. Do you make holiday crafts, have a special tradition, or a favorite 5 out of 4 pattern?

 

Blog Tour December 1 – Marvelous Auntie M | ah baby! Custom Design

December 2 – Elli & Nels in Stitches | Sewn at Seams

December 3 – Pattern Revolution

December 4 – My Heart Will Sew On | Fabulous Home Sewn

December 5 – Wonderfully Handmade | Randoms by Rydz

December 6 – Sewing with D | Octaves of Color

December 7 – Turtle Birdies