Keepsake flowers

Weddings are one of those special occasions where you want to remember as much about the day as possible. To help grooms and brides capture those memories for years to come there's photos, cards and favors. But what about those flowers?

I loved my color choices and the arrangement Burge Flower Shop, Asheboro, N.C., created for Chris and my wedding this past April. So I wanted a way to preserve those as well.

Luckily, I had discovered Gina's Freeze Dried Flowers last December at a bridal shower at Castle McCulloch, Jamestown, N.C.

For a little more than 30 bucks, Gina Wolfe freeze dried my bouquet and my dad's boutonnière and arranged them in heart-shaped ornaments (seen above). Now my parents and Chris and I have another way to remember that special day.

Gina can also make arrangements in frames — starting at a little more than $100.

Always make a model

It's always a good idea to make a model on any project you plan to give as a gift.

These gloves were such a perfect fit, that I knew I could whip up a second pair with confidence and know that my sister would love them.



And she did.

The pattern is from Debbie Stoller's "Stitch 'N Bitch: the Happy Hooker," a pattern book I talk about often.

I did become quite frustrated making these jewelry totes, pattern from Betty Oppenheimer's "Sew and Stow." But after going through five needles (yes, I broke four), I finally whipped these things up in time for gift exchanging yesterday. (Note: Do not attempt to sew over zippers. Make sure you knew where they are located in your fabric!)

Here are five, but I made eight, including the test I am keeping for myself.



This is a zipper pocket to hold necklaces and bracelets.



Here is a pocket with a flap. It's supposed to have hook and eyes, but I didn't like that idea. It was too late to buy Velcro or snaps, but I think this will work fine without any type of closure.



These are ear ring pockets in large, medium and small.



The tote also has yellow double-fold bias tape along the edge for binding and along the back as a tie.

I used yellow thread on top and blue in the bobbin because I really liked the effect. Unfortunately, the color combo displays my amateur sewing skills along the binding.

Other Christmas gifts included these birdies for niece Bridgette and this hat and hacky sack for brother-in-law (and Bridgette's dad) Aaron.

     

  

  

Interweave buys CrochetMe.com

Kim Werker, owner of CrochetMe.com and editor of "Interweave Crochet," has announced she's sold her Web site to Interweave.

But no fears, Werker and Interweave promise to keep the site free and users will continue to own the information they post. The only thing changing -- more features. Neither Werker nor Interweave explained what those features might be.

Werker has also stepped down as editor of "Interweave Crochet." She'll remain as creative consultant and blogger for CrochetMe.com.

Werker founded CrochetMe.com in 2004.