The Sewing Place
The Emporia => Patchwork & Quilting ... Welcome to the Darkside => Current Projects => Topic started by: datcat23 on June 07, 2020, 01:01:05 AM
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:scream: She said it ..... she really said it! :faints:
Well people its that time again. Time for datty to scare the bejesus out of everyone, by saying the "C" word, way too early.
We have have had plague, sadness and civil unrest, and in Australia, we have also had a summer of fire. The economy and our collective sanity, are taking a battering.
I am a bit rudderless this year. I am in a different job, and the usual excessive gift giving I do, isn't required. I will still be sewing for my previous manager and office mates, but not the extended group that I used to. And at this point, I have no idea what I might do.
For my nephews, I think I am going to find a golf club cover pattern, and embroider them some covers. I might also pull my focus back, and look at sewing more for my immediate family. Maybe the traditional xmas pj's, something I have never done before. And I am going to encourage hubby to resurrect his HP keys 3d printing project. I have an organza embroidery file for a xmas tree angel - I might work on that.
And gift bags ..... definitely gift bags.
Don't be scared, a little bit of planning won't hurt ..... I promise.
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Can you sew us an aeroplane to go home with please Datcat?
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How very sensible to plan ahead Datcat. How much last minute angst and panic that would avoid. Every year I sew at least 7 or 8 gifts, and every year despite best intentions everything is down to the wire. I don't have an idea in my head yet but let's see if 2020 can set a new trend.
@Catllar you do realise that means you'll be there til Christmas?
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Methinks @datcat23 is right to start planning for Christmas. I also think that thre will be a lot more last-minute panic than usual. So many people have become lethargic with cabin fever during extended periods of shielding, quarantine, self isolation or whatever and all of a sudden it will be mid December.
No idea what I might sew, but gift bags seem likely if I can find some suitable inexpensive fabric.
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I don't feel so strange sewing a Christmas tree skirt now.
Thanks @datcat23 :thumbsup:
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Are you even earlier than usual @datcat23? I thought the excrement usually hit the ventilation system in July...I might be wrong. 0_0
A couple of our Stateside pals have been C*******s sewing a couple of days every month, or started to. Last year I cancelled C*******s 2020 but of course it's reinstated. :[
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I usually start around the end of the month making for Christmas Fairs... don’t know if I’ll do ant pay this year,
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Can you sew us an aeroplane to go home with please Datcat?
Datcat's DH's 3D printer should do nicely for that.
I agree that it's good to start planning and think the PJ idea will be good.
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Are we sure Christmas is happening this year? :S
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Can you sew us an aeroplane to go home with please Datcat?
I wish I could, *hugs* big time for you.
Are you even earlier than usual @datcat23? I thought the excrement usually hit the ventilation system in July...I might be wrong. 0_0
A couple of our Stateside pals have been C*******s sewing a couple of days every month, or started to. Last year I cancelled C*******s 2020 but of course it's reinstated. :[
Yes I am a month earlier this year. What can I say? I am a bit bored. :devil:
I don't feel so strange sewing a Christmas tree skirt now.
Thanks @datcat23 :thumbsup:
Your welcome
Are we sure Christmas is happening this year? :S
There is that .... this virus is like slow motion torture. Here in Aus, we have gone hard early, and its paying off, but there's no knowing what its going to be like in 6 months.
Maybe the plan should be ...... Plan Christmas Crafts that can be Posted.
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Thank you, datcat - I was starting to think about Christmas stuff but thought I was too early. It's usually Christmas in July but I have a few ceramic things that need spray sealing. The weather needs to be good to do that outside.
I think after all that has happened we need something to look forward to - Christmas or Hanukkah or the winter holiday that you personally celebrate fits that description. I'm looking forward to something that I recognise as normal.
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Totally agree with @MitchOfTheNorth. Everything has been very weird and nobody has any idea if our version of normal will ever come back. We need to learn to adjust, but have something to look forward to. I hadn't thought about it, but I cannot imagine that my eldest will take any notice of any rules if it means she cannot come home for Christmas. She has been shielding with her boyfriend since 13th March, but nothing and nobody will be capable of keeping her away at Christmas. I hope it doesn't come to that. I do, on the other hand, think this is an opportunity for a different Christmas, maybe less stuff and more thought put into it. I think I might call a family meeting on the subject. Maybe enphasize home-made of gifts which come from the heart (I can hear my son composing already, the musician in the family)
:thinking:
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I have always thought that @Lisalou1965. I was admiring both my favourite gifts yesterday in fact. One is a
rusty distressed bird feeding station made from scraps of metal that were lying around the place and a quilt ruler rack lovingly 'crafted' from a chunk of wood found in him indoors' garage during a clear out. 0_0
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As part of my planning, I thought that I might focus on pj's this year. And so for my daughter and my niece will be a nightgown and matching robe, in this ancient Kwiksew pattern.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50078614116_e651caa300_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jigZgj)KS nightgown (https://flic.kr/p/2jigZgj) by Dani (https://www.flickr.com/photos/datcat/), on Flickr
My niece will love them in a slippery, shiny satin, but I think I might make my daughter's in a soft lawn.
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I picked up some pinecones on my daily penance (walk). When they open up, I will tip them with silver, green and red acrylic paints then pile them in a bowl nearer the time.
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I picked up some pinecones on my daily penance (walk). When they open up, I will tip them with silver, green and red acrylic paints then pile them in a bowl nearer the time.
DD came home from primary school (almost) every day with a book bag full of pine cones. Very useful for Christmas Art Day at school.
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I'm getting out the spray sealer and coating the mini pink Christmas village. Then I can add the fake snow and it will be done. Then, it's finding the navy acrylic paint to cover over a Christmas plate that my mom started. I have no problem repainting it - if she had liked her results, she would have finished it. After a new basecoat, I'll drybrush it in silver and spray finish it for sister#3. More astonishing is that I know exactly where the plate is in the destruction zone that masquerades as my sewing room.
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DD2 came home for lunch to me watching a Christmas movie while putting snow on pink Christmas houses. Village is complete now. Christmas plate just needs some more silver drybrushing and then a few light coats of gloss sealer. I'm taking it to Sister#3 when I take DD2 to the airport.
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I’m really not sure what Christmas will be like this year, but in act of defiance to the dreaded virus, I’m crocheting an elf for my granddaughter. I’m sure Santa will still be doing his rounds even if he has to wear gloves and a face covering, so he will need some elves 0_0 Oh, those little thin arms and legs are so fiddly!
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Is anyone else thinking about Christmas? I remember some of our US contingent talking about Christmas sewing every month around the 25th and I wondered had anyone else given it any thought? I'm feeling the need for fiddly gifty things so if anybody has any good ideas I'm all eyes. 8)
Got any pics to cheer us all up? :)
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Is anyone else thinking about Christmas? I remember some of our US contingent talking about Christmas sewing every month around the 25th and I wondered had anyone else given it any thought? I'm feeling the need for fiddly gifty things so if anybody has any good ideas I'm all eyes. 8)
Got any pics to cheer us all up? :)
I echo the above, particularly if anyone has any ideas for a suitable make for an 18th month old little girl?
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18 month olds are the best. They think everything is brilliant! :laughing: What about something like an I spy quilt. Just simple squares with lots of things to point at? Have we seen you on the darkside @annieeg? It's nicer than it sounds. :)
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I should be in full Christmas crafting mode getting ready for Christmas Fairs....I’ve done nothing.
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@Efemera I thought you were a cert!!! :o
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@annieeg I second @wrenkins' thoughts. Anything (clothing, quilts, playmats - anything) where you can say 'Where's the bunny?' 'Which bit is green?' is brilliant with an 18 month old.
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@Efemera I thought you were a cert!!! :o
I’m not doing any fairs this year @wrenkins ...too risky in my opinion, that’s if there going ahead which I doubt.
I may sell a few things on FB
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@wrenkins @Acorn
Here's a picture of an alphabet panel which I'm thinking of quilting and giving to my great-niece for xmas (plus some other bits I might make). Presumably if I use quiilt batting it could be used for either a small playmat or a wall hanging? [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
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That looks great @annieeg. You could put big borders on if you wanted to make it bigger. I don't know what size it is but a play mat sounds like a good plan.
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Absolutely! :thumbsup:
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@Acorn @wrenkins
This is the other piece I was thinking of making for my great neice.
Its from: https://www.amazon.co.uk/101-Great-Ways-Sew-Metre/dp/0715337785/ref=sr_1_2?crid=CHCQWMJYHFX5&dchild=1&keywords=101+ways+to+sew+a+metre&qid=1599834779&sprefix=101+ways+to+sew+a+%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-2
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That is sweet! 0_0
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I am going to attempt to make a rainbow quilt for a great niece. Mrbeej told her not to hold her brearth as she will probably have it in about 2 years. rally am ot that slow!
Last year I bought Christmassy fabric and did not use it so will make a couple of table runners for daughter and for me. Not planning much and only gift will be rainbow quilt which G niece has chosen the pattern for
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Here is Alf the elf. He is off hiding in a cupboard now, until the days get shorter and he knows it’s the right time to start work! 0_0
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I'm in luuuurve. :loveit: :loveit: :loveit:
Look at his little plump dungarees! :laughing:
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I'm in luuuurve. :loveit: :loveit: :loveit:
Look at his little plump dungarees! :laughing:
It is a free pattern in case anyone is interested. Here is the link
http://www.heartandsew.co.uk/2015/11/christmas-elf-free-crochet-amigurumi.html
I added a little neck tie to hide the neck join and put ties on the shoes rather than fur.
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Your little elf is wonderful!!! What a lucky little person to be getting him.
I have to say, I am not particularly enamoured with this "tradition", but I know it is hugely popular in the UK, and a lot of young 'uns have grown up with it over the last ten years or so.
Lx
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I think it's a US thing - I've seen the odd one in shops in the UK, but everyone I know who has one is in the US. I find it a bit creepy, but I think children are less inclined to see this than adults are.
I could definitely be converted by Sheilago's little elf though - I think I'd present it as an elf to keep you company in the run up to Christmas rather than one who's spying on you to see if you behave!
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Noo! Is that what it's for :S? What a horrible idea :angry:I
I've never heard of it....not do I want to
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They have become very popular in UK in recent years. I'm not sure they spy on children; they are more likely to be up to mischief themselves.
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Nowhere does this (https://www.livescience.com/39689-history-of-elves.html) say that they spy on children. They are helpful and industrious making toys in the run up to Christmas. They don't have time to faff about watching people. :o They sometimes get in mischief but usually they're too busy. :laughing:
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It was friends in the US that told me they were there to spy on Father Christmas's behalf. Maybe our US members can tell us whether that is the general attitude?
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Phew!!! But it still sounds very American to me, like Xmas Eve boxes??!!??
I have several grandchildren and I've never heard them speak of these customs.Still, times move on I suppose
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I did find this on the Elf on the Shelf (https://www.elfontheshelf.com) website.
"The elf on the shelf tradition is a special Scout Elf sent from the North Pole to help Santa Claus manage his naughty and nice lists."
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Elf on the shelf is scary, but this one is the friendly type who helps make toys. :D. I always crochet little first toys for my grandchildren when they’re born. As the next one is due in December, I crocheted a reindeer, which has the advantage of being gender neutral! The elf is really so baby’s 2 year old sister also gets something. I’m not sure about the spy elf tradition either,
Having said that , when I was young we had a fairy on top of our tree and we were told she was watching to see if we were all good in the run up to Christmas. I remember very conscientiously tidying my dolls‘ house in case she checked! Perhaps I need a fairy checking on me now- with very few visitors, diligent housework seems less important !
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Hi all, just checking in on everyone, to see how we are all going? I have been lacking a bit of sewjo, and so not much of my xmas sewing is getting done. Still, it is only September. I have been avoiding starting the satin bedroom set, but I should be braver, I have done it before.
These are some embroideries I am working on. Eventually these will be golf club covers for one of my nephews. There is another set to be made. These are for the fronts, and I am working on the quilted sides in coordinating fabrics.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50362047976_7a871da20d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jJjEh1)Golf club covers (https://flic.kr/p/2jJjEh1) by Dani (https://www.flickr.com/photos/datcat/), on Flickr
This in an early job. DD, actually asked me to sew something for her, which is unheard of. Her classroom is a large open plan place, and as it warms up, she is finding she doesn't have pockets to hold her mobile phone, markers etc. I plan to make her a proper apron, maybe for xmas, but this is an upcycle from a bib style apron, to get her through the rest of the year.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50361351983_5388dd5acc_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jJg6o8)Teacher apron (https://flic.kr/p/2jJg6o8) by Dani (https://www.flickr.com/photos/datcat/), on Flickr
I repurposed one of the aprons I embroidered last year, cutting the bib off, removing the pocket, embroidering on it, and reattaching. I then used the bottom third of the apron to make the full width pocket. The pocket is lined with a scrap of VanGogh Dr who fabric, for the required nerd factor. Its a bit of a bodge job, but it will do.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50362209552_535c42b247_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jJkuiN)Teacher apron (https://flic.kr/p/2jJkuiN) by Dani (https://www.flickr.com/photos/datcat/), on Flickr
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Our local garden centre opened their Christmas shop this week.
Too early for many but I don't care, I love Christmas planning, shopping and anticipation more than the event itself!
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She's making a list and checking it twice. It's that time of year when I figure out who gets what. While I'm sorting that out, it's time to get ready for Halloween. I've got "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" on. I need to get my spooky sewing on - a couple of wallhanging panels to make up.
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I've just started on the presents that need making. By that I mean I have just placed orders with two online fabric shops... :)
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Made some table mats and coasters....
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Oh , they are gorgeous. Such perfect binding round those curves! :D
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Made some table mats and coasters....
Oh they're so cute :)
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They're lovely. So neat and pretty.
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More little Christmas gifts... hand sanitiser pouches. The pattern is here if you’re interested. I tweaked as my bottle necks were bigger... I lengthened the strap too....and I LOVE Kam snaps!
http://charmedbyashley.com/hand-sanitizer-bottle-holder-tutorial/
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Finished my primitive snowman.... may make a few and sell them
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I made a few (with fabric loops rather than your rather nice hardware clips. Your fabric is rather cute too.
I was rather cross when I noticed several brands changing to a much wider neck shape, not much narrower than the bottle so the opening has to be really tight to stop even a little bit of stretching out causing the bottle to shoot out like a bar of soap in a wet hand! :S
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I made a few (with fabric loops rather than your rather nice hardware clips. Your fabric is rather cute too.
I was rather cross when I noticed several brands changing to a much wider neck shape, not much narrower than the bottle so the opening has to be really tight to stop even a little bit of stretching out causing the bottle to shoot out like a bar of soap in a wet hand! :S
I just refill mine.
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Circular sewing again....upgraded to a drawing pin and a bit of Duck Tape!
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I've finished off and shipped out DD2's advent calendar. This is the panel Dashwood Advent Bags (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dashwood-CHRISTMAS-ADVENT-CALENDAR-FABRIC/dp/B07G34238F) It's really cute but 24 little bags gets a little tedious. I've made and sent her a Christmas pillowcase.
On my list are 2 pillowcases for DD1 and her bf, Christmas jammies for DD1 and DD2 (and possibly me too). And new stockings for the immediate family. There's also 2 (possibly 3) tree skirts. I'm ready for a new one - after 26 years, I want something new.
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Toooooo cute @Ellabella <3
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the 2 patchwork pictures, now framed. Mrbeej painted the frames.
They will go up to the grandchildren who are wild animal crazy
(https://i.postimg.cc/Hsc7zbg3/IMG-20201122-103055.jpg)
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What a great idea... love the bright colours.
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Those are lovely.
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DD1's Christmas pillowcases are done. DD2's stocking and Christmas pajamas are done. Mr. Mitch's pillowcase and his stocking are up next.
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My xmas sewing has been a bit light on this year. I have changed jobs, and so I don't have the huge team to sew for (my choice) that I have in the past. For my little team I am in now, I have used some left over gifts from last year (lace covered baubles) as their gifts.
Last weekend, I finished and wrapped my gift to my niece. A satin and lace nightgown, and matching robe. The robe pattern had lace on the neckline and sleeves, but I didn't have enough lace, so faced the openings instead. The pattern is a vintage KwikSew pattern ... probably OOP now.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50668764153_d94fec7627.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kcqEiX)Nightgown and robe (https://flic.kr/p/2kcqEiX) by Dani (https://www.flickr.com/photos/datcat/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50668764063_ab2876527b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kcqEhp)Nightgown and robe (https://flic.kr/p/2kcqEhp) by Dani (https://www.flickr.com/photos/datcat/), on Flickr
Closeup of the bodice treatment.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50668763968_96de27277f.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kcqEfL)Nightgown and robe (https://flic.kr/p/2kcqEfL) by Dani (https://www.flickr.com/photos/datcat/), on Flickr
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This year, after many many years working in the school, I scored a permanent role in the department. I have actually been acting in the role since this time last year, but now its permanent. And so, this year, for the first time in over a decade, I have not been planning to sew 25+ gifts for the people at work.
That being said, the purpose of this topic is for xmas craft planning .... and not doing things at the last minute.
Rules .... they be for breaking .... aren't they? :facepalm:
I had planned on giving small gifts to the small team I am part of. Only 4 people, nice small group, and I used some leftover gifts from last year (embroidered baubles). Added to this, homemade ginger nuts, fudge and rum balls.
On Sunday night, I realised that I was attending a farewell at my old work (tomorrow), and decided I wanted to do a gift for the office team I worked with. Only 4, not that big a job .... :rolleyes:
Raid the fabric bin, and dig out an old faithful bag pattern. I didn't buy any new fabric/notions for this .... all from the stash. 4 tote bags, in two days, around my work hours. WTH was I thinking?
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50722533126_0a5e0cf5aa_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2khbeXd)Work xmas gifts (https://flic.kr/p/2khbeXd) by Dani (https://www.flickr.com/photos/datcat/), on Flickr
So here is my old work/new work gifts ready to go. Just have to add some food goodies to the bags tomorrow.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50722621577_2ac9f8f86d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2khbGfe)Work xmas gifts (https://flic.kr/p/2khbGfe) by Dani (https://www.flickr.com/photos/datcat/), on Flickr
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Today's request - because there haven't been any Christmas fairs to buy any - was a bag of reindeer food.
I used out of date pumpkin seeds, but reindeer aren't fussy, they like any bird seed, lentils etc and it needs a bit of glitter or granulated sugar so that Santa can see it.
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??????? :S
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I think it's probably to leave out for Father Christmas together with his mince pie and sherry on Christmas Eve. :thumbsup:
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:thumbsup: