An Embroidery Basket for Lia

I bought this lovely old wicker basket at an antique store once for $10.  I've never done anything with it, but I knew that someday I'd find the perfect use for it.  At last, I've found that perfect use.  Granddaughter Lia (10 in January) watched me embroider when we visited them in October.  She was so interested that I gave her a quick lesson.  In fact, I posted a blog about this on October 19th, complete with pictures of Lia and the snail she drew and then embroidered during that visit.

I asked Lia at the time if she'd like me to give her more lessons, when we returned at Christmas.  She was most enthusiastic!  And so I've had fun lately assembling items to go into her embroidery basket.  Here are some pictures:




Here's everything placed
inside the basket.  There's plenty
of room for Lia and me to
add more fabric of her
choice for future projects.



Here are the contents of the basket spread out:  books, floss,
two packaged kits (one with the called-for floss included),
a hoop, a wonderful buy on DMC floss that includes 26
skeins, a bobbin winder, box for the bobbins,
needles of several types, felt squares,
a retracting measuring tape.  She has small scissors already
in the sewing kit I put together for her several years ago.
No thimble!  I use one, but I've yet to be able to
persuade a child to try one!



Here are the books I bought for her.  I think
the one called EMBROIDERY FOR KIDS
is the best, most complete, one.  The
other two, however, both include some
excellent project ideas.
          



Supper Club Christmas Party

My husband and I are so fortunate to belong to a supper club that has been meeting on and off since the early 70s!  More "on" than "off", though twice the group dwindled and disbanded.  Since probably the early 80s, though, these friends, some couples from the very beginning, others being added later, have met continuously.  The host always provides the main course, and then others sign up to bring appetizers, before-dinner drinks, salad, vegetable, or dessert.  The couple who last hosted gets a break and brings only bread!  Each couple brings their own wine.

Normally in December we dress up and meet at a nice restaurant.  But this year we decided to try having the meal catered and to hold it at Rosemary's house.  She has a new dining table, around which all of us will fit--now 13 members.  Another tradition is the exchanging of small Christmas gifts, always one of the fun highlights of the evening.  Here are some pictures:



All seated around the table--only our hostess and the photographer Vern are missing!



Seated:  Dave & Faith; Preston & Genie
Standing:  Vern & Martie; Rosemary; Bob & Alice, Ray & Jo;
Steve & Sharon