A Little Bit French

I met up with two friends for a cuppa this morning, one has just returned from England. And look what I received! Two lovely cushion covers all the way from a lovely French Market of all places. Are they not completely and utterly me??? Lovely linen embroidered with a heart, cotton lace and red cotton gingham. Like a dream come true they are. Thanks sweetie, you are too kind.

And now on to some lovely pictures (well actually my photos of them are trash, but you get that at times I'm afraid) of some Christmas ideas. You've probably seen them before in that lovely English Country Living mag from last year.

I'm liking these festive little pots of herbs and flowers, complete with gift tags...

And some very gingham, patchworky stockings for Santa's gifts...

I think this gardening apron is a real winner for myself. Who says you can't get yourself a present? I have some lovely linen fabric and a lovely off-cut of fabric from my kitchen apron
that should do nicely.

My preserves will look dapper with little hats like these ones... I love the simple string ties too. Maybe I could make up some little hampers with my homemade goodies for certain people.

I'm thinking about a little tree similar to this one out by the front door, or in the entrance way maybe. Perhaps with some bows and plump little hearts hung on the branches.

And I'm sure my girls will love to stitch up some felt decorations to decorate the bare tree branches...

And I'm quite certain Daughters No. 1 and 2 will want to spend a day in the kitchen baking star shaped cookies to give out as gifts. Very lovely dusted in icing sugar and wrapped in cellophane, tied with a pretty Christmas bow.

I would very much like to be wearing this lovely dress come Christmas Day...

The fabric and the style are fabulous! Might just have to try and make a pattern for one. Not sure about the belt colour, will have to give it some thought.

Whilst on The Challenge, one has to make everything, so one is finding herself rather busy these days. It doesn't help when other little people see what I've made for others and want one as well! I lost another present just this morning to this problem. I'll have to keep everything hidden I think.

Well off I go to have a bit of a tidy up. I haven't even emptied the dishwasher and it's 2pm! Goodness me, terribly slack aren't I? Oh well, I'm sure I'll get over it.