Enjoying the Holly-days

It's Christmas Eve! I have not been this excited about holidays for several years now. No one around me wanted to put much thought in gift giving and that is my favorite part. I would spend hours coming up with 'perfect' presents and get a check in return because no one had ideas. The element of fun and surprise was lost.

This year, my tree is overflowing with gifts for me and I have absolutely no clue what I am getting. Alex has caught me trying to sneak glances and has chased me away. He let me open one gift early which was a perfect little black dress that is so comfy. My mom also got me an amazing lime green KitchenAid mixer that has a pasta maker attachment.

This year I also felt settled in my new life enough to really come up with some good gifts for my family. Alex got a new set of golf clubs. I hope one of his friends invites him golfing soon so he stops playing in the living room!

And for my mom..

This adorable teal dress was made with Vogue Vintage Basic Design 1881. My boss leant me the pattern after we decided it would be a good fit for my mom. It's basic enough to wear during the day or could become an evening look with the right accessories. My mom also started taking dance classes so I wanted something with movement she might want to dance in.

This is the first dress I have sewn together in its entirety without my boss or aunt or nana helping me through the process.  It was definitely hair pulling! I had to tear out seams numerous times, broke a needle, and originally hemmed the wrong side up. Overall, I am happy that I fought through frustration before adding it to the closet of unfinished projects. Fingers crossed that it fits.

I hope your holly-days are filled with surprises and good memories. The countdown to gift unwrapping is on!