Hello all, Mary Ellen here.

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted anything, hasn’t it? Life just gets in the way sometimes.

Do you enjoy a good free pattern? And an easy one at that? You might enjoy Gudrun Erla’s Advent Free Pattern series. You do have to go through the check out process, but the cost of each registers as $0.00 so you are not charged anything. Here’s a link to this week’s pattern: click here

Here are some free pattern links for quilted ornaments in case you’re looking for ideas to bring to our guild Christmas dinner. Click here

How’s your Christmas sewing coming along? Do you remember making faux chenille a few years ago when it was the rage? I made potholders and scarves with great success. I’m currently working on some chenille scarves from a By Annie pattern that I used back then. Easy, cozy scarves! She must have put out a call about this pattern because I’ve seen it featured on several quilting blogs of late. Depending on the length of scarf you want, and whether you want to fringe the scarf or not, you can make one with 1-2 yards of homespun or flannel. Actually any fabric will work but a somewhat loosely woven fabric which is nice looking on both sides works best. If you need a relatively quick gift, you might like this one. Click here.    There are free instructions for one at instructables.com but I don’t agree with all of the directions that instructor gives. If you’re an experienced sewer though, you’ll be able to sort it out.