Kawaii Winter Wonderland - Finished!

The flu took over our household this weekend (despite the fact that all members have received the flu shot a few months ago), leaving me with plenty of time to watch silly Christmas movies and finish up my Kawaii Winter Wonderland Sampler.

I really like how it turned out and am pleased with my choice to use the sparkly cloth...even if it did mean I had to make a few minor changes to the original pattern.

My favorite is the penguin and the owl...my husband likes the pickle and the partridge the best. Do you have a favorite?

Overall, I enjoyed working on this winter sampler...it provided some needed on-the-go sewing and relaxing and helped me get into the holiday spirit. Now I just need to figure out how to frame it!

Kawaii Winter Wonderland: AKA My Current Obsession

When I saw that the girls of Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery were doing a cross stitch Christmas Countdown, I knew I needed to participate. It was the perfect project to get me in the holiday spirit - so I went and got my supplies and started stitching in the evenings while my dashing husband studies for his exams.

I decided to use some silver sparkled aida cloth so I've changed the color scheme a bit to match, but so far I am loving the results...and yes, I did have to take out some (a lot) of stitches to change the outlines to green, but it was worth it.

I most likely will be posting pictures of my progress on instagram (username: PurplePandaQuilts) with the hashtag #kawaiixmas as well as on twitter (@PrplePandaQuilt) and I would love to see your progress when you decide to make one too!

If you are looking for a perfect holiday project - this is it. And the pattern is on sale for only 10 dollars until November 10th.

Happy Christmas Eve!

Today is one of my favorite days of the entire year -- we decorate our Christmas Tree, put up the stockings, make cookies, and enjoy some quality family time. It's a time of the year that's so full of traditions and makes me appreciate my family. This year, especially, my thoughts are with those people who don't have families to share the holidays with...people like the foster children I've been working with this year.

I am so thankful for the outpouring of support from people all over the world who participated in the Stockings for Kids drive. I received over 250 stockings from all corners of the globe -- my husband was quite excited when a package arrived from Turkey -- for the foster children in Central Virginia. Due to the generosity of local businesses, churches, community service groups, and people like you, we were able to stuff the stockings and tomorrow morning many children will get to open a Christmas stocking.

 A snapshot of some of the many stockings we got this year.

Toys ready to be divided up into the stockings

Just some of the many games ready to be divided up into the stockings.

Thank you again for your love and generosity this holiday season!