Goodbye 2012 ~ Hello 2013...

Oh, where have the last twelve months gone? They have just flown past!!! I can remember my parents saying that each year goes faster than the ones before it. Unfortunately, they were correct. The thing is, though, that I seem to have more I want to achieve each year... doesn't add up really, but one good thing is, I'll never be bored... LOL!!!

Here are some of my favourite projects from 2012. There's too many to show all my projects... way more than I completed in 2011. Click on the photo to take you to the actual project...

Vintage Patterns...

It's not that long since I took part in the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day, earlier this month. I forgot to tell you that, once again, I won something. All of the patterns pictured above, have travelled from the other side of the world, and arrived safely at my house.

Threading Your Way ~ Features

Sorry I missed last week's features, but I was busily sewing for a handmade Christmas. I gave more handmade gifts than I ever have and everyone in my family received one.

When I began Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way, I initially set all the link parties to close one year from starting, even though I always intended to keep them running indefinitely. I couldn't find an option to have no finishing date, so chose one year. As it's almost a year since the first party began, I've changed all the ending dates to two years away. Assuming I'm still blogging in 2015, I'll extend them again then.

The features for this week...

I just love these bags added to the Drawstring Bags and Fabric Baskets link party...

Drawstring Bags by Sandra, from Sandra Sews

Art Caddy...

I did it!!! I finished all the sewing for my handmade Christmas. A couple of planned items were substituted with another less time consuming to make item, but everyone in my family received at least one handmade gift.

Drawstring Bag...

This drawstring bag was packed last week and sent to the other side of the country, along with lots of other handmade goodies.

Easy Skirt...

This little skirt is a very belated gift for a little baby girl. Skirts don't get any easier than this. I've used the Faith, Hope and Love Skirt from Create HOPE Designs. 

Gift Wrapping ~ Scrappy Bow...

Are you looking for a super quick and no cost way to jazz up your gifts? Make a scrappy bow and attach it to your festive wrapping. You can construct one in just two minutes, using supplies you already have at home. Here's how...

Threading Your Way ~ Features

How are your plans for the festive season coming along? I've been madly sewing and am making steady progress, but I'm not sure if ten days will be enough!!! Either I'll be making a mad dash out to the shops at the last minute, or I'll have to cut down on sleep... LOL!!!

This week's fabulous features...

A gorgeous vintage top added to both the Baby Clothes and Accessories link party and the Aprons and Art Smocks link party...

Vintage Ruffled Apron Top Tutorial by Cass, from Cass Can Sew

Drawstring Bag...

Here's a drawstring bag I've just finished. It's large enough to be used as a shopping bag, has the convenience of shoulder straps and can be folded and put into a handbag when empty.

I have an old drawstring bag, that I use all the time, in addition to my handbag, to maybe carry a sweater, a bottle of water and some food. This latest bag is not for me, however. It's a VERY belated birthday present. Once I finished the bag, I ummed and erred over whether I'd gift it or keep it for myself.

Threading Your Way ~ Features

The festive season is fast approaching, so I thought I'd feature cards and gift tags added to the Gift Wrapping link party. Most of these fabulous ideas are easy to make and use materials you probably already have at hand. Handmade cards really personalise a gift and make it extra special.

Gift Tags by Shannon, from Sewing Barefoot

Winner ~ Sew Mama Sew Giveaway

I hope you all had fun during the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day. I certainly did!!! I've found lots of new blogs that I'll now be keeping up with. I loved reading your comments about your plans for 2 yards of Amy Butler fabric.

If you are new to Threading My Way, WELCOME!!!

Christmas Skirt...

When Caroline, from Sew Can She, asked if I would guest post on She Sews, I headed straight for the kids' clothes tutorial archives. Hmmm... so many wonderful tutorials to choose from. It was difficult to narrow it down, but I was looking for a tutorial for a Christmas outfit for a special little Miss. The 4th July Ruffle Skirt by Terra, from Mama Says Sew, caught my eye. It was perfect for what I had in mind.

Sewn by YOU...

I get a kick out of seeing projects that have been made using one of my tutorials, so I thought I'd share some photos.

Projects that have been Sewn by YOU, using tutorials from Threading My Way...

The first three projects, by Ros, MSY and Mira, have been made using the Fabric Basket Tutorial. I've never timed how long it takes to make this fabric basket, but it's not long. Ros estimates about 15 - 20 minutes, without interruptions.

Ros from Sew Delicious

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day

This is my fourth time participating in Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day and each time I've been lucky enough to win something. 

Giveaway day actually runs for the week and I know I'll be like a mad woman, reading, commenting and crossing my fingers that I'll win something again. Whether I win something or not, I know I'll find lots of fabulous blogs.

With further ado, here's what I'm offering to one lucky reader......

- 1 yard of Peacock Feathers and 1 yard of Lotus, both by Amy Butler
- The Practical Guide to Patchwork by Elizabeth Hartman

Threading Your Way ~ Features

This week's features...

Check out the latest project added to the Softies, Dolls and Toys link party. This is the best baby doll bed I have seen!!! I've added the tutorial to my To Do list...

Baby Doll Bed Tutorial by Patty, from Make It Cozee