January | 2014 | Stitch It Again

Aspire each day to laugh and be happy!

That’s the hopeful message printed on one of the towel toppers I made as gifts for Christmas. I used this tutorial again, like I did in my Hanging out in the Kitchen post.

Amazingly, I remembered how to sew the buttonholes.

I received pretty crocheted potholders from a neighbor to whom I gave a couple of my towel holders. They are perfectly made, and I love the ridges. I found the pattern online on Ravelry as German potholders. The description reads “Every girl born before 1938 in Germany had to learn how to make those in Elementary School – and was graded for this skill! Traditionally, made in identical pairs”. This accurately describes the giver of these potholders; I’ll have to ask her if she knows the pattern by heart.

I also received a gift card in this beautifully handmade wallet. Look at the pretty Asian themed fabric , the Japanese coin used as a faux closure, the perfect stitching, and the many slots for cards. Interestingly, the maker of this wallet was also foreign born.

Although I don’t have the identical pattern for this wallet, the following are some pattern options found on my free little projects page on Pinterest.