I don't know about you, but I'm finding it hard to believe where this past year has gone?  It's simply flown by.  As I sit writing this article, I know I need rescuing from my "ostrich with head in sand" apathy before Christmas is upon me.  I really do have to get myself organized.  This year I was fully      intending for it to be a handmade Christmas;  with everyone receiving a beautifully wrapped gift lovingly made by little old me.  Oh - but this is the stuff of dreams!  Who am I kidding?  It's going to be a last minute dash, with harassed wrapping on Christmas Eve as always.
Rather than dwell on my crafty Christmas short-comings (though it's  tempting.... I could go on for pages), I shall instead share with you a few festive delights made by my        wonderfully talented mother-in-law, Elaine May - of Foxhollow Quilters, Cornwall.
 For several years, Elaine has been running quilting workshops from a beautiful Country Cabin at the bottom of the cottage garden, of her

home in rural Cornwall.  The classes are always well-attended, and over the years the students have created a host of fabric loveliness.  Knowing I had to choose which items to photo for this article was a toughie!  The cabin is packed to the rafters with fabulous makes.  You walk in the door, and you really don't know where to look first.
At the time of writing, the cabin is still wearing it's Halloween "outfit".  There are pumpkins everywhere!  The most fabulous quilts, bags, and wall-hangings are crying out to be photographed.  I'm sorry pumpkins, you're not what I'm here for - I'm on the trail of festive makes.

Before I lose myself in Christmas items though, I will give you a little taster of the quilt Elaine is currently working on;

This is just one glorious leaf panel out of many (each one a different fabric) currently adorning

the work-table.  I can't wait to see the finished quilt, it's going to be stunning.  Looking at the leaf in detail.... can you see just how tiny and perfect the blanket stitching is?  Makes me want to weep quite frankly.  I love to do blanket stitch too, but shall I say that mine is a trifle more naive (for naive read huge).
It's rather lovely to have a mother-in-law as bonkers about fabric as me.  I don't know anyone else outside my on-line community that is.  I am constantly in awe at the speed at which Elaine completes her projects.  I can think of an idea, dabble at it, and maybe in six months time (if I'm lucky) it may just be completed.  I can give Elaine the same idea, and it will be finished the day after tomorrow!  

Anyways.... onto the Christmassy bit -

Isn't this a darling little pillow?  A pretty patchwork of wintery fabrics, with the "let it

snow" wording and snowman appliquéd by hand.  
I love the little stuffed snowman that dangles from the side.  (These are jolly easy to make -- and if you look at my blog later, you'll find a tutorial to make your own).
This jolly little chap on the left is one of my favourite Christmas items.  He's simply charming, and I love the folksy heart and stars.  Again this pillow has been appliqued and embroidered by hand.
For a spot of rustic country charm, check out this little display.  A pretty embroidered pillow, two hand-crafted chickens, ditto dolls, what looks suspiciously like a bird-house brought indoors as an ornament, and two pumpkins.  And that's in just one tiny shelf unit.  
If only I could show you it all!  You'd love it, I know you would.

This snowman resplendent in his cheery red scarf and dapper hat, sits as the centre piece of

a small quilt, in charming rustic tones.  Check out the Christmas lights around the  border!  Fabulous.
I shall say goodbye for now, and end by   wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a  Happy New Year.

Don't forget to pop over to my blog Cajame Creations where you will find a tutorial to make your very own little snowman.  Great to hang on the tree or attach to a gift, this dangly snowman is quick and easy to make using a scrap of fabric and a little bit of simple embroidery.  I've included a sheet of suitable words to decorate each snowman with.