Holiday Kick-off Giveaway

Well, the season of giving has begun and what better way to kick start it but with a giveaway!





I am giving away one of these sassy little spectacle cases - which are not just for spectacles. The case has 3 pockets - one for your sunglasses/spectacles, one for your cell phone and one skinny one for your pen. Everything in one place - no more digging around in that purse.




Things you need to know:

1) This contest is open to anyone.

2) Contest ends Sunday, November 29, 2009 at midnight

3) Make sure you leave me your email address so I can contact you. I will also reveal the winner in a post on Monday, November 30, 2009

How to enter:


1) Simply leave a comment on this post

2) Get one extra entry (make sure you enter it as a new comment and provide the link) if you tweet about this giveaway on Twitter.
3) Get one extra entry if you become a Sew Mo' Facebook fan - or if you are a fan already - mention this giveaway to your friends on your Facebook wall. (make sure you enter it as a new comment and provide the link)

Good luck!

Fun Frugality

So I'm trying to be more frugal this Holiday season. Every year round this time, I get holiday decorating fever. All of the decor magazines have their holiday issues out and I must have all of them. I cozy up on the couch with a warm coffee & peruse the pages...So inspiring! The drawback? They make me want all of the latest colour schemes, tree decorations, wreaths, etc. - things that are just not in my budget! This year I promised myself I would just work with what I already own. Perhaps a little revamping will be required, but I am not allowed to buy any new holiday decorations - except for fresh greenery...come on - I have to buy something or I will go into withdrawal...

So here's my first project. I did it on Sunday in about 30 minutes. I bought this faux berry wreath at Pier One Imports 2 years ago. I put this up come October as it has kind of orange berries and looks great for Thanksgiving.

To up date it for Christmas I have added a few little silver ornaments that I already owned (from IKEA) and wired them on to the wreath with floral wire (found this at the bottom of my toolbox).

That's it. That's all I did and I think it looks very Holiday-ish, no? What do you think?

Hang Your Stockings!

I love the look of Christmas stockings hanging over a mantel. Unfortunately, I don't have a fireplace. My childhood home didn't have a fireplace either, but I remember my mother hanging our stockings on our stair railing. It worked really well and looked very nice. I think I'm going to follow her lead and do the same thing in my home.

I've rounded up some tutorials (most from marthastewart.com) that have inspired me and will perhaps do the same for you.

Christmas Stocking with Wool Felt Icicles

Sequined Mohair Stockings

Modern Stocking

Rickrack Stocking

Sweater Stocking

Craft Show Chaos

Hello strangers. It's been over a week hasn't it? Well, I have a good excuse. I've been sucked into the craft show scene the past 2 weeks. Here is a picture to prove it:

This was at Craft Off The Lot - a 4 day show right here in Toronto.

I am now preparing for Movies & Makers - An Art & Craft Show presented by Fox Theatre and GirlCanCreate.com . The show will feature the amazing work of local artisans from 10 am - 4 pm. Following the art & craft sale at 4:30 pm, the film Handmade Nation will be featured. Handmade nation is a documentary about the craft movement. If you would like to see the trailer for the movie click here. I will be staying for the movie as well! Can't wait to see it.

For more info on Movies & Makers and for a taste of the artisans featured visit the Movies & Makers blog here.

Is it too early to talk about Christmas Stockings? I found a great DIY for tomorrow's post...

Holding My Breath!

Well, here we are - almost midway into the month of November. The time of year when the Christmas commercials have started to appear on the television (whilst Halloween candy is still present - though reduced remarkably - on grocery store shelves). This is also the time of year when I start to hold my breath in hopes that my Christmas Cactus will bloom successfully.

Caring for the Christmas Cactus, in the general, is relatively easy, the hard part is getting the thing to bloom in time for Christmas...or to bloom anytime of the year for that matter. I have had my plant for over 10 years now. I scored it when I moved out of my parent's house into my first apartment (only because they were moving to a new house as well and were trying to get rid of as much as they could). It is a healthy plant and has given me much joy over the years with it's beautiful fuchsia blooms every November like clockwork.

The sad part of my story is that it hasn't bloomed since HH and I moved into our new house. This is probably due to the fact that I initially had a hard time finding a good location for it. I believe I have now found the ideal spot for it and it has been residing there since last January, so I'm hoping that it will bloom fully this year.

Here are some Christmas Cactus Care tips:

• Light: Bright
• Water: Evenly Moist (spring, summer); Drench, Let Dry (fall, winter)
• Humidity: Average Home
• Temperature: Average House temperature to Cool
• Fertilizer: High Phosphorus
• Potting Mix: All-Purpose

It seems many people go to great lengths to get their cactus to bloom (i.e placing the plant a closet from 6pm-6am for a period of 6-8 weeks). I have no doubt that this would work, but I think that is too much work! I say let nature take it's course. If your plant doesn't bloom, it is likely not in the right location. Also - don't panic if your plant doesn't bloom in November or December - I would think the blooming time varies depending on where you are in the world.

One more tip - once the buds form on your cactus DO NOT move the plant. If you do, the buds will gradually fall off before they get a chance to bloom.

Would love to hear any tips that you have so drop me a note if your feel the urge.

Upcoming Shows!

I'm still alive! Just been very busy these days preparing for the Christmas holiday season. I have two craft shows coming up that I thought my Toronto area readers might be interested in. I will be at both of these shows, but there will be many, MANY other amazing crafters! Come on out and support your local artisans. It's a great way to kick off your holiday shopping with some fantastic one of a kind gifts!:

1) Craft Off the Lot

November 12th - 15th, 2009 (see link below for hours)

1030 King Street West, Toronto

CRAFT off the Lot is an artisan represented exhibition bringing Canada's best and brightest talents for everyone to experience. Join us for a weekend of amazing one of a kind & hand crafted works. Whether you are shopping for yourself or a friend or just wish to see what Canadian design has to offer, CRAFT off the Lot is a great way to spend an afternoon.

2) McCarthy Tétrault Craft Fair

November 13th 12pm-2pm

Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, 66 Wellington Street West, 29th floor