Are we back in kindergarten?????

This is a super easy way to create a festive Christmas cracker....

1.  Take an empty toilet paper tube or a length of PVC pipe cut to length.

2.  Cover the tube with low-loft quilt batting--do not globby glue as the glue will seep thru the batting.

3.  Wrap the stitching around the padded tube and stitch or glue in place.  I slipped stitched mine together as it allowed once last chance to center my stitching lengthwise.  Cover seam with rick rack.

4.  Trim ends of linen leaving about 1 inch to fold down....it tends to want to wrinkle so take your time and smooth things out.  You can tape ends down or glue them in place.

5.  Cut 1 foot lengths of tulle....play with them to see how full you want the ends. 

6.  I stuffed the inside of the tube with tulle to keep the ends from pulling away from the outside ends....if not you will get "skinny ends"....ha!!!

7.  Loosely tie with ribbons. 

Enjoy your latest creation.

You call this FAST TRACK......

If anyone can find the last month please let me know.  I really don't know where time goes but I hope it is having a really good experience!!!

On to our next ornament.  This one is Merry.  I love the little lacy edge along the bottom.  If you have decided to do your ornaments in more traditional colors you might want to edge this one in lace.

Finishing Directions:

First measure, add 1/8 inch on all sides, cut forms from the chipboard and attach quilt batting to one side of each board.

Center stitching on one board and backing fabric to the other.  When gluing try and keep the glue about 1/4 inch from the edge as it is no fun dragging your needle thru dried glue when you sew the two sides together.

Place front to back and slip stitch around the edges.  Leave 3/4 inch open at the center top.

Knot your cording to form hanging loop.  Begin by placing the cord end (the one closest to the knot) into the opening.  Glue or stitch cording around the ornament returning to the opening.  Let glue dry, TAPE cording, and then slip cord end into the opening.

Another ornament finished and ready to hang.  

Next ornament will be Wait til Dec. 25!   You will need a toilet paper roll... Just like kindergarten and I promise we will have fun!

We need to get these finished up so we all can begin stitching Lizzie*Kate's new Mystery Christmas Sampler....it is going to be wonderful.