Santa Stars

I keep thinking I should actually set foot outside my apartment today. There is some sun out there - even tho it's awfully hazy and gray. I need to go buy a new phone card so I don't lose my cell service. Maybe get a couple of last minute (they're getting shipped) gifts to send to the states...

I'd so much rather sit and quilt. I've done several of the border fan units on the Noel sampler. I'm actually just following along on the needle holes from my previous attempt at quilting it.

I decided to use one of my Santa Stars to make the name tag to go on the green and red button bag. He's attached thru the loop at the top so he can swing free and not hide all my work.

One christmas several years ago I combined a few different Santas I'd seen and came up with the little Santa Stars. I made loads of them that year and the next. Most of them are in storage, but I did bring a few along - they usually hang on the tree and I've considered making some kind of garland with them, along with buttons and selvage.

And here's another one turned into gift tag - I do so adore those letter beads.

And here is one actually hanging on the tree where he belongs.

This last one actually has the kind of beard I adore - it's some kind of boucle-type wool that I bought at Houston Quilt Fest one year and have never found again since. The top two guys are muslin-bearded. I generally use cotton batting for the trim on the hat (and mittens and boots as on the top two).