My BIG Project - Christmas 2009

Some of you all notice my status on facebook a few weeks ago, and know that I've been working on a sewing project. Ya see, every year during Christmas break, I like to take on a sewing project to keep me busy. Two years ago, I made 7 Christmas stockings (for my future kids, too...whenever they decide to arrive...not that I am ASKING for 5, but I made enough "just in case"). Last year, I made curtains. So...this is what I've been up to lately:

Making CUELLOS:

Cuellos translate to "necks" in Spanish. Doesn't really have the "wow" effect, the same as it does in Spanish, but it's fun to say (Quay-yo's). Say it again...CUELLOS. Ya, I told you it was fun!

Anyway, I got the idea when I was in Chile for 18 months, fighting the cold and being outside most of the time walking. Vendors would sell them, but they were small...only enough to cover your neck (hence, the name). But, I wanted a larger one to cover my ears, nose, neck, and mouth. So, a nice friend of mine, Loly (from San Pedro, Chile) made me one and I still wear it! It's my favorite article of clothing, and it goes with everything!!

So, this year, I made one for everyone in my family...20 TOTAL! I know, it took me a few days to make all of them. After 3 days of making one, ripping it up, and starting all over again....6 times....I finally figured out the pattern (thanks to Google search engine, and some creativity).

So, here you have it: TONS of cuellos! I would love to make one for each of you, but sorry...no more time! Maybe next year. OR...maybe I'll go into business one of these days and you can purchase your very own for a small fee! :)

Photo 1 (at top of post):

Several cuellos laid out. This is how I tried to choose a color for everyone. It got kinda crazy w/ 20-something in front of you. The entire floor was COVERED in cuellos! Fun, right? hmmmm...

Photo 2 (middle of post):

This is ALL of them I made. If you got one...do you see yours somewhere in the pile?????

Photo 3(below):

This is what one looks like up close: They are 2-sided, and you can fold it so that it looks two-toned. Very fashionable, eh?! I made them long enough to cover the neck, ears (mostly), the mouth, and nose. They sure are cozy when it is below zero, and very windy!

Photo 4 (below):

This is a picture (although kinda blury) of how you can adjust the length. Just roll up one of the colors, and you don't have to take it off when entering the store! How convenient, right??? It also helps that you don't have to take it off & on all day...it messes up my hair!

Photo 5 (below):

These are completely washing-machine approved! I wouldn't recommend putting them in the dryer very often, since they will probably shrink a bit, and start to get those nasty balls all over the place! But, I wash them with regular laundry and add a pinch of liquid fabric softener to help the static issue, and to make them smell NICE!

Photo 6 (below):

How do they look? Here are some of the family members sporting their new attire, the famous cuello. Just in case you can't imagine how to wear them, here you go (Ollie & Lini)...the first, of my youngest sister, Becca, and her new hubby, Tim...sporting their cuellos while everyone was opening gifts.

The second, of my youngest niece, Katelyn, and as you can see...it's a bit small for her! I tried making some for the nieces & nephews with the "scraps" I had leftover, but as you can see...they turned out extra LONG and extra THIN! not so good....oops!

So here you have it---PROJECT CUELLO of 2009

STATUS: Complete.