Vintage and Christmas is coming...

 ~ hand made Christmas stockings ~

"Oh, good grief", I can just hear you saying. She's not one of those people, is she? And, the answer is, "not really." I don't count the days from 26 December until Christmas, nor do I frequent Christmas shops, but I do make a lot of Christmas gifts as well as buy out of season. Heck, in this any economy, it's the only way to afford Christmas. I've never been one to spend extravagantly but I do enjoy buying something rather grand at a sales price.

Selina, of Selina's Vintage, hosted a Christmas stocking swap and allowed me to participate, thus the wild tear on making stockings. My swap stocking was air mailed last week and I do hope it's well received. In younger days, I had...hmmm...not so good experiences, shall I put it, with my home economics teacher and my confidence levels aren't very high. At least, not when it comes to making and giving away things. My concern is, my swap partners will be some seamstress or knitter or crafter extraordinaire and will look, askance, at my humble offering made with love and prayers.

Now that I'm thinking about it, my experiences with my six grade art teacher wasn't very good either. On the other hand, I've had some fabulous English teachers; a Mrs. Ruby Osborne comes to mind as well as a couple of other most excellent teachers. Perhaps unfortunately, the rest have fallen into the memory abyss and I refuse to try and dredge them to the forefront. Let the dead stay buried is my motto.

 ~ stocking trims ~

Anyway, back to the stockings. Thus far I've made six and still have, perhaps, another six to make. They will be offered for sale at an upcoming Christmas Festival and, if they don't sell, will be given to family and friends after being stuffed with goodies. Each stocking has batting, is lined with muslin and quilted while the tops are all finished with binding or lace or bobble trim. Sometimes the thread is contrasting and sometimes it blends. One was made with the material upside down and has already found an owner who claims her life is just as topsy turvy. Re-thinking here...perhaps I should have kept that one for myself -smile-.

~ Moroccan silk ~

While in my studio, this basket of hand reeled Moroccan silk rests on the sewing machine. Thus far, I've yet to actually use any but simply look at all the brilliant colors and think of the sheer labor that produced such beauty.  I also remember those lovely trips Dave and I have taken to Morocco; one of my favorite countries in the entire world!

~ candle ~

Last week we were in Richmond and I visited a thrift store or three. I'm so blessed because when I visit thrift stores, I'm engaging in satisfying my wants and not my needs and, often, find fun, useful things. This "newel post" is, in reality, a candle and will look fabulous on our back porch as guests arrive for our Christmas party. You bet, it's going to be lit unless there's a sturdy wind and then will be brought inside and used as table decoration.

~ Thermos ~

This Thermos is still in working order and will provide cool refreshment next summer. It needs to be cleaned as it's a bit grungy from being so well loved used but it still provides plenty of vintage cuteness, don't you think?

Here's hoping your needs have been answered and you're working on your wants -smile-.

One last thing - for every post in November, I want to share a grateful heart. For this first November post, I'm grateful for Dave. When we met in 1989, little did I know God was putting my feet on the path to an adventurous life! Little did I know, what a gift He gave me, and continues to give me, in Dave. My life has been blessed well beyond my deserving and I am over the moon grateful.


Blessings ~ vintage ~ Christmas ~ Selina ~ stockings ~ a beautiful day ~ Dave ~

Grace and Peace,
Sandra