Monday, December 26, 2011

'Tis the Season

We have officially arrived at the "Holidays" (by my definition, beginning about a week before Christmas and extending a few days into the New Year), and I'm hoping you are having pleasant gatherings with family and friends and are enjoying the festive decorations and lights, possibly in a more relaxed mood, now that the 'rush' is over!   Of course, I realize that the shopping centers are still hectic places, with all the returns and gift cards, and with the kids out of school!  I remember how much I enjoyed our Christmas breaks 'back when'.



I wanted to capture a photo of this lovely 'live roses' floral arrangement before we gave it to my MIL yesterday for her room at the assisted living facility.

The table runner (just the one end showing here) is one that I made several years ago (can't actually remember the date - I should make a label for it after I figure it out!).

It includes three lovely pre-printed panels (in my favorite colors!), which I embellished with some beads and hand quilting.  (My real 'challenge' was in mitering the 'points' on the border strips!)

I bought the kit at a local quilt store, which, sadly, is now gone, although it was around for many years.  The owner, now retired, unfortunately couldn't find a buyer for the store. It was always a 'bright and colorful' presence in the town.

I've always wanted to put some tatting in the empty 'circle' space on the printed design, and for this photo I remembered a motif from my stash (Lynn Morton's 'Hearts and Flowers' pattern - similar to a motif by Lene Bjorn) which does look pretty good just placed there, although the heart shapes kind of disappear unless you look closely.   Of course, I would have to tat a second one for the other end of the runner! 

* * *

We will continue visiting family members this week, and look forward to seeing our niece's boys (ages 4 and 1) opening the gifts we're giving them.  The magic of Christmas is always brought back when being around the little ones!

DH and I enjoy going for drives during the evening to other neighborhoods to see all the residential lights and outdoor decorations; and we also appreciate the effort that goes into the lighting displays in the different towns.


I'm also happy it will be getting lighter in the evenings, although it's imperceptible right now.   I just like knowing that we passed over the 'line' on Dec. 21!   However, there are three months of official Winter ahead! 



10 comments:

  1. I love the arrangement you put together! It's so festive. Our group arrived Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and left in dribs and drabs yesterday and today. We leave early tomorrow to visit my mom. I can hardly believe we'll be back at school a week from tomorrow!

    When we were kids, the tree was purchased the weekend before Christmas, and brought into the house Christmas Eve. Dad put on the lights, and Santa decorated to tree with ornaments and garland when he delivered the presents. The tree always came down on New Year's Day before the football games. Somehow, I enjoyed the Christmas season so much more when the time span was limited!

    I am also happy when December 21 arrives. I just know that the days are getting longer, even if it's only a minute here and there! Funny, I don't notice the days getting shorter until right before school starts. : )

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  2. This is a LOVELY arrangement that your MIL will so appreciate.

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  3. Gorgeous tatting aside, that last little paragraph could have been written by my husband! Henusually waits a little longer but this year, he started on the 23rd with "How the days are getting longer" etc. well, here at the 44th parallel, I can assure you it's imperceptible indeed! Ha-ha!
    Your MIL is on e lucky woman, your work is lovely!

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  4. Hi Kathy, Happy Holidays! Your table arrangement is lovely. I think the tatted motif in the center of the runner is perfect. I wanted to
    Wish you and Ron a healthy and happy New Year!!

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  5. Happy New Year to you too, Kathy! And thank you for the correction on tat-ology, which is now fixed. ; )

    More thank you's for all your wonderful comments throughout the year. I appreciate every one of them very much!
    Fox

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  6. I wish you and your family a very happy new year.
    Thank you for all the lovely comments you have left over the year they are all much appreicated.
    Margaret

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  7. What a beautiful, festive holiday arrangement! Happy New year ; )

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  8. Hi Kathy, hope your holidays were awesome. Have you by chance written up the pattern for the beautiful Tatted slippers that is on you Christmas tree? I just don't want to miss it, if you have! Blessing for a wonderful New Year.

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  9. Yeah Kathy, will be looking forward to the tatted slippers pattern!! I know they will be beautiful and fun to make! You're the best.

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  10. Kathy, just wondering if you had the slipper pattern ready. Don't mean to rush.. but I know we all want it! :-)

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