Parties & Such

I feel like I'm leaving blog gaps, but the gaps are not only on the blog. They're also in my days, as I hop from party to party. I could be an extra in "Wayne's World" this week..."Party on, dude!" (That's about all I know about the movie, so I could be mistaken.)

Anyway, as I was decorating the tree, I ran across a number of ornaments that I've made through the years. I don't have them in chronological order, but you will probably see a progression.

The first ornaments I remember making were zoo animals, cut from Christmas prints. Recognize this fabric? I made these in the early 80's, probably in 1982. I've got a few giraffes, a dolphin and a camel. I don't know what happened to the rest of them.

Fast forward to the early 90's, when I was introduced to Stiffy. I made a dozen Christmas bows, and I have to say that they are some of my personal favorites. If I knew where I could get more Stiffy (do they even make it any more?) I would put aside a day and make more. Oh wait. I'd have to buy a glue gun too. But it would be worth it. I love hanging them, they're so bright and cheery.

Somewhere I saw a wreath made from this simple 9-patch. I sewed up a few, then decided they weren't as effective as they should be. This is the only one I have in my possession. Who knows what happened to the other dozen? Did I make someone a wallhanging? I don't remember...

This one was made from trimmings from a Christmas vest. Carletta? Do you recognize the geese? ;)

I remember EXACTLY when I made the gingerbread men. They are also favorites, but they were time-intensive. I made the majority of these while sitting on the bleachers in the Selma High School gym (no heating), in December of 1996. My daughter played with the varsity basketball team her freshman year, although only during all tournaments. I stitched away as I watched and wondered what the years had in store for her...

Year after year I've made stocking ornaments. I've tried to vary them, and the degree of difficulty depends on how late in December I begin.

This is an early one. I know that, because it is hand-quilted. With the cows and farmer boys, this likely belongs to Pete.

Sometimes I make them functional. This one has a football, indicating that it belongs to one of the boys. I'm guessing it's Adam's, because of the candy, but I could be wrong.

A few years ago I began adding beads. I like the sparkle, but I don't have the feel for what makes for effective beading. Is it all trial and error? Or is it something that can be learned? Sometimes my beading works, most times I look at it and groan. I do like this particular stocking...

This one was made last year. I think I made three dozen ornaments last year, both hearts and stockings. This is the only one I have left in my possession. I don't keep the best, the last ones at home are those I like the least...

In 2009, I've made a total of two ornaments, both stockings. I gave one to the bug man and the other to my mail man. We've got a big party coming up on Sunday. Last year I gave all the attendees (16) stocking ornaments, complete with candy canes. I hope they're not expecting something this year, because to get my act that organized, it's going to take a miracle.

Hope you enjoyed the show!