The last month of 2022 has started. Where does the time go? The snow we got towards the end of November was all washed away with rain on milder days. December arrived much chillier and windy but still no snow.
Christmas decorating started. First the ‘tree’mendous display on the mantle.
I call this Dollarville Village, a name reflecting where most of the little houses came from. This was collected over several years but hasn’t been added to for the past couple as you just don’t see little houses like this anymore. If I’m lucky enough the odd one pops up in thrift stores. It is set up on an old coffee table, but it has been set up on an old ladder.
The houses that started it all are the orange, red and yellow ones. The roofs lift off and they are actually candles that have never been used. Do you see them in the display? These came from Biway in the mid 80’s. Other additions were from dollar stores, gifts, and that big box store that has wiped out all the smaller five and dime type stores.
Even some kitchen decorating, right down to a couple of Christmas teapots and some shaker people who I call Pep, Salty, Sprinkle and Shaker.
There always has to be time for a few rows of crochet and some slow stitching. The day just isn’t complete without it.
Finally some progress on the afghan. It has grown from 4 repeats of the pattern to 7 repeats. I count a repeat as the grey section and the multi coloured section. I’m sure the cooler evenings has played a part in this.
Last week as part of my slow stitching update I shared the above photo for the start of a new project. Ages ago I found a 12 inch embroidery at the thrift store for $1 and it has been in the craft closet till now. I used a piece of an old tablecloth for the backing. I did purchase a pad of tracing paper and hand drew some snowflake patterns on it. I’ll cut these out and place them on top of the material and stitch them. When finished the paper will be pulled away to reveal the snowflake.
These will be stitched in plain white, white and pale blue mixed together, and maybe silver or sparkly white. Like in cooking the prep work has been done so the stitching will start next. I’m not in a hurry to get this project done as it will be a winter themed sewing project. I’ll share more on another Slow Stitching Sunday update.
I have made a few more felt snowflakes to add to the collection.
What did you stitch this week?
I get lots of inspiration from other stitchers at Slow Sunday Stitching and appreciate all the visits and comments from there. Visit them and gather some inspiration for yourself.
Diann@LittlePenguinQuilts
Fun to see your trees on the mantle and the amazing little village! Your snowflake embroidery is lovely, too. Enjoy your stitching today!
Crafty Gardener
Thanks Diann, it is lovely to see the village out again.
Karla (threadbndr)
What pretty snow inspired projects! And your house village is very cute.
Crafty Gardener
Thanks Karla, glad you stopped by for a visit.
Karrin Hurd
I think you have more houses than I do. I got mine set up last week too. Your snowflake project and afghan are lovely!
Crafty Gardener
I had to go and count them after your comment Karrin. There are 54 in total, not all visible in the photo as there is a back row you can’t see, but is visible from the other side, plus there are some in another arrangement elsewhere. Have a great day.
Jenny Benton
Your Christmas displays are gorgeous and I love all those trees, each one different but all saying “Christmas”.
Crafty Gardener
We have collected the trees over quite a few years, and some of them even get left out for winter. Have a great day.
CathieJ
I love your village. I will be sharing my own this week. You have such a great variety of buildings. I like your other displays also. Your blanket is really growing. I love the colors. I love those snowflakes. What a great way to use a pretty old tablecloth.
Crafty Gardener
Hi Cathie, looks forward to seeing your village. It is so nice to see it on display once again, I think we enjoy it more when it isn’t out all year. I’ve just made a small start on my tablecloth hoop, more to come, but no rush as it is a winter project.
Debbie- Dabble
Linda!!
O MY!! I love your treemendous mantel and I have always been a sucker for Villages!! All so darn cute!! LOVED seeing your decorations!! Thanks so much for sharing and for taking the time to stop by!!
hugs,
Deb
Crafty Gardener
I love doing the mantle, in fact I leave a lot of the trees up into the winter time. the village has about 54 little houses, most in one location but there is a back row that isn’t visible in the photo and a couple of smaller arrangements in other places. It has been a mild start to December (see today’s post) but perhaps some snow on Sunday. Have a great day.