Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Quilt Ta Da & My Homespun Christmas

Well, you are probably sick to death of seeing this, but my quilting friends will appreciate it.  I am done with the Christmas quilt.  I quilted it on my Singer One, in a sort of all over, loops and swirls stitch.  The stitches are long in some places, but it takes a lot of practice to get that constant hand to foot speed control for nice even stitches.  But over all, I am quite happy with it.  I backed it in an aqua with red polka dot.  I cut a red and white stripe on the bias for my binding.  I sewed the label to the back corner, using a blanket stitch.  I wasn't very careful about how even those stitches were, I was tired, and ready to wrap it up.  I hung it up using 4 glass head straight pins, as I always do to hang small quilts and wall hangings.  I put it in the foyer, and it is the first thing I see coming out of our bedroom and down the hallway.  That wicker piece is not usually there, but I have some things moved around for the holidays.  I can see by this photo that I need to move the chest to the right slightly.
This quilt was pure joy to work on for me.  I absolutely loved every stitch!
Hang on, I am going to move that chest over to the right two inches.......................
Okay, I'm back.
Remember how I said that less is more this year for Christmas?  Well, I am done with the holiday decorating.  All except for our tree.   We will do that this week, or weekend.  I didn't even have Greg take down about half of our boxes.  No lighted garlands.  No wreaths.  No snow village.  Just didn't feel like having all of that stuff to deal with.  And I am just fine with the way the house is right now.  A couple of pretty poinsettias and I will be all set.

That little vintage yellow seat is in constant use in my kitchen.  But it gets moved all over the place.  So the basket sitting atop is not very practical at all.  Oh well.  That Snowman used to sit in the window sill of the family cabin.  The vintage santa was a thrift find last year.  He has the other vintage star earring on his hand that matches the one I put on the top of the ecru colored sweater tree.
The buffet in the kitchen is a piece I love. I found it on Craig's List and only paid 50 dollars for it.  It is a good hardwood piece of furniture, and I got a steal!  I change it up all the time.  I made the subway art table runner from some burlap fabric I got at Hobby Lobby back in the summer.  Remember Elaine, Patty, and Shelly?  I tucked it away and almost forgot all about it.  I cut it into widths I wanted and made runners.  I sewed a six inch ruffled piece onto each end.
My favorite thing this year, is the little Hot Cocoa Station I set up, using my growing collection of Santa Cups.  I had to change it up a bit, and put this three tier plate stand on the lazy susan to hold more of the Santa Cups.
I have a few more Santa Cups up above the stove with two holiday plates and some greenery.
And more in the kitchen sill.
A favorite holiday cook book, and some snowman measure cups.
My happy Christmas Tree Thermos, and a Cookie Plate on the other side.
That little sitting area at the end of the kitchen is where we will put our tree.
The family room is the room that we live in.  I have put our dining table in here, and we love it.  We will be putting a hanging light up before Christmas.  The room is plenty big, but long, and difficult to arrange.  The way we have it now suits us to a tee.  We love dining in here, and having the table to do other things, and often, just to visit with friends.
The Noel log was made for us a few years ago by our dear neighbor Carl, who passed away last year.  I treasure it.  The AnaLee Dolls are just a few in my collection.  Mice are all over the house, as that was my nickname, given to me by my Dad.  Most of them them were from him, but since he has passed, my brother Mark has carried on the tradition, and gives me a Christmas Mouse every year.
These were last years.  I love their big wonky feet, and felted dresses!
They are sitting atop a vintage tree skirt that I found up in Big Bear over the summer.  I couldn't wait to pull it out this year.  I love the aqua blue and little mice and woodland animals.
The pottery boot I painted the year Drew was born, almost 26 years ago.  I can still remember sitting up at the kitchen bar and painting it at night after the kids were in bed.  The three mice are labeled with our children's names.
The bookcase behind the sofa holds a couple of my Heather Goldminc pieces.  A Mouse House and a Church.  Both are elevated up a bit onto small cake plates.  The white stand in the center is a cake plate that I inverted.  I put the moss ball on top, and filled the inside with greenery.
The quilt behind it on the wall, I made about 10 years ago.
The quilt to the right and not all the way visible, is a monthly pattern that I did several years back.  I haven't done all of the months though.  I loved December!  The cute stockings, with candy canes and holly in them.  I did a small stipple on the entire thing, and used a machine feather stitch to outline the stockings.
The foyer is where we moved the piano when I moved my sewing room to the living room, and I quite like it there!
Atop the piano is another Christmas Mouse from my brother Mark.
Looking from the foyer into the family room.  The first room to your right, is the old living room, and my new sewing room!
Sitting atop the little chest beneath my new Christmas quilt is another cute pair of mice, dressed in their Christmas finery.  Also a gift from my brother.
Last weekend Geeps put the lights on the house, and Noah and I put a few things on the porch.  
Dolly Mouse got her "ugly sweater" on.  It is getting chilly in our neck of the woods.
My Christmas swags hang on my red front doors.  
The antique sled sits nearby, just in case we get snow!
Reba Reindeer greets you at the post.
Probably made some time in the 70's, she was a thrift store rescue a couple of years ago.  
A few Christmas boxes, some quilts, Christmas mice, Santa cups and greenery....and there you have it.  My homespun Christmas.  
Thanks so much for stopping by.  We have a lot going on in the coming days.  I will try to post it all!!!
XO  Kris

20 comments:

Debbie said...

Well I can see why you love that new quilt! It is just a stun! Soo cute. And everything else looks soo good. Homey and warm and Christmasy. Enjoy!

Poppy said...

The new quilt is TOO cute, Kris, as are all the others, too! Kudos to you for all your hard work and dedication. So many adorable things around your home right now. I love the buffet with the glass cake stands and pretty lamp, your candy cane/hot cocoa station for all the red and white fun, and the plate display on the little shelf.

Merry Christmas!

xo
Poppy

Betsy said...

Oh my goodness! And this isn't everything? You must have LOTS of decorations my friend! I love how cozy and happy you have made your home look. I want to come for some hot chocolate in a Santa mug and sit by the fire and visit awhile.
Blessings,
Betsy

Amy at love made my home said...

Lots of wonderful Christmas happiness happening at your home right now! I love all your santa mugs, they are wonderful. xx

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Love the quilt Kris, it turned out fabulous! I hope you can keep it up for a long time, it will be hard to pack away after Christmas, maybe it can be Xmas all year long : )
Your home is all decked out and looks brilliant! We will do our tree this weekend also. Enjoy, xorobin

corners of my life said...

Your new quilt us amazing. You must be so proud of it.

janie said...

Love the new quilt and others!!! So nice!!

Your house looks so nice for the holidays, Enjoy, Janie

Bethany said...

How nice and cozy!! I have one of the same mugs as you and my aunt made my mom that Santa boot--perfect for candy canes :)

Home Meadows said...

You have such a warm home and a knack for decorating Kris. Your new quilt turned out so pretty and festive. Enjoy the season. I'm almost done shopping! :-) Heather

Deb~in~Denver said...

Your home is adorably decked for Christmas! Love all of the mice and your gorgeous quilts! I've been on the look-out for more Santa mugs and haven't found a single one! I figure lots of folks around here are seeking the same thing! I'm like you, I only had the hubs bring in a couple of tubs of decorations, this year. Each room has a few things but we're not even putting any trees up, this year. I feel a bit 'Grinchy" but the trees hold the most memories for me and it's just too tough. We won't be here for Christmas Eve or day so that's my excuse! Love everything you've done, it's a perfect Homespun Christmas!

Sarah said...

Beautiful and festive as always Kris! Love it! Kept ours a little more minimal this year and I don't like it. Love those Santa mugs....I need to find some!

Pammy Sue said...

I am not at all sick of seeing your new Christmas quilt! I'm glad you found the perfect place for it and can enjoy it. It looks GREAT on that wall! You should be very proud of it. Loved seeing all your Christmas stuff out for another year. That hot chocolate station is my favorite too. Such a neat decorating idea.

Teresa Kasner said...

Kris.. BRAVO on your new quilt! Wahoo.. you should be so proud of it! It looks awesome on your wall, a family heirloom to bring joy to your family forever. Your home looks cozy and happy and that's what we all strive for. I need to take a few snapshots and share how our home is looking, all set for the holidays. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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Nicolle said...

Your home looks very pretty, and festive. I love the quilt. You did an amazing job! I also love your Santa mugs. I collected them at one time, but realized I just wasn't into vintage like I thought...but I still love seeing other people's collections. xo

Between Me and You said...

You really are a real Homemaker, Kris, there is no doubt about it. I've always said that your home is so welcoming and even more so at Christmastime. Your new quilt fits in beautifully and is a real keepsake. Was great to 'see' you at mine. Hope your Mama is continuing to improve and is enjoying good health now. Much love. xxx

Mereknits said...

Some of your non-quilting friend (me) love the quilt you made, you did a fantastic job. I love all your decorations Kris, they look so great and make everything cozy. And my favorite is your outside mouse with the Christmas sweater, that is a hoot!
Hugs,
Meredith

Taci simmons said...

Wonderful job on your new quilt my dear friend and your house look so pretty and festive. I hope you are enjoying the season,

Pam said...

Your house looks lovely and festive!I always love seeing how you decorate for each holiday & season.

Lynne said...

Wow Kris, I would say you are more than ready for Christmas! Your new quilt is just wonderful, and looks so pretty hanging up in the foyer. I love the striped bias binding.
Thanks for the tour!
Lynne

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Cuteness everywhere Kris! Absolutely love the quilt! XOX