Angels Heard on High

The Christmas Tree first came to England with the Georgian Kings who came from Germany. At this time also, German Merchants living in England decorated their homes with a Christmas Tree. The decorations were Tinsels, silver wire ornaments, candles and small beads. All these had been manufactured in Germany and East Europe since the 17th century. The custom was to have several small trees on tables, one for each member of the family, with that persons gifts stacked on the table under the tree. The early trees introduced into America by the Hessian soldiers were not recorded in any particular quantity. The Pennsylvanian German settlements had community trees as early as 1747.

Yes - I am still in that 'occupy' mode even though all that cleaning and organizing really whipped my behind. And everyone around me has or is coming down with the flu - taking lots of vitamin C and fluids.

I finished the Ruby Tote with Clover & Violet (will link up). Very different looking from theirs for sure. I opted not to add the side ties as will be using this for my quilt guild carry tote - lots of pockets inside to hold various items if needed for a class. The front pocket is a little bare - I have a flower pin with my name on it - that may go nicely there.

And this is the back. I went with a solid piece instead of the patchwork. This is just too pretty to cut up and I actually designed around this fabric. Some of these fabrics are from my stash and some are from items received in swaps/winnings. So it is a bit of a treasured piece for me. I love the earthy, country look to it - and these are my 'angels heard on high'.

More eye glass cases. I sent some on to the Senior Home and then made some for a local craft show - let me tell you, looking for a man's gift. This is it! I had men buying these for themselves. Even got a request for a case with a pocket in it to carry a pen, gas card, cash, etc... Used my tutorial found here.

And the next block for the Fat Quarter Stars Quilt Along. I almost forgot about this, but it worked up fast even with the hand stitching on the cathedrial window section. But the seams are a bit 'thick' and had to get my seamstress hammer out and whack those bad boys flat. I like the look of this block, but wouldn't want to do a whole quilt with them.

Are you getting a chance to occupy your sewing room? To clean, tidy, organize, stitch, fold some fabric, even to pet it and tell it is love?

CLOSING THOUGHT

As our community church has started to ring the bells in seasonal songs, I thought of this:

I heard the bells, on Christmas Day,
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

- By Henry Longfellow

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon