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Sunday, July 29, 2012

Think Christmas



Today marks the beginning of another wonderful Blog Hop. Our gracious hostess of this event is Lesley of The Cuddle Quilter and Madam Samm will be posting the top 2 blocks for the day at Sew We Quilt as well as keeping a Pinterest Board. Be sure to visit them and give them a big thank you.

I share the day with these lovely ladies:


Cotton Addiction

Moose Stash Quilting

Kris Loves Fabric

Paws for Stitching

Threading My Needles

Just Let Me Quilt

Living4Quilting

Doodling in My Mind

Quilt Doodle Designs



As our dear hostess loves her Santas, I have a close bond to the Feather Tree.  A family heritage back to the beginning of the feather tree and it's 'transplanting' to the USA.  I have three of my great grandmother's feather trees - two from Germany and one she made for her first Christmas in America.




Feather Trees from Germany in the 1880s or 1890s and are regarded as one of the first types of artificial Christmas trees. These first artificial trees were, in part, a response to growing environmental concerns in the late 19th century concerning deforestation associated with the harvest of Christmas trees in Germany. The tradition of feather Christmas trees was brought to the United States by German immigrants.





Feather trees were initially made of green-dyed goose feathers which were attached to wire branches. The feathers were split and then secured with wire to form the branches. These wire branches were then wrapped around a central dowel which acted as the trunk. The branches were widely spaced to keep the candles from starting a fire, which allowed ample space for ornaments.






These trees appeared in the U.S. in 1913, when they were offered through the Sears-Roebuck catalog. These little trees are highly valued by antiques collectors today.





The Addis Brush Company developed an artificial tree in the 1930s, using the same machinery used to produce toilet brushes. These trees had branches made from twisted wires with needles of pig bristles dyed green. These small branches were twisted together to make larger branches, which were inserted into a center pole. The branches were color-coded for easy assembly


I hope you have enjoyed my 'feather tree' blocks.  As a thank you for visiting, I have a give away in honor of our hostess.........



A yard of cute Santas - yes, I sent one of these to Lesley - now you can have a try at owning some.  I would love to know what your favorite decor of the season is.  Comments will be open until Aug 5th - midnight (EST) and every effort will be made to contact the winner - so be sure you are not a 'no-reply' or 'anon' responder.  I will ship international



Thank you for stopping in and be sure to visit all the participants today and for the next 6 days.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon
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141 comments:

  1. SheilaJuly 29, 2012 at 9:53 PM

    I have seen Feather Trees and did not know their history until now. I enjoyed seeing your feather tree blocks and reading your history lesson.
    I love Christmas. My favorite decor of the season? That would be Christmas street lights outside, and inside a Christmas tree trimmed with sentimental handmade ornaments.

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  2. Susie July 29, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    Morning Sharon, how lovely to have such a history. I first saw the feather trees on a Martha Stewart segment and they look so different. Love the blocks and thanks for sharing. Susie x

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  3. Carol SwiftJuly 29, 2012 at 9:58 PM

    Your blocks/minis are beautiful and the added info about the trees is really nice! Makes me want to whip up a couple trees like yours. :O)

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  4. Gmama JaneJuly 29, 2012 at 10:02 PM

    I am totally fascinated with the history of the Feather Tree as it is info I had never known before! What a lovely tradition. Your pictures were very well staged as well. I certainly would give a Big Ho-Ho-Ho if I won the yard of Santas!!! Ho Ho Ho to everyone
    Gmama Jane

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  5. Sunshine GirlJuly 29, 2012 at 10:08 PM

    Oooh great blocks there and a great history lesson too! Have never heard of feather trees! Thanks for sharing.

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  6. AnonymousJuly 29, 2012 at 10:31 PM

    yes i am the same i havent heard of feather trees and your information Sharon was very interesting.My decorating decor is lots of ornaments all around in all the nooks and crannies.xx

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  7. LindaJuly 29, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    I love your tree blocks and enjoyed reading about their history. Thanks for sharing that information. Um, I love all things Christmas. I guess my favorite decor is seeing all the Christmas lights on the houses outside.

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  8. UnknownJuly 29, 2012 at 10:49 PM

    Hi Sharon I really enjoyed the history of the Feather trees. I think when ever you can hear the history of a quilt it just adds so much more. I collect and love Santa's. I have many different Santa's made into wall hangings, tablerunners particularly. Enjoyed it thank you
    sgriff57@comcast.net just in case I get lucky

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  9. DarlaJuly 29, 2012 at 11:25 PM

    Love the background information on the feather trees. I had no idea. I love all things Christmas so picking one thing is difficult but I love the decorated Christmas tree all lit up in a dark room. The room glows from the Christmas lights and I want my lights white. Your blocks are charming and beautiful.

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  10. Christine MJuly 29, 2012 at 11:36 PM

    Like Shez, I hadn't heard of feather trees either. Thanks for a very interesting post Sharon.

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  11. Judy BJuly 29, 2012 at 11:44 PM

    I also love feather trees. My first one was a gift from a fellow quilter. The one I made was for Easter and hung small Easter decorations on the branches. My favorite decorations are mimi trees all over the house, including the bathroom!

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  12. LesleyJuly 30, 2012 at 1:49 AM

    Sharon, your feather tree blocks are beautiful! Thank you so very much for sharing the history...how wonderful it is that you have such special feather trees from your great grandmother! Your staging of your blocks is beautiful and of course your giveaway so generous. Please don't include me in the giveaway as I already have these cute little Santas that you sent me...I am so spoiled...love them and you just might see a few of the Santas later this week! Wonderful post!

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  13. Darlington DelightsJuly 30, 2012 at 1:57 AM

    My favorite Christmas decor would have to be ornaments. I love decorating our treeS each year. We can never settle with just one tree! Thanks for sharingbyour lovely blocks and the giveaway.

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  14. Britt-IngerJuly 30, 2012 at 2:27 AM

    Hi
    I have never heard of the Feather Tree, but in Sweden the poor people during the 19th century and up to 1950 used to decorate their cottage with Christmas tree made of wood decorated with paper and then some exclusive candles. I have made one last Christmas in the same way as they were made before and I think it is very decorative.
    But my favorite Christmas decorations are all the hand made Santas that I have collected during several years.
    Thanks for a good story

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  15. hueiseiJuly 30, 2012 at 2:34 AM

    Thanks for sharing the history of the trees. Love all your blocks. My favorite is the Christmas ribbons. I love a Christmas tree decorated with lots of ribbons ;)

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  16. JoannaJuly 30, 2012 at 3:04 AM

    I love your blocks. Very original and displayed so well. My decorations are easy because I have AnnaLee dolls that take up most of the space, so between my manger collection and the Christmas dolls there isn't much room for anything else.

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  17. Karen MJuly 30, 2012 at 3:11 AM

    I love Santa ornaments. Every year I get at least one new one. Thanks for sharing your beautiful blocks.

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  18. JoyceLMJuly 30, 2012 at 3:29 AM

    Enjoyed reading about the history of feather trees. My Christmas decorating feature Santa Claus - I have a bunch that I set out all over the place. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  19. ZuzanJuly 30, 2012 at 3:39 AM

    Love your trees, fabrics, settngs and love the stories, especially the brush one. Christmas lights are my favorite - really happy.
    Thank you for your early present.

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  20. MicheleJuly 30, 2012 at 3:58 AM

    All of your feather tree blocks are simply lovely and I really enjoyed learning the history behind them. Thank you so much.

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  21. KaHollyJuly 30, 2012 at 4:05 AM

    How interesting! Thanks so much for sharing!!

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  22. AureaJuly 30, 2012 at 4:11 AM

    Hi Thank you for the history of the feather tree. Lesley, our hostess has done some of this so I know she will be delighted with your entry. My favorite christmas decor is our tree which has alot of homemade traditional decorations and the best part of christmas is having family and friends around. aurea.gillis@gmail.com

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  23. charlotteJuly 30, 2012 at 4:18 AM

    Sharon, love your little trees. My favorite decor of the season is the twinkle lights. So much so that I have some that stay up all year round. Thanks for the opportunity to win some cute Santas.

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  24. krislovesfabricJuly 30, 2012 at 4:19 AM

    I love your feather trees! Thanks for the lesson :) So good to hop with you today!

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  25. SparkyJuly 30, 2012 at 4:23 AM

    Good Morning Sharon, and first love the Christmas tree parade...I felt like I was at Tree Sale. I will take them all....beautiful and photos are terrific. Now my fav decor of my season would have to be my White Table Trees. they would have been perfect with yours...thanks for being our very first this morning ...

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  26. UnknownJuly 30, 2012 at 4:27 AM

    I always learn something new and interesting with every one of your blog posts. Your feather tree blocks are just wonderful. My favorite Christmas decoration is the lighted Christmas tree. Pair that with the music from, This Christmas I Share With You from Robert Goulet and it is Christmas! Thank you for sharing.

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  27. UnknownJuly 30, 2012 at 4:43 AM

    Thank you for the lesson on feather trees. I've always enjoyed them and I love the reason they were started...to prevent deforestation...an early ecological awareness.
    My favorite Christmas display is my primitive Father Christmas collection. I don't have a location to display them now but they are tucked away for another time. Love the fabric.

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  28. JulieJuly 30, 2012 at 4:49 AM

    Just love the father tree blocks. My favorite would have to be all the different santa's you can find. Thanks

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  29. Scrapbook-ChickADoodleJuly 30, 2012 at 4:50 AM

    Loved the story with the squares. I especially like the last tree square.
    My favorite decor?
    outside: the lights
    inside: the handmade ornaments on the tree (our family has exchanged handmade ornaments each year...since 1975)

    Thanks for the opportunity to win

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  30. SuperMomNoCapeJuly 30, 2012 at 4:53 AM

    Your "feather tree" blocks are all so pretty. And of course, it isn't Christmas at our house until the tree goes up the weekend before Christmas, so I'd have to say the tree all lit up is my favourite of all the decorations displayed throughout our house.
    (supermomnocape at yahoo dot com)

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  31. DorothyJuly 30, 2012 at 4:56 AM

    Love your feather tree -- awesome and I love the santa fabric, I see lots of new block ideas!

    Dorothy

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  32. ColleenJuly 30, 2012 at 5:05 AM

    Your Feather Tree blocks are wonderful! Thank you for sharing.

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  33. PatJuly 30, 2012 at 5:07 AM

    Love your feather tree blocks! I decorate for the season with snowmen. I'm able to leave the decorations longer that way.

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  34. MommarockJuly 30, 2012 at 5:13 AM

    I just love the colors of the season, and having all the decorations throughout the house. I can't have one favorite decoration. I always want MORE.

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  35. DonnaJuly 30, 2012 at 5:34 AM

    Style? Me? My Christmas is a mish-mash of favorite things. Put an apple pie in the oven for aroma and I have Christmas.

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  36. BelindaJuly 30, 2012 at 5:38 AM

    What a great post!!! The trees are awesome and their story of origin was very interesting.
    The Santa giveaway is wonderful!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!! I think my favorite decorations at Christmas are the red and white striped candy canes everywhere. Second only to Mr. Claus himself, but really I love everything about Christmas!

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  37. MargaretJuly 30, 2012 at 5:44 AM

    I love to put up lights and drive around and see the different light displays that people put up. I like to hang and drape Christmas wall hangings and small quilts in my home. I love all of your blocks. They are just so unique.

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  38. StitchinByTheLakeJuly 30, 2012 at 5:44 AM

    Sharon as usual you've made a stunning collection for us to see on this blog hop. I love your trees but I think my favorite is the second one with the tiny triangles. I love decorating for Christmas, and my favorite is the use of fresh greenery. The aroma of those freshly cut branches of pine just scream Christmas to me. blessings, marlene

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  39. Quilter KathyJuly 30, 2012 at 5:48 AM

    Such an interesting post!
    My favorite is the flying geese tree!
    I am partial to decorating with lots of white lights, candles, and angels.

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  40. KarenJuly 30, 2012 at 5:50 AM

    I love your feather tree blocks! My favorite decorations are Christmas stockings.

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  41. LynnJuly 30, 2012 at 5:58 AM

    Very cute post Sharon. I love your feather trees.

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  42. SandraJuly 30, 2012 at 6:16 AM

    I have never heard of feather trees until now. They really are cute and I enjoyed learning the history. I like Christmas tree lights. So bright and so pretty. They sparkle and just make you feel so excited about Christmas. Thank you for your giveway and letting one of us win.

    Sandi T.
    sandit1@sbcglobal.net

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  43. LindaJuly 30, 2012 at 6:18 AM

    Thank you for the history lesson. I love learning about things like this! I'm really intrigued with the thought that the German's were environmentally concerned as early as that! Too bad the rest of the world didn't follow their example!
    Your blocks are all wonderful!

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  44. PattyJuly 30, 2012 at 6:18 AM

    My favorite decor of Christmas use to be my Dads tree,now it is the Isle if lights here in my home town.

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  45. WendyJuly 30, 2012 at 6:21 AM

    Beautiful trees and wonderful history...thank you for sharing your great work and your generous giveaway, Sharon!! My favorite decoration at Christmas has to be twinkly lights ... love em!

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  46. Barb NJuly 30, 2012 at 6:36 AM

    I'm a fairly traditional red and green person when it comes to Christmas decor. I haven't quite got my head around the bright blues yet in Christmas fabrics. So these cute Santas are perfect!

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  47. TriciaJuly 30, 2012 at 6:44 AM

    Hummmm my favorite decoration would have to be the Homemade Quilted Angel that tops the tree for it was made by my Eddie who pasted away from brain cancer in 2009. She holds a very special place in my heart & memories.
    Thank You for the chance to win your yard of pretty santa fabric.
    Sincerely,
    Tricia

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  48. CalicojoanJuly 30, 2012 at 6:48 AM

    I just love your tree blocks and the wonderful ways to display them. These table top quilt racks sure do allow for great decor ideas that take up little space. Best yet, it can be done in a sitting. I can see, the sewing machine will be very busy with all these fabulous ideas coming at us!

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  49. pinsandneedlesJuly 30, 2012 at 6:49 AM

    Thank you Sharon for the interesting information about feather trees. All your blocks are beautiful! As a snowman collector, they are my favorite Christmas/winter decorating item.

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  50. UnknownJuly 30, 2012 at 6:50 AM

    Sharon, thanks for sharing the history of the feather Trees. Your blocks are all beautiful, and love the way you displayed them. My favorite is to have Christmas green decorations throughout the house, from fresh cut pine trees to silk garlands filled with Christmas accents. - Thanks for the great giveaway Ü

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  51. AnonymousJuly 30, 2012 at 6:51 AM

    Thank you for info about the feather trees. I love all the contributions that are a result of people bringing their family traditions to America. I particularly enjoys the natural scents and smells of Christmas, starting with the pine tree to include the wonderful cooking smells of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, etc. Thanks for the opportunity to win some cute fabric.
    Rosemary
    nellieduclos@yahoo.com

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  52. RuthJuly 30, 2012 at 6:54 AM

    Very interesting information about the feather trees! My favorite Christmas decor is a small wooden Christmas tree from Norway that has 2 pieces that you fit together and then has candle holders on branches . I always put this on our dining room table and light the candles for Christmas Eve Supper.

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  53. Needled MomJuly 30, 2012 at 6:56 AM

    Your blocks are just wonderful. I don't think I have ever seen the feather trees, but I do remember the aluminum trees in all the different colors.

    I enjoy decorating with the ornaments and Christmas items the children have made over the years.

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  54. ThearicaJuly 30, 2012 at 6:58 AM

    Love your blocks! And I have that same pig!! :)

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  55. Connie Kresin CampbellJuly 30, 2012 at 7:07 AM

    Beautiful blocks Sharon, I think my favorite is the last one, love that little pig. Wonderful information that I did not know and what a great giveaway!

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  56. CliodanaJuly 30, 2012 at 7:08 AM

    beautiful fabric! your tree block are amazing. My favorit christmas decor are made snowman... love those man with carrot nose! thank's for the giveaway, hope to see you on sunday on my blog!

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  57. LynJuly 30, 2012 at 7:09 AM

    I love Santas also. thanks beautiful trees!

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  58. AnonymousJuly 30, 2012 at 7:12 AM

    Good Morning, Sharon... Wonderful feather tree blocks! Thanks for sharing the history, too. You know, I think I have a very small one packed with Christmas stuff... may have to find it for my day. Love all your vignettes, too, showcasing your blocks. Thanks for the chance at the Santa panel.

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  59. KathrynJuly 30, 2012 at 7:14 AM

    I know it's not sewing related, but I love poinsettias all around the house at Christmas

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  60. Miki WillaJuly 30, 2012 at 7:15 AM

    Beautiful trees!. Thank you for the history lesson. I always enjoy learning about Christmas traditions. My favorite Christmas decoration is my Santa collection. I have been gathering Santas for years and always look forward to getting them out each year.

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  61. Sandy DJuly 30, 2012 at 7:15 AM

    I enjoyed your History of the feather trees which I had never heard of.I have started putting out Christmas quilts and less of my other ornaments except for my collection of Snowmen.

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  62. Betty LouJuly 30, 2012 at 7:26 AM

    Thank you for sharing the history of Feather Trees, they are so beautiful. My favorite of course is our tree. I love getting out the ornaments and remembering where each ornament came from and the memories of the children when they were small. I also love decorating with Christmas quilts and quilted projects all over the house.

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  63. PolkaDotClassicJuly 30, 2012 at 7:44 AM

    Such cute blocks! Love the your block stand :)
    Thank you for always giving us such great information and quilting history
    Marta

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  64. DonnaJuly 30, 2012 at 8:02 AM

    Your blocks are great! My favourite is my trees. The ornaments that I display on them are from my grandparents, my parents, and all the ones that my family have collected over the years. I enjoy putting each and every one out on display. Thanks for the giveaway and your participation in the blog hop!

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  65. QuiltSueJuly 30, 2012 at 8:06 AM

    I love Christmas trees, and your blocks are great. I really enjoy being outside and seeing houses all lit up for Christmas.

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  66. BizyStitchesJuly 30, 2012 at 8:10 AM

    I love your Christmas trees, my favorite thing to decorate with is Santa's during the Christmas season, but for decorating during the winter my faborite is Snowmen

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  67. SewCalGalJuly 30, 2012 at 8:11 AM

    What lovely mini Christmas Quilts you have. Your home must be beautifully decorated for the holidays. You've inspired me to make some minis this year. Thanks.

    I love christmas trees and all sorts of decorations, as well as colors. If I had to pick a favorite Christmas color it would be the red.

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

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  68. UnknownJuly 30, 2012 at 8:12 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  69. UnknownJuly 30, 2012 at 8:13 AM

    Hi Sharon I really enjoyed reading the history of the Feather trees. I also collect Santa's and snowmen and display them every Christmas, Christmas is my favorite Holiday! I loved all your work! Thanks for sharing.

    Sorry for deleting last post but I forgot a word...LOL

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  70. KarenJuly 30, 2012 at 8:28 AM

    Love your blocks. My favorite decoration are my Dickens Village houses. Love putting them up for the whole holiday season.

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  71. Carrie P.July 30, 2012 at 8:32 AM

    I enjoyed the history of the trees. Your minis are so sweet.
    thanks for sharing.

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  72. Jane's QuiltingJuly 30, 2012 at 8:37 AM

    I am PA Dutch, and have a heritage of German. I truly enjoyed your story of the Christmas Tree. Thank you for sharing with all.

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  73. Ruth AnnJuly 30, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    I enjoyed reading about the history of feather trees! My favorite decoration of the season is my small collection of nativities. We have an inexpensive small one that we have used since my daughter was small. Our kitty used to take baby Jesus out of the display and hide it somewhere. But probably my favorite is a small wooden one that my daughter made in preschool. It has a wooden base and Joseph, Mary and Jesus are made from parts of wooden clothespins.

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  74. Jodi - usairdollJuly 30, 2012 at 8:44 AM

    Your blocks are lovely. I never knew those trees were called feather trees. Thanks for giving us some of the history as well. How wonderful that you have your grandma's trees.

    Thank you for a neat giveaway and a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  75. MargieJuly 30, 2012 at 8:44 AM

    I really do like your trees and it looks like it would be a quick project. My Grandmother tatted also, but me at that age did not take an interest. I so wish now that I had some of her tatting things. She would be so proud that I did teach myself to do it. I have put your name in the drawing for the snowflake!! Take Care

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  76. aiah23July 30, 2012 at 8:44 AM

    My favorite decor is actually Christmas Stockings. I also do counted cross-stitch and I'm desperately working daily on the one for my son (14 months). I made stockings for my husband and myself. I love filling stockings with small, thoughtful gifts:)

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  77. sew.darn.quiltJuly 30, 2012 at 8:46 AM

    Thank you for sharing the history of the feather tree and for the chance to win this Santalicious fabric.
    My favourite Christmas decoration, the one my boys hunt for through the boxes, is our family done up in snowmen from flannel I made years ago.

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  78. Jane's Fabrics and QuiltsJuly 30, 2012 at 8:50 AM

    I just love History, thank you for sharing. Your feather trees are just beautiful! Great blocks to start the hop!

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  79. Apple Avenue QuiltsJuly 30, 2012 at 8:55 AM

    Your feather tree blocks are wonderful. My favorite decorations are Santa. All kinds and as many as possible! Thanks for the chance on your giveaway!

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  80. LindiJuly 30, 2012 at 8:58 AM

    Thanx for the info, L

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  81. SallieJuly 30, 2012 at 8:59 AM

    The nativity set my parents gave me. Thanks for the cute giveaway!

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  82. Marcia W.July 30, 2012 at 9:02 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  83. Marcia W.July 30, 2012 at 9:02 AM

    My mother has a music box nativity scene which is the first decoration I setup at Christmas. It plays Silent Night, my favorite song.

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  84. JudithJuly 30, 2012 at 9:04 AM

    All the tree mini are a delight! Love them and thanks for the history. Sweet Santa quilt. Judith, Texas

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  85. SallyJuly 30, 2012 at 9:06 AM

    sharon, how cool to learn the history of feather trees! Fav. decor are all the Christmas lights, but at my house it's the Christmas quilts that shine!
    Love the Santas from Connecting Threads!

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  86. LindaJuly 30, 2012 at 9:21 AM

    Thanks for all the info on feather trees. Very interesting. Love your feather trees. I love Santa but the last several years Mr. Snowman has taken over. Thanks.

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  87. Patty July 30, 2012 at 9:47 AM

    very nice. Love the tree blocks. thanks for sharing.

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  88. SheilaJuly 30, 2012 at 9:48 AM

    Your blocks are just adorable Sharon and I loved reading the history behind the Feather trees , just lovely! My favorite decorating is definitely traditional with lots of lights and ornaments . Thanks so much for sharing :-)

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  89. Joyce CarterJuly 30, 2012 at 10:11 AM

    I was facinated by the history of the Feather Trees. I enjoyed reading about them so much and, of coarse, seeing your beautiful blocks. My favorite Christmas Decoration is putting the handmade ornaments on my tree. Thanks so much for the giveaway.

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  90. ArianeJuly 30, 2012 at 10:18 AM

    I love your blocks!! Thanks for sharing them and giving us a wonderful history lesson too!!

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  91. Karen HeronJuly 30, 2012 at 10:32 AM

    My favourite decorations for Christmas are my collection of stacking Santas--each little Santa fits inside another. I display them grouped together on the mantle in my family room.

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  92. Terry@ a quilting blogJuly 30, 2012 at 10:46 AM

    Love your feather tree blocks Sharon! My favorite holiday decor are the vintage blown glass ornaments passed on to me by my late MIL...lots of great holiday memories!!!

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  93. Sandie @ crazy'boutquiltsJuly 30, 2012 at 11:04 AM

    Wow! Love your feather trees! I love to pull out my Santa and snowmen collections every year, but my favorite decorations are the ornaments the kids made when they were small. Thanks for the fun!

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  94. DeniseJuly 30, 2012 at 11:35 AM

    Great information of the feather tree - I didn't realize it was an old tradition! My favourite Christmas decorations are the old santas with the long coats.

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  95. AnonymousJuly 30, 2012 at 11:40 AM

    Cute blocks. Thank you for sharing. My favorite decoration for the season is a large crazy quilt tree skirt that my mother made me. It is beautiful, and I feel like my decorating is really done once it is laid down under the tree.

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  96. TeresaJuly 30, 2012 at 11:49 AM

    Thank you for such an interesting post and lovely little quilts. I love my tree every Christmas.

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  97. DianaJuly 30, 2012 at 12:20 PM

    thanks for the history of feather trees, love all your blocks, my favorite decor are all the old ornaments that evoke a memory, (1st baby, 1st car from mom, etc)takes a long time to decorate tree as stories are always told. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  98. SnoodlesJuly 30, 2012 at 12:38 PM

    That's so neat! I knew absolutely nothing about feather trees until today...thanks for the lesson! Love your tree blocks - they make such cute table displays!

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  99. KarenJuly 30, 2012 at 12:57 PM

    I love your trees. Thank you for giving me inspiration.

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  100. MoeWestJuly 30, 2012 at 1:23 PM

    Thanks for the interesting history of the feather trees. Your minis are all very nice. I like the one with buttons. My favourite decorations are all the outdoor lights making the neighborhood look so festive.

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  101. Judy1522July 30, 2012 at 2:19 PM

    Thank you for the interesting history of Feather trees. I had never heard of them before. My favorite decor of the Christmas season is the tree with all of the ornaments on it.

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  102. GGJuly 30, 2012 at 2:57 PM

    So nice to get the history of the Feather Tree!Part of my heritage is from Germany (actually Prussian) & I knew so little of any of them, so for me, it made a lovely connection.My mom was born around 1913, so perhaps she knew of this.Thank you.
    I have been all over the Xmas scene/decorations from reindeer collections to Angels & Santas. But I feel much better when the reason we celebrate (Jesus' birthday) is what is at the center of the decorations. I display several Crèche’s around the home.

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  103. SharonZJuly 30, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    Loved the history of the feather trees--so interesting. And I really like your feather tree blocks. My favorite decorating theme is now Snowbabies with evergreens and clear lights--on the mantel, on the wall in a half tree, and on my regular tree. Makes me feel so peaceful when I look at them.

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  104. JackieJuly 30, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    Love your feather trees - I might try my hand at these.
    My favorite decoration at Christmas is a wreath made by the grandmother of my son-in-law - she stitched stuffed reindeer and dressed them in cute clothes and sat them in a grapevine wreath - they are so cheerful and make the holiday complete.

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  105. tink's momJuly 30, 2012 at 3:31 PM

    Sharon,

    I love each and every one of your feather trees and more than that I love the history. Thanks so much for sharing. Oh I'd also like a chance at the Santa's.

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  106. Sharon DawnJuly 30, 2012 at 4:00 PM

    Great blocks and history! I love the trees!

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  107. evelynJuly 30, 2012 at 4:01 PM

    Love your blocks. Thank you for the history of the feather trees. My favorite decor for Christmas-snowmen!

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  108. Michelle May-The Raspberry RabbitsJuly 30, 2012 at 4:49 PM

    A wonderful post. I do love feather trees.
    xx

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  109. Quilt n QueenJuly 30, 2012 at 4:57 PM

    Loved seeing your parade of feather trees and also reading about their history. Thanks for sharing in the hop. Congrats on being chosen as one of the best blocks of the day!!

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  110. JanetJuly 30, 2012 at 5:08 PM

    This is kind of too funny... the comment from David Raithby - please delete or ignore it. He's a visitor of mine and I didn't realize he was signed into blogger instead of me... oops... Here's the comment from me...

    This is super cute fabric! I don't usually have a theme, except possibly for vintage as I have many vintage decorations. I love the feather trees though.

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  111. Laura AnnJuly 30, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    Cute Trees.. I love seeing what other people do it ispires me so!! Love the ric rac tree with the buttons :) :) Adorable little santas.. :)

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  112. AnonymousJuly 30, 2012 at 5:15 PM

    I often return when the line ups are not sew long and i have some time to not only see what you have made but to also be warmed by the story of the feathered trees..... i love yours immensily....I never knew this...now i do....
    My day is done...I know about feathered trees. Thank you.X

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  113. wandaJuly 30, 2012 at 5:39 PM

    I love the Old Fashion Santa. I like Santas the best. I enjoyed your blocks on the Christmas trees

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  114. CeciliaJuly 30, 2012 at 6:18 PM

    My favorite is my porcelain Nativity set. Thank you for giving the history of the Feather Christmas Tree. Your blocks are lovely.

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  115. Lisa CoxJuly 30, 2012 at 6:31 PM

    We don't celebrate Christmas at my house because of my mother in law's religion (Jehovah's Witness) but I love snowmen. I don't care if they are real out in the yard, made of styrofoam balls, or quilted.

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  116. PamJuly 30, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    Hiya Sharon, love the blocks. My favorite Christmas decoration is the Nutcracker. I grew up watching the ballet on PBS on Christmas Eve and have been in love with them ever since. I leave some of them out year round. Thank you for having the giveaway, love the Ho Ho fabric. Blessed be, hugs!!!

    playamom57 at yahoo dot com

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  117. SandraJuly 30, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    Love your block. Such detail!! My favorite decore for the season is cedar garland. Love the smell and the colors that go with it.

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  118. KarenJuly 30, 2012 at 7:05 PM

    Wow, I love the history behind all of your feather blocks. Just amazing! I'd have to say my favorite decor is a bunting over my fireplace. It's something I can keep up all winter long past when the stockings come down. :)

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  119. Marcia - Crafty Sewing and QuiltingJuly 30, 2012 at 8:27 PM

    Love your tree block quilts! Interesting information about the feathered trees.
    Love that you always share the history behind things.
    Thanks!

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  120. LisaJuly 30, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    I loved your information on the feather trees, I never knew about them. Your blocks are wonderful. My favorite decor at Christmas are my Santa's, I put them everywhere during the holidays. Thank you, I would love to win!!

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  121. GloriaJuly 31, 2012 at 1:16 AM

    I like your feather tree designs.

    My favourite part of decorating for Christmas is using all the tree decorations my husband and I bought in Germany for our first married Christmas. The ceilings were so high we were able to have a very tall tree and needed to buy a lot!

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  122. KayJuly 31, 2012 at 1:35 AM

    How lovely. I love to decorate our tree with the decorations we have been collecting over the years, each year we all choose a new decoration to hang. I also have a beautiful collection of nativities that i put out together.
    ks(dot)eyles(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk

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  123. Bonnie58July 31, 2012 at 7:17 AM

    Love the fearther trees. I have never seen them before.

    bonnielarson58@gmail.com

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  124. BrendaJuly 31, 2012 at 10:25 AM

    I love the feather trees too! My favorite decorations for Christmas is also snowpeople! They are all so adorable.

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  125. quiltmom annaJuly 31, 2012 at 8:26 PM

    I love to put up my Christmas village each year. I also add some Santas and snowmen. There are also some poinsettias as they were my wedding flowers. We have a poinsettia quilt and always have flowers too.
    Thanks for participating in the blog hop.
    Regards from Western Canada,
    Anna

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  126. ShannonAugust 1, 2012 at 7:34 AM

    I had never heard of feather trees. Thank you for a history lesson. I love it. I went and looked them up and they are so cool. How nice for you to have some original trees. My favorite decor is snowmen. They are so fun. Thank you for your blocks they were great.

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  127. Maria KievitAugust 1, 2012 at 6:06 PM

    Love your tree blocks and the history behind it. Thanks for sharing. My favourite decor is stuffed animals: teddy bears in Christmas outfits, a couple of other different stragglers inbetween, and mostly on a blue backdrop......

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  128. LJAugust 1, 2012 at 7:31 PM

    I love the Christmas tree and all the ornaments that I've collected for 50 years. Added to those ornaments are the ones I've inherited from family. Love, love, love, 'em.

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  129. AggiequilterAugust 2, 2012 at 10:30 AM

    Enjoyed the background on the feather trees, had no idea!
    My fav decorations are snowmen, we don't get to have them very often here in Texas!
    Thanks for sharing, and the chance to win!

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  130. BethAugust 2, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    My favorite Christmas decor comes from ornaments. I put them on the tree, of course, but also in bowls or urns or other decorative glassware or silver servers.

    wordygirl at earthlink dot net

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  131. Karen PropesAugust 3, 2012 at 12:02 AM

    Thank you for a sharing your feather trees with us. They are beautiful. My deco for Christmas is different in every room, I have snowmen in the kitchen, Angels in the den and I have a nativity set that I made in ceramics long ago in the living room . We set up the manager and have the wise men travel thru our home until Christmas Eve. I love that and our tree which is full of homemade and ornaments that were gifts. I let my Granddaughter pick out one for herself each year. No Christmas at our home last Christmas, we were at my MIL helping her from surgery, no decorations :( Funny we are still here, lol. I love the santas, A quilt of them would fit perfect in our foyer with another piece of ceramics a santa. Funny it's just around the corner.

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  132. prsd4tim2August 3, 2012 at 5:26 AM

    I didn't know anything about feather trees. Very interesting tradition.

    My favorite Christmas decor? We have a plush Santa stocking I picked up at Montgomery Ward when my youngest child (now 22) was 2. She called him "HO-HO" and wouldn't put him down. He was half price - $3 I think - and every Christmas he hangs right in the entry way of our home and reminds me of many sweet memories when the children were young.

    Merry Christmas!

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  133. JeanneAugust 3, 2012 at 8:55 AM

    Nice blocks! My favorite Christmas decor is my nativity scene my sister made me.

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  134. wendy@iqltAugust 3, 2012 at 12:07 PM

    I love my collection of wooden Santas and xmas quilts. If I can find 3" of table space I can find a mini tree, santa or snowman to put on it.

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  135. gpcAugust 4, 2012 at 12:52 PM

    What an interesting history lesson, and I love the blocks!

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  136. SueAugust 4, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    Love the story of the Feather Christmas tree. The blocks are just gorgeous.

    My fave decorations are the ornaments that we have added year after year on the tree. It is a wonderful way to remember all the fun times when the kids were little!

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  137. KatieQAugust 4, 2012 at 6:37 PM

    My favorite Christmas decoration is the nativity set my children collected for me over the years. My husband would take them to the store and they were each allowed to pick out one statue to give me for my birthday. Although we have 3 other nativity scenes this is my favorite because it brings back such beautiful memories. Please do not place my name in the giveaway. The panel is beautiful, but it deserves to be used. It might never see the light of day in my house.

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  138. BrendaAugust 5, 2012 at 7:39 AM

    I love the Christmas tree blocks you have made. They're beauitful! My fav. decorations are snowmen! hulseybg@gmail.com

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  139. Lynn MAugust 5, 2012 at 7:47 AM

    we didn't have much of a tradition on decorating. We just put up the tree. So now that's usually what I do.

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  140. Mom CAugust 5, 2012 at 5:47 PM

    I like to collect Santas but the last few years I have looked for good nativities. Love your trees, they are darling.

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  141. ChrissyAugust 26, 2012 at 6:34 AM

    Love the button and ric rac tree!

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