Tuesday, December 6, 2011

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

17 comments:

Cheryll said...

Love the fabric in the glasses cases.. very festive! Hope you don't come down with THE bug!
Fingers crossed... :)

Anonymous said...

lovely tote Sharon and what a great idea the glasses case

Vesuviusmama said...

I have that angel fabric, too, and haven't been able to cut into it. I like your idea of keeping it whole on the back of something. I like that star block, too.

Wilma Lee said...

Cute glasses cases. Or, and congrats on your win from the Christmas Quilt Show.

Sue Daurio said...

Love the country feel to the bag, and yes that fabric on the back of the bag is way too cute. I'm going to have to try the glasses case for my husband. He has glasses everywhere and maybe if I left him pick out his own fabric, he'd use the case and remember where his glasses are (rather than having a pair in everyroom:) I've got nothing to lose right?

Eat Sleep Quilt said...

I like your bit about the Christmas tree traditions. Those eyeglass cases are a really great idea for gifts - who knew the men would make a bee line for them!

Heather said...

I hope you can stay healthy! I really like the cathedral window block. Nice job on everything!
www.heatherscustomsewing.blogspot.com

Char said...

After a few days off I'm trying to get back to work in my sewing room. Your eye glass cases are great for gifts. I really like the new star block, very interesting, lots of possibilities.

krisgray said...

Love your tote - very pretty colors!

Sheila said...

Great tote and I love the fabric on the back I agree it is too pretty to cut up.Hope you don't catch the flu .

Mrs.Pickles said...

great work. you are very talented!

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I occupied the 3rd and 4th, then health problems with Big Mick have kept our minds on other things. Hope to get back in there this afternoon. I've printed the Moose Block, but probably won't start on it till next week. No cleaning here....I would win the unorganized award.

Michele said...

Great idea for a man's gift Sharon! Thanks :-)

Denise :) said...

You are doing so many fun things during the 'occupation'! I love that carol -- it's up there in my top ten! :)

Miss Hillbilly said...

Your bag looks great! I love the color and the back of it.

Hmmm, you are causing me to want to start that FQ star quilt. They are wonderful blocks.

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

Wonderful bag! Looks like a very useable size. Love the latest star block! So glad that your eyeglass case is such a hit and thanks again for the great tutorial.

leanne said...

gorgeous tote and love the angel fabric - just right for this time of year - I've been occupying the sewing room after work this week :)