Old lace and embroidery samplers

I saw an awesome giveaway that I just had to share here at Time to Stitch.  I certainly dont think I have the patience that  a lot of those projects need, one caught my eye though - a series of differnt christmas trees, hanging  from a wire stand.  I once saw a display at the Smithsonian of christmas trees, decorated with the artwork of different countries. Awesome!  As we travelled on our boat, at Christmas time I would make home made ornaments   Some years it was origami, some years felt, some years crocheted snowflakes....

So back old lace and old samplers....
I have been working on a project with old lace and old embroidered garments from our family, that my Mom had collected over the years. Here is a sneak preview:
and some detail...


This is a sampler I found among them.

 Isnt it awesome?  Doesnt it just make you wonder if it was a tedious project when she really just wanted to read, or play outside?  Maybe she enjoyed the work - did she have sufficient lighting - or would she have moved to a window seat to get some natural light onto her work?

  I have got all crafty lately - spurred on by the down to earth forum Christmas ornament giveaway.  It has been great fun as I sit crocheting in the evenings.  Putting me right into the christmas spirit. I cant share photos as my recipient might read my blog, and I want it to be a surprise!
I found a fun book at the library and have been working my way through it making the ornaments that appeal to me.  We are having christmas away at my stepsons new house and I plan to take a basket of goodies for guests to help themselves to.   Mugs with biscotti in them.  Tins of shortbread.  Hand made ornaments. Gingerbread men.  I love home-made things at christmas.

What are you doing to get ready for Christmas? 

Comments

  1. JoyfulThu Nov 07, 11:44:00 AM

    I love old lace and linens but seldom see any here at our thrift stores.

    For Christmas I am making handmade things also. A quilt, a lap blanket and a crocheted throw as well as some dish cloths. I started over a month ago so I'll be ready in good time.

    Happy crafting :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. africanaussieFri Nov 08, 10:13:00 AM

      Oh my! Joyful, you are really well prepared....

      Delete
  2. VirginiaCFri Nov 08, 09:09:00 PM

    Lots of baked goodies for my friends this year too.
    Your Christmas projects look interesting, I can't wait for the big reveal.
    My mum had lots of lovely hand embroidered and laces that she made that I've kept as a memory.....very detailed and very time consuming, but oh so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. africanaussieTue Nov 12, 07:30:00 AM

      Virginia,
      It was mostly my grandmothers and great aunts that did the embroidery. I have been collecting recipes, and just have one or two big baking days closer to Christmas.

      Delete
  3. KarenSat Nov 09, 01:12:00 PM

    I love the lace and the sampler and the memories that go with them. I think these handmade items are wonderful keepsakes, bringing us closer to the ones we love.

    I need to get to work on my Christmas gifts too, maybe some stained glass?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. africanaussieTue Nov 12, 07:34:00 AM

      It is Karen, while I was sewing it I was remembering the happy times I had with my great aunt. She taught me to chrochet and tat, and was so patient. I have a beautiful little stained glass angel I got once at Christmas, and it hangs year round on the edge of the verandah where it can catch the light..

      Delete
  4. Carolyn ♥Tue Nov 12, 12:24:00 AM

    Oh my, is it that time of year already? After a few cold hard freezes and a little snow, we are unseasonably warm here. Hard to think Christmas when it feels like October. I do love lace and have inherited tons of hand crocheted lace doilies and handkerchiefs. They are priceless heirlooms made by my grandmothers and great grandmothers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. africanaussieTue Nov 12, 07:36:00 AM

      Carolyn,
      funny how you rely on the onset of cold weather to remind you that Chrismas is coming. :) It seems as though lots of people have heirloom items hanging around - I hope I do mine justice.

      Delete

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