Hopeful Homemaker

A Bit of Sunshine

December 6, 2012 jennifer Gardening

The world has been so gray lately, thick with clouds overhead. A few days of having the blue sky and sunshine obscured from view makes me dread the coming of winter. This morning as I drove the kids to school the first thing I noticed was the sky. A sky with holes between the clouds, with sunlight filtering through the openings as the oranges of sunrise gave way to light. Soon the sun was up and – for a while, at least – not a cloud was in sight.

I decided the best possible use of my time was to go out in it, soak up some vitamin D, and enjoy a beautiful day.

I decided to finish planting the tulip bulbs I purchased this year.

We found a lonely onion growing in the garden.

We raked more leaves and the girls played nearby. It was good for all of us to get outside and have some fun. I walked in the house an hour later and thought how lucky I was to be cleaning dirt from my fingernails in December.

The first of my seed catalogs arrived in the mail this week. The reminder that spring really isn’t too far away brought a smile to my face. It will be fun to browse the catalog and dream of our vegetable gardens next year. I hope life will be more predictable and we’ll have more time to spend on them. I had such a great experience with heirloom seeds this year that I’m already anxious to start again.

Hopeful Homemaker

Christmas Mantel 2012

December 5, 2012 jennifer Christmas, Decorating

I decided to place just a single Nativity on our family room mantel this year. In my head the decor was going to be different, but now that the season is here my heart just wants simple.

After all, the only thing I really want for my children during this season is to have as many moments as possible when, in their hearts, they are kneeling beside the manger because the angels are singing in their hearts.

The log that constitutes the mantel presents some interesting challenges. It’s not nearly long enough to use those adorable stocking hangers, especially with a family of ten. My solution has been to hang a garland of some kind from it and put the stockings on that. In the past I’ve used greenery but I wanted to keep the white theme, so I made a simple white burlap garland instead.

I started making these stockings years ago when we were adding a child to our family every 18-21 months. I never knew how many we would end up with so I started making each stocking out of a different plaid fabric with their name embroidered on it in my handwriting. That way I could make as many as we needed over the years. My baby is three and I’m working to finish hers right now… finally!

The final touch is a simple bow in the center of the burlap garland. Last weekend I was shopping with my mom and found this awesome text print linen ribbon. Too often I “save” the things I like the most so I’m very proud of myself for cutting into this within two days. I am kind of wishing I’d bought two, though. It’s just so pretty!

And so the stockings are hung and the children filled with excitement. Welcome, Christmas!

Linking up here .

Chevron Christmas Pillow

December 4, 2012 jennifer Christmas, Quilting and Sewing

I wanted to sew something Christmasey for my sister this year, something she could enjoy in her cute house. Knowing she liked Aneela’s Cherry Christmas line, I snapped up a charm pack and started cutting. I did have to add a few gray scraps to make the pattern work how I envisioned it.

It seems the Utah gray clouds have descended, thick and heavy, making photos difficult. I was operating with a deadline, though, so this is as good as it gets!

The pillow is made almost entirely of half square triangles, with a few solid white squares here and there. The squares finish at 1 and 5/8 inches across.

I quilted only on the white in lines 1/4 inch apart. I like the way it adds detail and movement to the pillow and makes the colors stand out. I finished the quilt with a simple white envelope back and bound it in a red polka dot print.

I’m hoping she enjoys it. The pillow measures 20 inches square, the same as this pillow I made for her birthday. I’m toying with making a second one with rest of the charm pack (I only used half of it!)

I have loved sewing some holiday themed gifts this year. This weekend I also sent my Vintage Holiday quilt off to a new home. It’s fun to give them early so they can be enjoyed during December.