Perfect Thrifting Karma

I found this awesome needlework the other day. I had a Chai in one hand and 9 minutes left on the meter but decided to pop into a thrift store I hadn't noticed before next to the post office. It's everything I like about Christmas decor, I love it so. According to the tag, this beauty had been there since 2007 and had been marked down to 75 cents. A dollar bought it along with half a roll of red and white striped wrapping paper. Score!

Christmas Past

Christmas is already more than a month behind us and I’ve yet to share my handmade Christmas gifts. Today I shall remedy that.

First up are the Frenchy shoulder bags made for my old college pals. This continues to be one of the most satisfying patterns I make. Not only does it go together beautifully but it also generates a wonderful response from the recipients every time. I tried to match the fabrics to their personalities and I think I did it. E & K raved about them at our girls’ dinner out. I blushed and graciously accepted the compliments.

Next are some pillows inspired by all the tiny patchwork squares I was seeing at Posie. I used all my most loved scraps for these. The squares are each 2” so I spent a few early morning cutting sessions before work getting them ready. The pillows are 16” square with an envelope back for easy cleanup. I also “lined” the front panel with flannel to make them extra soft for lazy winter naps.

Finally, the one Christmas present that didn’t make it to Christmas, a Wee Wonderful teddy bear for Little Miss Lou. While helping me unpack Lou found my secret suitcase compartment where I thought I’d hidden the bear. She pulled it out and asked what it was. “A teddy bear”, I replied, “and-um-it’s for you”. Which prompted her to jump up and down on my bed where she proclaimed, “Now I won’t have bad dreams anymore.” I think I granted a Christmas wish.

Ambitious

It's a three day weekend in the US, but in need of a longer break I'm making mine a four day weekend. I've got lots of plans for my four days. They may be ambitious: I'd like to complete four projects in four days.

I plan to make the sun hat and yoga tote from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing. These projects have been sitting on my personal sewing wish list for over a year so it is time to make them a reality. Next on my list is my very own big beyond belief birdie sling. Before summer is over I'm going to need my perfect summer carry-all. My fourth project will be a simple (I hope) A-line skirt from the Barcelona pattern. No shorts for me. Skirts are the way to go.

It will not be all work and no play, however. I plan to work in plenty of pure relaxation. There is a pedicure in the works. There is a stack of books that need my attention. There is a barbeque to attend. There are long walks to be had. Hopefully the weather will even cooperate long enough so we can sneak in our postponed Portland day trip.

(image from marthastewart.com)

I hope your Fourth of July weekend holds as much promise of work, of the fun variety, and great relaxation, too.

Happy Santa Lucia

Some of my earliest Christmas memories involve Santa Lucia celebrations. My father was Norwegian and most of our family friends were some variety of Scandinavian. One of his best friends and business partners was Swedish and his wife was from Finland, and every year they held a party on December 13th in honor of Santa Lucia Day. I loved these evenings for many reasons, but largely because it was very kid-centered. The main event was a procession in which the children acted out the Lucia story. The oldest girl usually got to play the role of Lucia and wear the robe and the crown of candles. The helpers got either a tinsel crown or a hat, depending on whether you were a girl or a boy, and everyone carried a candle or a lantern. We would parade through the house while several people sang and played guitar and piano . The grand finale was when Lucia and her helpers handed out little paper bags of sweet buns to everyone.

Of course, there was plenty of food: sweet buns flavored with cardamom with hard raisins on top, trays of cookies including pepperkaker and sirupsnipper and cup after cup of warm glogg. Pure heaven. That's me in the blue, exactly 35 years ago tonight. And yes, those are real, lit candles in the hands of three year-olds. However, while we were apparently allowed to play with fire, cocktails were forbidden. This recipe for glogg is simple and delicious and can be enjoyed by all the celebrants at your holiday gatherings, regardless of age. I hope you enjoy it.

Rhoda's Non-alcoholic Glogg
Juice of 2 large lemons
1/3 cup molasses
1/3 cup white sugar
8 cups water
2 cinnamon sticks
10 whole cloves

Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Strain and serve warm in small ceramic cups.

Happy Thanksgiving

A quiet day of thanks celebrated with favorite foods and my favorite guy.