Day
Thank you for visiting here to open Day 10 in Jo's advent calendar blog hop
If this is something you have not yet seen this year or you have missed any of the previous days you can find the whole calendar with links to previous beautiful work, and future days to come here
We are asked to share a sample of our Christmas stitching -
I've chosen to share this one with you .....
A hardanger design that a group of ladies were talked through and shown in detailed steps via an internet SAL at a forum I belonged to way back in 2007. It was learnt a band at a time and taught by Lynda herself, the designer from Loopylou Designs. It was wonderful to watch it grow little by little and gain new skills.
Aptly named hollyberry, i can't believe I actually stitched it - I haven't done anything like it since though! It seems to still be available together with lots of other lovely designs on the website.
Jo's question for the advent blog hop is -
Decorations - do you have a favourite decoration you must have on display every year, maybe an heirloom, one the children made or something with a special story behind it?
For me, our family favourite and special Christmas decoration is the hand knitted nativity that my late mother-in-law made using Jean Greenhowe's Christmas Special pattern booklet.
I remember my late father-in-law helping out with the cutting of the cardboard bases for each of the characters, so a combined effort by them both. It means a lot to us and is the first thing that comes out of the attic when its time to decorate our home. It is over 25 years old and testament to the great crafting skill Betty had, she was a wonderful and talented crafter.
We still have the original raffia used as straw that lays on the floor of the wooden stable that my own DH made to house the beautiful characters. There was a light at the top that worked but its since broken, so now we have added some battery operated sparkly lights amongst the straw that give a gentle glow to the scene.
Wishing you all a very happy and peaceful festive season celebrated with those who hold a special place in your hearts.
Love and blessings to you all
Julie x
Your stitching is beautiful, I had to enlarge the photo to take a better look at it, just lovely. I can see why you love the knitted nativity, no wonder it's a treasured decoration. I'm sure your mother-in-law would be touched, as crafters we're always thrilled when someone loves something we've made for them.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful stitched piece....How lovely the crèche is. The figures looks great and a fantastic keepsake.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking part in the Advent Calendar Blog Hop this year.
ReplyDeleteLove the hardanger, it's so beautiful in a sampler. Like you I have done some in the past but not for quite a while now.
Love the Knit-ivity too, what a wonderful heirloom to share each year.
Your hardanger sampler is lovely, Julie. The knitted nativity made by your mother-in-law is fantastic, it is no surprise that it is so special.
ReplyDeleteTwo heirlooms Julie! Love your sampler. Your Nativity is so very special.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful crèche! Lovely knitting, great hardanger work too. Joyeuses Fêtes de Noël ! Amitiés.
ReplyDeleteThe hardanger Christmas stitchery is beautiful! You're so brave - I would be so scared to cut the linen! What an amazing creche - such a treasure!
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful nativity scene, wow! The tiny knitting.. lovely work. And your Xmas piece is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, what a beautiful piece you stitched!
ReplyDeleteYou nativity is so precious, what a lovely memory of your in-laws.
That is a beautiful design. I love the nativity and all those thoughts and feelings that go with it. It is a very special decoration. I can understand why you chose it.
ReplyDeleteYour Hardanger piece is beautiful. The Nativity is wonderful - what a beautiful heirloom.
ReplyDeleteLovely post shared with friends Julie. The nativiry ia a beautiful reminder of people and times gone by. The hardanger is gorgeous and so special. Hope you got the e mail.
ReplyDeleteLove to both xx
ReplyDeleteWonderful stitching and knitting .
It is so nice to see hugs.
Oh your nativity set is absolutely gorgeous!AriadnefromGreece!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely Christmas hardanger piece, Julie. I don't know if I could bear to pack it away after Christmas each year.
ReplyDeleteAnd that hand knit nativity is so special--I love the little sheep and the three wise men with their gifts are wonderful. What a treasure you've received!
Enjoy your week, Julie!
Your hardanger piece is just gorgeous, and what a wonderful heirloom the knitted creche is!
ReplyDeleteYour hardanger piece is beautiful Julie. The knitted nativity scene is a real heirloom.
ReplyDeleteYour Sampler is beautiful Love it! I have never tried anything like that, it looks so difficult. Such a special memory to share with us. The figures are incredible. So much work. Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteLove your stitching. And your nativity scene. I have a similar pattern but I have never got around to making it. Our nativity scene I bought at a crfat fair when year John and I got together it is over 25 years old and it packed away each year. It still looks nearly as good as new.
ReplyDeleteYour stitching is beautiful. I love your nativity. It's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBoy I'm not surprised how proud you are of that gorgeous piece. What a beauty. Love the nativity. How special. Thanks for sharing! Happy Holidays.
ReplyDeleteYour Nativity scene is absolutely gorgeous Julie,what a great heirloom.
ReplyDeleteLove your Christmas stitching too.
I always admire hardanger pieces, and yours is beautiful, Julie! And what a wonderful nativity - indeed a treasure. I love the addition of the sparkly lights, too.
ReplyDeleteA great stitched piece that hangs in your home. And this nativity scene is not only overly beautiful but also a real treasure full of memories for your and your husband.
ReplyDeleteYour Sampler is so special - I adore it. How lucky you are to have a knitted Nativity with such a lovely family history, and it is nice that you treasure it. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteJust catching up with the advent calendar now!
ReplyDeleteI love the Loopy Lou sampler, and your knitted nativity set is wonderful
Hollyberry is certainly a masterpiece to be proud of! And what lovely memories you shared with us about your nativity scene.
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas!
Barbara x
Great manger scene! Soft figures would certainly solve the problem I have of little hands wanting to play with my manger. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful nativity Julie, I'm sure it's treasured by your family. Your hardanger is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful both pieces are.
ReplyDeleteYour hardanger piece is beautiful and such a wonderful story about your nativity set.
ReplyDelete