I have a new project on the go and I am so excited about it. I was gobsmacked when I saw this beautiful scarf by Carolyn Bloom. It was featured on Ravelry and is a modified version of her Water Arcade Blanket. I knew once I saw this scarf I needed to make some version of it. I have not been drawn to a pattern with such intensity in a long time. I have 38 circles made so far with yarn left over for a few more. I am kind of playing a bit of yarn chicken with this project, using only stash yarn and just seeing where it takes me. I am in love with it so far.
Christmas decorations are up at my house with the exception of the tree. As you know in my usual Christmas grumpy style, I am not a fan of the tree. It might go up next weekend when we are all home. I feel it is a bit early for it to be up because of the expectations Little Buddy will have that Christmas should be happening right this second. I have an Advent calendar to help with that but still seeing that tree up will make it harder to wait for the big day. The one thing I do love about Christmas is the memories it evokes of Christmases past. This nativity scene was my parents. I remember it so well from my childhood. It always had a special place under the tree we had in the living room. We had another tree in the basement for presents. My Dad would always place one single Christmas bulb up in the loft to represent the Star of Bethlehem.
We have had this big stuffed Santa from the year my oldest son was born. Santa has been with us every Christmas since. Do you remember Lillian Vernon catalog? That is where we bought him from when it was not that common to catalog shop. You actually had to call them up and give them your credit card over the phone!
This wee snowman with the shovel was from my MIL to my oldest son. We got stranded in Wisconsin after Thanksgiving the year after he was born, due to a sudden snow storm that hit while we were on the way to the airport to come home. He was just over one and he loved the snow. The snowman reminded her of him with his hat and rosy cheeks.
For years and years my parents would buy me a Santa every year for a present. I have so many lovely Santa's, most of which are on my mantle. But this guy is so big he has a special place in the middle of my dinning room table. I adore him and all the others which I will show you another time. It is lovely to look back at these special gifts and remember the love ones that gave them to us. As for this evening another memory will be made when we visit Santa with Little Buddy. He is asking for two things this year, a remote control car and a V-tech watch. Hope Santa agrees he has been a very good boy!!
30 comments:
Meredith, your’s scarf is going to be gorgeous! I love the idea of the circles. What a lovely gift to have from your parents. I know the nativity brings back so many special memories for you. As you know, I’ve had mine for 39 years this Christmas. I hope it will be passed down when I’m no longer here too, as a reminder of me to my children. I love seeing all of your special decorations too. I have a set of mugs that we’ve had since the first year we were married and they have a story behind them that I may tell on my blog. I hope your little guy has a wonderful time with Santa tonight. I’m sure he’ll find that he’s been a very good boy this year And deserves all he wishes.
Blessings, Betsy
Aw, only two items on Little Buddy's list? I think he has been VERY good! I love your Santa on your dining room table. He is beautiful!
I have no decorations up yet and no tree either...soon...enjoy the weekend.
Oh! Your scarf will be amazing. So colorful and happy!
Such lovely memories.Whenever we are abroad on holiday we try and buy a Xmas decoration for the tree .Memories again.
Hi there.I have been on a visit to my mum again so just catching up with your blog.Loving your Christmas Decs and that yarn is so pretty.xx
Lillian Vernon - HA! I was a regular customer, still have some potholders I ordered from them. I cannot have a tree because of Beau, the Feline Destroyer of all Things Nice.
Love Little Buddy's Christmas choices, no doubt Santa will not disappoint. The scarf and the blanket are absolutely lovely, I can see why you feel so strongly about the scarf. It's good when that happens. Wishing you a good weekend Meredith. CJ xx
I remember LIlian Vernon! I love your sweet Santas. I bought Al a new Santa this year for her growing little collection.
I have to look up a V-tech watch. OH VIRGINIA TECH???? Hmmmmm. Now Im curious.
Santa knows Lil B is a very good boy! I love that you shared your family Nativity set too Mere.
LIghts up outside. Too soon for our inside tree here. Maybe next week! Tomorrow is the local COOKIE Walk.........I cant wait!
Your yarn is such lovely cheerful colours, looking forward to seeing it finished. This weekend we'll probably start thinking about Christmas a bit more. There's some decorations to bring downstairs. We usually bring things down to the lounge sideboard and display some on it. Christmas films and music, ornaments and books, nativity scene and a few small stockings that I've knitted, that sort of thing.
Cx
I love your meaningful decorations.. and that scarf is going to be stunning! I definitely think your darling little son has earned both of those gifts.. and I love how reasonable his list is. I'll be addressing envelopes for my cards this weekend and decorating our tree! Bring it on! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
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I never put my tree up until a week or so before Christmas. It gets dusty if I do it earlier and that makes me crazy! It also comes down the day after for the same reason.
That scarf is amazing. I can't wait to see yours!
Your decorations are beautiful and classic!
Hope Little Buddy has a wonderful visit with Santa.
I love decorations that have memories with them. I'm ready to decorate this weekend!
It's great to have so many meaningful decorations... I can't wait to see your other Santa's. Our tree is already up, just for the cosy feeling it provides.
The other decoration is kept simple because of our cats who like to use all the cupboards and tables where I can put something on. :-) The nativity scene is also used by our cats to sleep in/on... sigh! But still I love Christmas!
Oh, and I love the scarf you're making! I went to see it on Ravelry and I totally understand you want one! It will be beautiful!
Take care and have a nice weekend!
Sigrid
First-I'm looking forward to seeing your version of the scarf. I know it will be beautiful!
Christmas becomes a very anxious time for kids. I think you know what will work best for your little one.
My husband is so precise and traditional about our nativity. He keeps Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds inches back from the barn, and moves them forward a bit each morning, representing their long journey. How I love him for that.
No Christmas decor going on here yet-I'm fighting again, another cold. Yuk!
I think the scarf is going to be lovely, the yarn you're using is so colourful. I think Christmas evokes all sorts of memories, you have some lovely decorations and it's nice to remember how they came to be with you.
I went to ravelry to check out Carolyn's scarf. It is stunning. I'm looking forward to seeing yours finished, it looks like a great stash busting project. Hope you're enjoying the weekend.
Amalia
xo
That is a very neat looking scarf. I can see why you would be excited about working on it. I'm having Santa envy right now.....I love that big one on your dinning room table!
OMG! We used to have that exact same Lillian Vernon giant Santa! Thanks for the memories! Your scarf is going to be awesome!
It's so nice that you have decorated your house with memories!
I have a Santa just like yours, I stand it next to the fireplace
Beautiful projects! Nice Santa do you have.
Oh yes, that scarf is going to be beautiful!
I love all the Christmas decorations- puts me in the spirit. :)
I almost didn’t put up our big tree this year. I’m so glad I did. I don’t put out as many decorations as I once did. Honestly it’s the putting them away that keeps me from going crazy. The family seems to like the more simpler look. I know at some point I’ll probably shift back and do a full house decorating. I’m very sure Santa know Little Buddy has been an absolute angel. I do miss the excitement and anticipation of Santa.
I can't wait to see your finished scarf! I love the pattern and colors.
I don't blame you for not wanting to put your tree up just yet. That's a long time for Little Buddy to be excited. ;-)
Thank you for sharing some of your special Christmas decorations with us and telling us the stories behind them.
Oh, your scarf is going to be gorgeous, Meredith! I love that scarf and pattern, too. Looking forward to seeing yours finished! The memories decorations elicit are wonderful. I LOVE your table Santa. He is Christmas perfection! Without a doubt, Little Buddy is on the good list. ;) blessings ~ tanna
Imagens de um Natal encandado. Cumprimentos.
Looking forward to seeing the shawl finished! At first I thought you might be making a wreath :)
I loved reading your memories of the decorations in your home.
You might be wondering if I am affected by the fires in Ventura County where I live--no, we are safe. The fires are about 10 miles from us. I am visiting daughters on the east coast and The Professor says all is ok. Some electrical outages and lots of smoke, but no danger to Willow's Cottage.
Gobsmacked is the word! WHAT a gorgeous scarf by Carolyn Bloom. Yours is going to be amazing, with all those colours shimmering in it.
I loved seeing your heirloom Nativity set and hearing about the light bulb in the loft.
We haven't started decorating yet, but now that there's finally a bit of snow I'm feeling more motivated. Have a great weekend!
P.S. Fingers crossed that LB gets his wishes. :)
I think it's so funny how much you love your seasonal decorations (I love that each piece has such sentiment and story!) and yet you dread the tree. My husband is a bit like that. I have my wreath up, but my best things go ON the tree. So I get a little antsy about it all. I will give him another week before I start sweating him. It's good I hear your perspective, calms me down a bit. I hope LB gets all that he wants, I already endorsed him for the Good list multiple times this year. I think he got on anyways on that smile alone!
lovely Christmas memories and traditions Meredith.
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