Wyoming Breezes

Every time a hand  reaches out  to help another -  that is Christmas every time someone  puts conflict aside and strives for understanding - that is Christmas every time people forget their differences and realize their love for each other - that is Christmas

five skeins of new sock yarn When I took my shawl into the local yarn shop for blocking, I discovered a "new to me sock yarn" and fell in love with the rich colors and the reasonable price.  Queensland Perth sock yarn  100 gr ball - 437 yards I purchased Great Barrier Reef (122), Redcliffe City (119), Gold Coast (114), Port Pirie (120), and Alpine Shire (117). Each ball was $13.50 which I thought was very reasonable for the yardage and a super wash wool with nylon. I haven't cast on a project yet, but at least one of these balls will become a pair of socks.  Have you tried Queensland Perth sock yarn?

painted by Brenda M. 2020 I mentioned that my niece, Brenda has been painting during our weekly FaceTime calls, and some of you have asked what she paints. This cute bear arrived in my mailbox this week. Brenda and her Mom host an annual cookie and ornament exchange, and they decided last year that 2020 would be the final party. That was long before COVID-19 decided to descend on the world. They thought thirty years was a good stopping point.  Every guest at the exchange receives a gift from Marilyn and Brenda, and this year it was doorstoppers. My BIL cut wood bear forms, and Brenda began painting the 30 bear doorstoppers in March. I requested stars on my bear's pajamas. Isn't he adorable?  Brenda added a note on the back of each of the bears. I keep telling her to sign her work, but she rarely does.  cover of the invitation December 2020 The invitation for this year's gathering featured nearly all of the gifts the guests received over the years. Some time, Marilyn made ...

North Pole village December 2020 Marilyn and Brenda have been collecting houses and accessories for the North Pole village (Department 56) for years. Many of the houses were purchased at clearance sales. This year, my brother-in-law created a new styrofoam base for the display.  Unfortunately, I will not be able to see the display in person, but it looks fabulous in the photos that he shared. The display captures some of the magic of Santa's hometown.  Do you have a collection of Christmas items?

holiday cross-stitch stitched in 1991 May your Christmas be Merry and Bright!

ceramic nativity set made by Brenda M (my niece) in 1977 This is one of the first Christmas decorations set out each year. I found the display box a few years ago.  I love how the mirror reflects those gathered in front of the manger and how the star on the door shines down on them all.

Tiny Tree Quilt Along Temecula Quilt Company December 2019 The directions for the eleventh block and the finishing instructions were posted on Saturday, and by that evening, the tree was finished. I assure you the tree is straight (again my camera angle is askew). The colors are pretty true to life. I probably should have fiddled with the block placement, but I followed the finishing diagram. This small project was a delight to sew and used tiny bits of fabric. Brenda suggested charms could be added to the tree. She also suggested the tree could be used as an advent countdown, which I think is a great idea and one I will probably pursue. I haven't decided if I'm going to hand quilt it or do some simple machine stitching for quilting. The directions for the Tiny Tree Quilt Along can be found here .

So far, I've managed to avoid the holiday Hum Bug. I bought a small tree at Goodwill, placed some other decorations around the apartment, and have used the Advent wreath and devotional book every night since December 1st. As I write this post, Christmas carols are playing on the laptop and the virtual fire is streaming on Netflix. my small and humble tree December 2019 Have you escaped the Hum Bug this year?

holiday welcome stitched in 1986 May all those gathered  under your roof and around your table  have a Merry Christmas

Statue of Liberty holiday cross-stitch stitched July 1986 Counted cross-stitch was my craft of choice in the 1980s and 90s. A few holiday pieces are framed and hanging in my apartment. The holiday Statue of Liberty design commemorated her Centennial. The pattern was published in a craft magazine, and I stitched it on 22 count navy Aida cloth in July 1986. close up of stitching with ruler She is one of three holiday pieces I stitched on 22 count cloth. holiday wreath stitched in 1992 The second piece is a holiday wreath. I had planned to stitch a wreath for each season, but for some reason that did not happen. close up of stitching with ruler Another holiday picture stitched on 22 count Aida cloth can be found here . I haven't done any counted cross-stitch in years. I enjoy it, but my eyes aren't what they used to be.

Evelyn (Sis), Marilyn, Brenda, Nancy Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland  Frankenmuth, MI I can't remember if I've posted this photo before, so forgive me if you've seen it. It was taken the summer that my sisters, niece, and I travelled to Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Mackinac Island. We stopped in Frankenmuth, MI to visit the famous Christmas store - Bronner's. If you are searching for anything pertaining to Christmas, I am willing to bet they will have it.

ceramic Nativity set November 2018 Gradually, I'm finding places for some Christmas decorations. The big tree will probably stay in the garage this year because I don't want to deal with the mess of sorting through the boxes for Christmas ornaments. I set up a few ceramic pieces (small lighted tree and two Nativity sets) around the apartment. The Advent wreath is on the kitchen table ready for morning devotions. I've hung holiday cross-stitch pictures around the apartment, filled the Christmas countdown tree with treats, and hung the greeting card holder. The front door has a new festive wreath, and a snowman flag is flying. Christmas carols have been playing all day, and the virtual fireplace was flickering and popping on the television screen. I'm ready to enjoy the holiday season.