I LOVE THE DESERT!

The Desert is starting to bloom! It’s an awakening time of year! If you haven’t been out to see the open landscapes, I encourage you to go! If not enjoy pictures posted on the internet.

The big Fabric companies are announcing new specialty fabrics emblazoned with cactus and succulents. So hurry out to buy a few yards of the fun “sandy” fabrics.

The Results

One of my favorite new patterns is “High Desert.” It’s the one filled with my memories. I love to see designs like this stitched out over quilts. It induces the viewer to “zoom in” and have a closer look. It’s so interesting.

“Oh yeah! Cactus!  My mom was a crafty sort and she just had to have some of that decorative Cholla Cactus wood.  I can remember her with a handkerchief tied around her face like a mask and wielding a big butcher knife held by big heavy gloves – scraped the “stickers” off the cactus!!  Those stickers are terrors!! They are the enemy! I know that from experience. But, Cactus Flowers were another thing!  They were friendly and had beautiful, brightly colored flowers.

I’m fascinated by the varieties of Desert Landscape. I guess that’s because I am a Southern California girl!   We had a Desert Cabin just outside Joshua Tree National Park. I loved to stand on the large boulder in front of our house and feel the strong wind blow against me! I would dress up in my boots (protection against snakes, you know!) and wander through the dry “wash” and go climbing over the boulders and up “Rattlesnake Hill” behind our cabin. My brother and I would shoot at old tin cans with his Bebe gun and sometimes a jackrabbit, too. 

More Desert patterns: (Not dessert – but still yummy!)

If you like the “hot sandy soil” I’ve drawn lots of patterns for you; Southwest Vistas, Desert Rose, Cactus Garden, Modern Southwest, Spiral Suns, Spinning Kokopelli, Cactus Flower, Pueblo Pottery, Snakeskin, Simple Saguaro, and High Desert.   Or buy three at a 20% OFF discount in the Southwest Set. 

Maybe “Desert Rose” is my favorite!

But there’s more to the name than that.  When I was a girl our family would often drive from LA to Utah or to Lake Mead in Nevada.  Going through Las Vegas, we always stopped for the night at the “Desert Rose Motel!”  I doubt it’s still there, but if you drive into Las Vegas from the south on the old road, watch for it.

 SOOOoo …I found a great picture of beautiful succulents and decided to mock-up a quilt to match it.  I sewed strips round and round the center in the colors I saw in the photo.  I over-layed the Desert Rose patterns over it.  I love it and hope you do too.  If you make an actual quilt Pleeeze send me a picture!

Read more qbout it here: https://www.meadowlyon.com/shop/desert-rose/

Desert Rose Quilt Construction: I had noticed that the succulents often had a tinge of fushia or purple along the outer edge of the petals. I wanted to achieve this look and so inserted thin strips randomly through the blocks.

Mock Desert Rose quilt design. It’s so easy!! I just pulled these fabrics out of my stash and randomly sewed them in place! For this “mock” quilt I made only 2 blocks and tinted them differently so I could show you a “whole” quilt. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? You’ll definitely want to try this!

Hey, all this talk about “Desert” is making me hungry for “Dessert!” What do we eat in the Desert? Prickly Pears? Aloe Vera Juice? Jack Rabbit Stew? Get some ideas at the end.

Cactus Flower – this is the quilt I started as an example.

Hooray, it all went together well and I barely had enough fabric! I quilted it with my Cactus Flower pattern with a variegated deep red thread which stood out great on the black backing! In the side borders I used Saguaros from my Cactus Garden Pattern.

For the spines I finally settled on a rayon thread which frayed pleasantly! And, oh yes, the pink wasn’t as bright as I wanted so I spray-painted the fabric with Neon Pink spray paint.

Try a taste of Desert food! Rattlesnake Hot Dogs, Joshua Tree Date Shakes and Date Crumble.

I’m Baaack…

Serving as a missionary has given me an added opportunity to appreciate all the Blessings God has given me – AND to ALL of us.  I think we don’t always recognize and give thanks to Him who gave them all.

So, this past year as I was making a quilt with animals flowers, etc. (as I am wont to do)  I felt I should add the phrase “The Lord God Made Them All.” In fact, I felt “He” wanted me to say that!  After all, I firmly believe He did make them all.

The phrase comes from a lovely old hymn entitled “All Things Bright and Beautiful.”  

From Wikipedia:  “All Things Bright and Beautiful” is an Anglican hymn, also sung in many other Christian denominations. The words are by Cecil Frances Alexander and were first published in her Hymns for Little Children of 1848. The hymn is commonly sung to the hymn tune All Things Bright And Beautiful, composed by William Henry Monk in 1887.

As quilter’s we commonly use motifs from nature and the beautiful world around us. I decided to applique those words across the quilt and my friend, who quilted it for me with my Chicken Feathers, stitched over the words with my Sunflowers pattern.  Very appropriate indeed. I’m considering adding it to the quilts I make and design in the future.

If you have a quilt that seems appropriate, I’ve made a little PDF.  It contains the letters which could be appliqued, but also a continuous line version for machine quilting. “The Lord God made them All”

The quilt is a hodge podge of designs found online and modified. There was even a panel of roosters bought at the local quilt shop.  I guess the little chick is the only truly Judy Lyon creation and I did add the little plastic wings on the bees.  Hmm. It can be washed but can’t go in the dryer! Because the roosters had printed “frames” around them I had to make “frames” around the pieced hens, beehives, and ducks I pieced.  Now that you know, you can probably spot the difference. That became a bit grueling!

I’ll share some closeups in case you like the idea.

I’ve saved scraps from the original quilt to make an easier version as a “strip” quilt. But I’ll need to make a lot of chicks and more Bees! This time instead of plastic wings, I’ve got a branch of artificial flower petals to try.

Asian-themed pantos make beautiful quilts.

TIGER STORY:  embroidered on a quilt from the Hill Tribes of Thailand.

For a long time Lawloua walked to the forest.  Lawloua shot a gibbon in the tree.  The tiger bit Lawloua. The tiger put on his clothes and carried a Gibbon with a gun, came home. Lawloua’s wife and young sister waited it. The tiger cut the gibbon into 4 pieces and counted and said: share our one bite. After finished the Gibbon, the Tiger enter to bedroom and bit Lawloua’s wife. At night the Tiger asked and said: where you sleep tonight young sister Jor.  For a minute she took a skirt cover the pan and the pan cover her in. ? maybe she was hiding. At morning the sun was shining. The Tiger saw sister Jor sleep on the roof.  Suddenly the Tiger jumped on to the roof to bite her but she threw chilly (chili) to its eyes. The tiger no has wisdom. It ran to wash eyes at the pail of water. One day the crow flew to the roof. She gave it any kind (? what) for tell her parent.  The crow went and tolt (told) Jor’s father and put down a kind for him. They conversed for about they how to help their daughter. They dug a big hole wait for it and they would kill it. They prepared some munitions. They arrived Lawloua’s house. They asked their people.  Jor called the Tiger come home.  They tolt a lie and said to it sing song.  They took the Tiger to dip up water.  The tiger went to fell in the hole and then they killed it that time.   They took Jor go back home.

How about some Tiger cookies?

Happy Chinese New Year!

It is not the cold spooky orange and black of Halloween. No, It’s a warmer combination of gold and orange and brown; touched with the reds of Christmas which are soon to come. It is the color of fall leaves, first on the trees, then blanketing the ground below.

It’s a beautiful combination of them all, isn’t it?

Can you EAT those colors? YES! See below for FREE PUMPKIN-MANIA Recipe booklet!

Thanksgiving Story : When my kids were small I discovered this cute story and made a big Turkey puppet and big puppet children. They came with us each year to school and kids were chosen out of the classroom to re-enact the story multiple times. Here, my daughter copied it for her kids.

“Patience and Daniel were little English children in the settlement at Plymouth.  One day their Father brought them a young turkey to raise and play with.  They were so happy to have their nice pet. What’s his name they asked.  But he didn’t have a name.  You choose a name Daniel said to his little sister patience.  She named him (let the kids choose.)____.When  their Indian friend, Takset, came to play he was so surprised.  All three children spent many happy hours that summer playing with their pet _____.

When they walked to the stream to get water for their mother, _____ Turkey followed them. When they shouted and ran noisily about the turkey was frightened and flew into the branches of the tree to hide.When the children ate their snacks,  ____ turkey pecked at their feet hopoing to have a snack too..When autumn came Father said, “___ turkey is the biggest turkey in the settlement and we’ll cook him for our big Thanksgiving feast.”

The children were shocked.  That night Patience and Daniel cried themselves to sleep.But in the night Takset crept into the village.  He carried ___ turkey away in a big sack.The next morning the turkey was no where to be found so Father and mother baked a different turkey for the feast.When all of their Indian friends came, they were surprised to see Takset with ______ turkey.  They were so happy! The children played all day and that night three happy children fell into their beds, dreaming of playing together the next day.

Yikes, I can’t believe it’s so late! Where has this month gone?? I just realized I’d better get this post out before it’s too late.

I have some Quilt mockups, but now it’s too late to start for Thanksgiving. Oh well, here they are anyway. The first is for my newest pattern: “HUNTING.” Fall is Hunting Season!

Another is a mock-up of my Thai Temple Tiles in Autumn Colors with our “Autumn Wind” pattern overlay.

This year I just can’t seem to get enough of my yummy brown Pumpkin Filling. I’ve already used it several old ways and invented some new treats. In fact, I love all things Pumpkin! I thought I’d share them with you.

OKAY, You get the idea. Be sure to download a FREE PDF Booklet with these recipes and MORE of my Favorite Holiday Foods in Thanksgiving COLORS! 38 recipes in all!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

“BATS” Yesterday I added a new FREE pdf ! You’ll love the way it looks on your Halloween Quilt!

The air is getting a little cooler, thank goodness!  I just hope it doesn’t get so cold the kids all have to cover up their costumes with coats.  AND! Heaven forbid, snow like we had one year. It’s late & We’ve got to get those Halloween patterns off the shelves before they’re mummified!

I love my Halloween Kaleidoscope Quilt. I love making Kaleidoscopes and arranging them in new ways. Click HERE for the tutorial. They make a perfect quilt for so many of these Halloween fabrics!

Plus, I’m always thinking about all the yummy treats for Halloween. I hope you like my – Floating on Air -“GHOSTIES” – to go along with my “Ghostly Feathers” pattern. Learn how to make them below.

Every October when our kids were small I would decorate the front door with spider webs made of black or white yarn and hang big plastic spiders on them.  Then, there was the year James made Jack Pumpkinhead and he has been our door greeter ever since. See him in last years Halloween post. AND get the recipe for our yummy “pumpkin-filled” Pumpkin Face Cookies. here

Don’t get creeped-out by my “Spider Webs” Pantograph. Ohhh, they’re so realistic and soooo Creeeepy! It reminds me of the spiders the boys made in Cub Scouts. See below.

Okay – I’m not really crazy about spiders. I step on them purposely, but I had 5 boys and, well, boys like stuff like that! Here’s a paper bowl spider I taught the boys to make in scouts. Kids love creeping it along! It has been loads of fun over the years. 25 years to be exact! (It’s a little weather-beaten!)

Here are some other fun Halloween patterns and recipes/ideas to go with them!

“GHOSTIES”

My mom used to add chocolate chips to her meringues. She called them Surprises! I didn’t do it on these “Ghosties” but you might want to try it. The chips don’t show on the outside!

Isn’t this a fun Ghost pie my friend Virginia made?

Do you have a ghost cookie cutter? Let me dig through my baking drawer and see if I have one.

It’s windy today and I’m afraid the leaves will turn and blow off the trees before I can get my Thanksgiving candles made. Go here for the Ice Candle tutorial. Make them NOW while there are still leaves to gather and put them in your freezer!

See a special FREE Patriotic pattern offer below.

Last weekend for Memorial Day we camped on the Oregon Beach. It was wonderful. The weather was ideal and the countryside and beach beautiful. There is so much of America that I love.

The kids were playing with others in the campground and on the beach. ONE OF THE FATHER’S CAME OVER AND INTRODUCED HIMSELF. Our kids had been playing together all day. Later that night we took some left-over Ribs to their family and they shared thin peanut butter cups – perfect for S’mores.

That was the epitome of a good neighbor- a GOOD AMERICAN NEIGHBOR! There is something about being in a camp. You are all on equal footing. Every person gets a “hello” and cheerily gives one in return. This is the way it should be in all our neighborhoods – in every country. God has made us all and that’s good to remember!

Spin out of control with this great “Red, White & Blue” quilt.

Download it free with Purchase of a Patriotic Panto through June. (see below or search theme “4th of July” for more options)

We all want to make those special quilts for the men we know – but there’s always the dilemma of how to quilt them. Worry no more!  Here’s a big selection of man-friendly patterns.  Stock up while they’re on sale THIS MONTH!  Hooray!

CHOOSE FROM:

Golf Course 11: Pictogram

Modern Skylines 11″ Interlocking  My Dad took took us on a Kiwanis Convention to New York City.

Backwoods 11″ Pictogram  One son loves hiking up into the Backwoods.

Campout 11″ Pictogram  My Dad always took us Camping every summer! My son-in-law takes the family camping in their “pop-up.” Another takes his family camping at the lake.

Fish Tales 3.5″ w Fish Bait   Dad was from Minnesota and loved sitting in a boat all day fishing.

Ponderosa Pine Spray 9″ E2E

Clear Stream 11″ Innovative Interlocking  Hubby took us camping in the Ozarks where they had a Clear Stream like this.

Sandy Shore 10″ E2E  What about the sons who take their kids to the beaches?  Our family lived on the beach in Hawaii, courtesy of Uncle Sam.

Modern Southwest 11″ E2E    My Dad had a Desert vacation cabin. I remember being on the roof watching Mom and Dad pound in nails!

Ski Slopes 11″ Pictogram  My son-in-law has been teaching his kids to ski this winter.

Snakeskin 10″ E2E  We had a graveyard for the snakes and pack rats at our Desert house.

Bug Bites PDF

Who is a Father in your life? Is it your own distinguished Father? He might enjoy a lap-quilt for his recliner.

Is it your husband – the strongman who lifts things for you. He’s the one who reaches the high shelves and the one who checks the oil in your car. He might like a new quilt for the yacht or your family vacation cabin.

Or is it your collegiate son or the fun-loving guy who has made your daughter the luckiest girl in the world. They’d like rugged quilts for backpacking or camping with the kids!

Mustang Stampede Interlocking 2 rows of 8″

Ropin’ Horseshoes 4″ w Knotty Pine 6″

Orchestra 11″ vertical pantograph Joe was in “Jazz Band” and Grandkids excel in the strings section!

Workbench 10″ E2E One of our sons remodeled his own house – kitchen drawers and all! My son-in-law built this climbing wall for his kids.

Sports Nut 10″ Interlocking Soccer was the game our sons loved.

Dawgs 11″ Pictogram My son’s 8 kids love their dogs!

Dragons Galore 11″ Pictogram They are all computer geeks! Does this count?

G I  Firepower 10″ E2E My husband was an Army officer.

G I Patrol 11″ Pictogram Ditto!

Maori Moko Interlocking 15″  He took us to Hawaii and Asia.

Maori Moko Blocks 9″

Sports Car Classics 6″ E2E I have a son who LOVES car specs.

Truckin’ Along 10″ E2E He even drove a truck for a moving company.

Car Classics 8″ E2E My Dad loved tinkering with cars – that’s him leaning over the motor!

Car Classic Blocks 8″

The “Guy” patterns are on sale, but I’ve also highlight some modern designs that might appeal to your man!

I hope you’ve got one of these great men in your life! Be sure to thank them while you can!

Enjoy a FREE tutorial for my “Irish Blessing” Quilt.   Just some honest Irish instructions. NO BLARNEY!

If you make it please share a Pic.    It’s stitched with “Celtic Chain” which has 2 different borders.  I’ve shown both so you can get the idea.

Our guild had a challenge to do a 2 color quilt, or at least a block.  I thought about my favorite color – RED.  Then I determined to use blue and include all my hand-dyed indigo pieces.  But when I looked through my stash for a solid piece, I didn’t have exactly the right color blue!  Well, of course, it had to match my hand dyes and that may be a problem.  As I was fooling around with swatches I hit upon the idea of using green for St. Patrick’s Day. It could be scrappy and “use up” some of my many odds and ends.  I must admit, however, I bought a few more for the mix! The ones I already chose out of my stash are on the left.  The new ones are on the right.  For this sample I couldn’t make it scrappy like I want for the whole quilt – remember, it was a 2 color challenge.  Now I even have a 2 color quilt board on Pinterest!

The first thing I did to start was make a bunch of half-square triangles.  (Whoever thought of that name?)  I tried making 2 from a small square to confirm my calculations were correct.  Then I made the rest with my “8 in one blow” method.  Either way I made them a little larger than I needed so I could trim them to size.  

Next I started cutting the various other pieces.  I sewed the long strips together and combined them into the little checker boards and striped squares.  When they were pressed I laid a few of each on the ironing board for you to see.  Next came the actual sewing into strips according to the schema plan I made up for the PDF.

Now I have one block finished to show you!!! I love the way it turned out, don’t you?  Of course, I plan to “quilt” it with my Celtic Chain pattern with 2 borders and 4 different blocks.  Maybe I’ll go scrappy with the designs too, and mix them all in.

Before I forget, I’ve got a St. Patrick’s Day recipe for you.  It’s my very favorite Rosemary Cheddar Soda bread.   Wait ’til you taste it – fabulous!!!     

This was fantastic. I made it exactly (I almost never do) except for baking it on a Pizza Stone.

Rosemary Cheddar Irish Soda Bread

A tasty Irish Soda Bread with sharp cheddar and fresh rosemary. This is aperfect as a side to your corned beef dinner.

Prep Time 10 minutes     Cook Time 25 minutes     Author foodnessgracious

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped rosemary
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar
• 1 cups buttermilk
• 1 whole large egg

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly flour a non stick baking tray or spray with a non stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, pepper, rosemary and cheese.
3. Add the egg to the buttermilk and beat until mixed.
4. Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour and lightly mix through until it becomes sticky and a ball forms.
5. Dump the dough out onto a flour dusted work surface and roughly knead the dough into an ball shape. It may be on the wet side so have some extra flour on hand for dusting.
6. Place the dough onto your prepared baking tray. Take a sharp serrated knife and cut an X on top of the soda bread.
7. Season the top with some more salt and pepper and bake in the oven for 25 minutes and the top is golden brown.
8. Let cool for 20 minutes before slicing and serving with butter. If you can resist!!!

Happy Quilting!!  Judy

I WISH WE HAD IT MORE OFTEN. WELL SOMETIMES. I DIDN’T ENJOY IT WHEN I HAD TO CARRY LITTLE KIDS OUT TO THE CAR,

BUT I do now that I can sew and look out the window!

TO CELEBRATE

OUR “WHITE” THEMED PATTERNS ARE ON SALE IN JANUARY!

Make a fun Silly Snowmen Quilt or wall hanging. Get the FREE tutorial including the snowflake block pattern here.

Snowmen are so Silly!

Don’t you love those cute, funny snowmen roasting marshmallows and singing carols? For stitching your “Snowmen are so Silly” quilt just lift them out of the “Silly Snowmen” pictogram. https://www.meadowlyon.com/shop/silly-snowmen/

To make a “WINTRY” Table Topper or Wall Hanging use the FREE Snowflake Block/Quilt pattern that comes with the “Snowmen are so Silly!” tutorial above.

For a simpler approach, these four images are now available in stencil form through our distributor Full-line Stencils. Use them in lots of ways!

https://fulllinestencil.com/50041-singing-carols.html

I’m always dreaming of food! So Scroll down for something Yummy!!

Snow Dyeing? YES! This seemed like a good time to pull out those wire baskets I insist on saving and open up my bottles of dye. Do you want to try? Follow along.

My method:

Snow dyeing with Procion dyes:  First, after washing the white fabric, I soaked it in ½ c. washing soda and 1 gallon hot water for 1 or more hours.  Then I scrunched up the cloth (twisting tightly gives a nice effect too), placed it on a grate over a disposable pan and piled about 5 inches of snow on top.  After that I poured the pre-mixed dye over the snow.  I did different analogous colors in spots.  One set of pieces had turquoise, green and yellow and another with fuchsia, tangerine, and yellow.  Then, I also did purple and turquoise, and used up the rest of the mixed red and green dyes.  I scraped every last bit of snow together for them because in our area it doesn’t last long.   They all turned out great.  It’s been really fun.  (I couldn’t stand to waste any dye, so I also stuffed fabric under the grate to catch the drippings.)

I left them in the cold for a couple of days because I didn’t have time to wash and rinse. Don’t worry it’s not a problem. The longer they remain in the dye, the brighter the colors. However, some melting must occur to liquify the dye. Cold temps make it take longer.  (The liquid dye is the key. Once it is dry that is the end of the dyeing.) They actually only need about 24 hours if the snow has melted. (Sometimes I’ve shaded them or brought them into the shed to finish.)

For ice dyeing : Prepare t-shirts or fabric by soaking in washing soda and water.

Leaving the fabric wet, I wrung it out then wadded it lightly and placed it in a disposable pan.  If you have a grate you can lift it out of the puddle. I piled ice cubes or crushed ice on top about a hands width high.  Then I sprinkled “Tie-Dye” powder in spots over the ice.  Don’t sprinkle everything in the same place or you’ll get “mud.”  It’s always a good idea to wear masks when working with dye powder!  Plus, wear rubber gloves. (You can get Tie-Dye powder at Walmart – don’t use Rit Dye because the colors will not be strong enough.)

In both cases, Wring out the extra dye out-of-doors and then rinse the fabrics well in the washing machine.  I added Synthrapol to the wash to carry away any loose dye.  You can also add dye absorbing dryer sheets to monitor whether any loose dye remains.  Usually 3 times through the cycle gets out all the loose dye.  Don’t stop at one and think you’ll be okay.

When you’re finished you’ll have beautiful hand dyed fabrics to use for your next quilt.

Have fun.

Here’s another way to use the Silly Snowmen Pictogram. Find it in the Star Quilt Fantasy PDF.

Yep, I do like sweets! Here’s a “Snowy” recipe.

HOORAY FOR SNOW!

I’ve always loved my Around the World Santas. I drew them about 10 years ago. Even now I look at them and say to myself. “I drew that?” I’m proud of them and happy with the way each one is creative and unique. But sad to say they all sat in their books and I never had time to do more with them. Sob! Find out what changed below.

CREATION – I started off trying to make each one reflect the way the people of that country thought of their very own Saint Nicholas. Germany and France and Scandinavia were very much that way. I made a framework around each that was unique and reflected some of the image itself or the beliefs surrounding that character.

FRUITION – I needed samples to put on my website and for Oregonpatchworks.com who will be selling them to the broader Machine Embroidery market.

Germany –Weihnachtsmann (“Christmas Man”) Germany has many names for Santa Claus.  Most reflect variations of St. Nicholas such as Klaasbuur (Nicholas our neighbor) but I’ve chosen the father-like figure of Weihnachtsmann who trudges through the night with his burden of toys.

France – Pere Noel is a woodsy character.  Children leave their shoes by the fire filled with treats such as carrots for his donkey Gui (mistletoe). If the children have been good they find presents in their shoes.

Scandinavia – Julemanden  is helped by the Tomte or Nisse – magical farm folk.  In Scandinavia everyone agrees Santa Claus is one of their own.  Many say he lives in Greenland and flys over all their lands, while each country has claimed a local home for him.  Regardless, he does ride in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.  At Christmas time the dining room ceilings are festooned with stars forming a “Heaven.”

Next came some of the standards; the American Santa Claus and the British Father Christmas created by Charles Dickens and Albania’s Grandfather Winter.

United States – Santa Claus is the jolly old elf we all know and love. How he magically comes down the chimney may be attributed to St. Nicholas who dropped gold down a chimney, magically landing in a stocking hung to dry.                  

United Kingdom – Father Christmas    This jolly man was originally part of an old mid winter festival and was dressed green robes.  He might look similar to the “Ghost of Christmas present” from Dickens.  He goes about the town ringing his bell for the children to come out. Here the children enjoy decorating their homes with greenery reminiscent of “The Holly and the Ivy.”

Albania – Babadim ri  (Grandfather Winter) In Albania, because it is a nation of both Moslim and Christian peoples the fun aspect of Christmas has been embraced and become a common ground for families and neighbors to share in the happiness and fun. 

Then as I gained more confidence (or maybe came up with some stumbling blocks regarding the beliefs about Saint Nicholas in any given country) I started devising imaginative images depicting what “I thought” they might look like. Latvia and Finland and Ukraine were like that.

Latvia – Ziemassvētku Vecītis (“Christmas pop”) bundles up against the harsh winter chill. Latvia claims to be the home of the first Christmas tree. 

Finland – Joulupukki rides in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Finland claims its town of Korvantunturi to be the home of Santa Claus. It also claims to be the home of the candy cane. 

Ukraine – Did Moroz , In rich tradition the grandfather magically leaves candy and gifts under pillows or the shoes of the children.

Finally – here’s where my Poetic license started to emerge. Russia (spreading frost!) and Switzerland (where I did not clothe him in a long robe but made a cheerful mountain-man) and Italy where he took on the look of the Renaissance.

Russia –Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) comes from the pagan tradition. He wears a long embroidered coat trimmed with fur. You may know him by the name “Jack Frost.”

Switzerland – Samichlaus  knocks on each door consulting his big book of sins.  Children gain forgiveness by reciting a poem and promising to be good.  Then they can reach into his bag of treats.

Italy – Babbo Natale fills Christmas stockings with treats and traditional toys like the shepherds flute. Even more popular is La Befana (see Book 2.)

IF YOU LIKE THESE AS MUCH AS I DO, BUYING A WHOLE SET IS A SPECIAL OFFER THROUGH NOVEMBER 2021.

Santas for Embroidery Machine Redwork- set of 12!

What did I do with all of these sample I was making? I photographed them and gave them as Christmas presents. They were so FAST and EASY!

Eventually I hope to get all of them converted to embroidery files. But that will be when I learn to do them myself.

In the meantime they are still available in book form for longarm quilting, hand embroidery or as digital files for computerized machines.

As you can see, mixed in with the very traditional figures like “La Befana” and “Saint Nicholas” and “Sinterklaas,” I might have started taking even more leeway as far as Santas Around the World, but I’m satisfied they represent their origins and the people who watch and wait for them each Christmas eve! Isn’t it fun to create!

I look forward to make more pillows and wall-hangings from them too! Someday, maybe a whole quilt! These Redwork files would make great “Quilting!”

Here’s the beginning!

Korea – Santa Kullosu (Santa Grandfather) If you were a Korean child you would pronounce his Kurrosu. 

Here he’s loaded his CheeGai with miniature Turtle boats and fish kites as he wanders over the mountains.

How do I know about this I lived in Korea!

What changed? I had been begging friends to try out the embroidery files I commissioned, but that took time. So how did I finally get moving?? My unbelievably good friend gave my an Embroidery machine! I still can’t believe it!

BON VOYAGE! & MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Oh, BY THE WAY 100+ international patterns are also on sale this month!

Tag-on pillow tutorial!