Decking the halls

I haven't done too much Christmas decorating, as we'll be visiting relatives. Why decorate an empty house? I found this banner at a thrift store a few years back, and I love the retro look! God Jul, I believe, is Swedish and/or Norwegian for Good Yule, or Good Christmas. Since I'm 25% Swedish, I somehow can relate to it. Isn't the cat just too cute??! Below is the bottom half of the banner.

The photo below are some aprons that I've collected over the years, mostly from thrift stores. When Christmas is over, I'll put up some different aprons. The middle one, which isn't specifically Christmas, has feedsack and 1930's/1940's fabrics, and even some older fabrics in the waistband. Maybe I'll replicate it someday....it is just made up of squares and bound with rick-rack.

Shopping thrift stores for these types of things has a few advantages: First of all, there are real bargains. In addition, you can find some really unique things. You won't find Scandinavian banners or vintage aprons at Walmart! These kinds of things have real character. Third, trolling Thrift Stores is cheap entertainment, at least for me. You just never know what you'll find. It's downright addicting!

Louise

Made with love

I found this sweet little wall-hanging, priced at $3.00, while browsing at Salvation Army.

It's well done and hand quilted, and the fabrics are just yummy.

It has a very small hand printed label on the back that says "Made for Leish Love, Mom 2005".

Of course, I had to bring it home with me. However, I didn't walk away thinking what a good bargain I got.

I walked away wondering.....How did this charming little quilt that was made with love by "Mom" end up in a thrift store? And...why did the thrift store think it was only worth $3.00? A nice Fat Quarter costs nearly that!

I'll make a place for this gem, and I'll appreciate it for all the work (and love) that "Mom" put into it. When I look at the label, I'll think of my own Mom, who I lost nearly two years ago.

Louise