Sad Irons and Chalkware Santa's

 These are a few of my favorite finds! 

I just love Sad Irons...and I don't think one could have too many! 
I'm always on the lookout...especially if i find one for under $20.

Did you know that 'Sad' is an old English word for solid?  The term 'Sad Iron' was often used to distinguish the largest and heavies irons, usually weighing between 5 and 9 lbs.  

Chalkware Love 

There is something primitive and special about these pieces.  

Made using vintage chocolate molds, then hand painted.  

And of course, the stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

What are your favorite finds?

May your Christmas Season be filled with Joy.

~karen

Let's have some fun! See details at end of post!

The children were nestled all snug in their beds...

 The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there...

Oh how i love all the decorations!
Susan made the Poppa's Tree Farm quilt above, Cheryl made the sweet stockings and this little house scene is warming my parent's home.

Here's a close up of Susan's quilt...i love the small red and green dots in her background fabric.  Get the pattern here

Let's have some fun!!

Follow me on Instagram @laughyourselfintostitches for some of my fun Christmas trimmings...AND share your Instagram trimmings by tagging me in your Instagram post!  I'll pick my top favorites and share them here on my blog!

Let's spread the cheer!!

Announcing a New Quilt Pattern!

I've been working on this new pattern for a couple months...and now my longarm is in full motion with client quilts.  Ahhh!

 Looks like i may not get it quilted and bound for at least another couple weeks....

So, without further adieu,

 I present to you, Noble Spools!

   

If you're not into the darker colors, here's a whimsical approach.

 My friend Bev Bryon suggested this combination of fabrics!  I feel like it should be hanging in a candy shop!

Noble Spools quilt pattern is instantly available through a digital download on Craftsy and Etsy.  Printed and emailed patterns are available through my blog here

The entire quilt measures 50" x 71"

Background yardage is 3-1/2 yards, the rest can be scraps!! 

Mix up the greens, spools and star fabrics! 

The polka dot fabric version shown above, will be used for a bedrunner. For those who purchase the Noble Spools pattern, i will include instructions for this smaller sample on my blog under Tutorials.  I'll announce it when it's there!  

In the meantime...follow me on Instagram or Facebook for current updates!

Thank you for your business.  
~karen

Tis the Season...

 To be jolly

 Fa la la la la...

la la la la

 

 

Fa La La La La

A couple weeks ago, i was given this cross stitched top. i won't mention any names for fear she will be flogged. 

Her aunt stitched this years ago and she said it just did not go with her 'stuff'.  Thought i might like it.  "Okay", i said..."if i must". Are you kidding?  

I love love love it...thank you Sue.  i loaded it onto my longarm a couple days ago, enjoying the process of quilting something for myself. I hope to finish it up today.  Merry Christmas!

Christmas Trees

This might be a bit overkill...considering i posted some pictures of these trees already....but i love them so much!

  Last year i was unable to get together with my cousins to make the original pine cone tree, but this year i did...and oh, did i go to town!

Here's the pine cone tree made from Digger Pines my cousin Linda brought from San Luis Obispo 

A couple bottle brush trees i purchased and stuck into old doorknobs

 a sheet music tree with  a doorknob stand

 glittery tree made from purchased wrapping accessories

 old wooden cone tree from a cookie roller i use when making my Christmas Krumkake

 simple card stock shaped cones stacked and covered in corduroy 

 Linda also brought back bark from a eucalyptus tree.  I think this is my favorite tree

 more sheet music

 a purchased primitive tree sits inside my old baby cup engraved with my name 

This years Christmas Mantel 

My client Lila sent this photo displaying her recently quilted table topper.  Love her tree too!!

Christmas

Christmas