The Old Tattered Flag

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

My thoughts are drifting to Christmas....

Ok, not really!  I am one of those people who does not normally decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving.  I feel like Thanksgiving is the forgotten holiday.  Retailers are in such a big hurry to make a buck that they start putting the holiday stuff out long before even Halloween.  Mom and I were in Hobby Lobby in July and they were putting out the Christmas stuff!!  Thats insane!!
But, as I sit here on November 2, I find my thoughts drifting toward holiday decor....only because we host a Christmas open house here in our home and shop on December 3rd.  It takes me a solid week or two to do it properly so in all actuality, I need to start my decorating on November 15!  So, because I want to come up with some different ideas I have taken to visiting my friend Pinterest for some inspiration.

Look at this bedroom below (not mine), but oh, how beautiful!  It makes me think that my bed needs a new bedspread.......

Perhaps I'll use some of the feedsack material I sell in my shop for the top of the bedspread with a gathered coordinated tobacco cloth ruffle.....


...and I also want to make some new curtains for our living room.  I purchased this fabric today.  Funny thing is that I bought this same fabric 4 years ago when we lived in Missouri to make some small valances.  It's very nice and vintage looking.  I think I'll make some tiers for over sheers.  I like to hang sheers in the winter as it brightens the room with the light coming through and in the winter we need as much "bright" as we can handle.


The Open house is the little boost I need to get going on projects in the house that we've been putting off.  I bought an antique farm sink a couple years ago.  It's fabulous...but quiet shallow with a tall back.  It has been in the barn for the past couple years and has acquired a few chips on it, so Friday it's off to be refinished, then it will be mounted in a piece similar to what you see below.  I am going to show this to the Amish fellow who makes our store frames in hopes that he'll be able to get it done in time for the Open house.  The sink will sit nicely on top.  I will ask him to put open shelves on the left for baskets of toiletries.  


And of course Christmas makes me want to bring out all the quilts and display them on ladders, benches, cupboards, the foot of a bed.  Check out this lovely quilt below.  I love the colors.  (This is not my quilt, but I do have one that is similar, wear and all.)


When I'm not dreaming of how I'm going to renovate and decorate my home I have been putting pen to paper and getting some new designs out.  Here's a fun little one that's been in my head for some time....aptly called "5 Little Crows".  This will be added to the website tomorrow for rug Hooking and punch needle.

And more homage to Cora, the original mistress of our home.  This is the second rug I have named for her and is called "Cora's Star".  Very reminiscent of an antique pattern.  I love this one!  This will also be added tomorrow for punch and hooking....


....and then there are "5 Little sheep", also to be added tomorrow.


When I'm not sketching or browsing Pinterest I am currently working on my "Christmas Star" tabletop tree skirt for punch.  This is a beautiful design and is already available for Rug Hooking.  It's a nice size to use on the table for your smaller trees.  The hole and slit do not have to be left open, can be hooked in if it is to be used as a solid star rug.


Here is the hooked version:



And here's my buddy!  He hasn't been feeling well lately, has a bad cough.  We'll be visiting the vet tomorrow. I'm afraid.  I hope he's ok.

So, that's what's going on here.  Never a dull moment.  Keep watching for new designs and to see how those little home decor projects turn out.
Until next time...




13 comments:

paulette said...

All lovely projects! I look forward to seeing them all finished and in time for your Christmas Open House! I hope your little buddy is feeling better soon!

Jean Bee said...

I love the new curtain fabric......did you get it at a store that sells it online? Can you tell me the brand and "line"....it should be on the selvage. Thank you!

Jacqueline said...

I love it when you share your mind and projects with us

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Great designs--look like they would also work well in punch needle

The Eveningstitcher said...

Everything looks wonderful, Julie! I have that same fabric I purchased in Missouri two years ago..so funny!! I love the crow pattern...I have the "Crows on Parade" penny rug pattern I purchased from you years ago!! Have fun at your open house!

Tanya Quilts in CO said...

You have some great projects going and that bedroom is exquisite. I hope your dog feels better soon!

theoldtatteredflag said...

Thank you Tanya, he is much better!

theoldtatteredflag said...

OH wow, an oldie but a goodie!! Great minds think alike on that fabric, eh! Thanks for writing!

theoldtatteredflag said...

Thank you! I agree, they are up on the website!

theoldtatteredflag said...

Thanks Jacqueline!

theoldtatteredflag said...

It says an original design by Joseph P. Woods by Bloomcraft P9992.
Thanks Jean!

theoldtatteredflag said...

Thanks Paulette, the finisher took the sink and I should have it back this week. My Amish friend is making the base and I will have it back within 2 weeks, so it's looking good to have it in by my Open house. Baxter is feeling much better!

Teena said...

I found this on Pinterest. But I plan my Christmas when I’m putting away my decorations. So I have a year to plan design, create.

About Me

Thank you very much for taking the time to read my blog. I am married and just entering the second phase of my life as a Army retiree's wife. My husband and I did 25+ years in the Army. He is now officially a retired Colonel and has just entered the civilian workforce and I am happily settled in our 1830 Stone house. I (along with my Mom) operate www.theoldtatteredflag and currently we are building a small shop in the back part of the house. We live in Northern NY, right near the Canadian border. I have two handsome sons and 2 puggles. Life is busy for us, but I wouldn't have it any other way.