HALLOWEEN & CHRISTMAS!! You HAVE To Be Kidding Me!!

I can remember years ago when the malls started decorating for the Christmas holidays months before fall and Thanksgiving. That has always bothered me and still does today. Hence the phrase "are you kidding me?!" I had the same feeling when I would enter craft stores and see the same thing. I didn't want to purchase and create holiday decor before fall, or at least before October rolled around. I wondered why I was always late in getting anything done! I wondered what happened to all the good stuff, where did it all go? Surely, they could not have sold it all already, it's only the end of September!!
Then the light bulb went off and it hit me!! Christmas in July? I don't think so....well....maybe. The years would come and go and I would promise myself that next year: I would finish the projects for the outside decorations, I would start earlier....but I didn't.
Now, I get it!!! There is a reason the stores have all those goodies available in July or August. We need them, we just don't want to admit it. If we don't shop early to be able to create early, it won't get done. At least, not for me. This year I am looking forward to all the pretties coming on the shelves and the ability to create and design without having to hurry and staying up late trying to finish something. Bring it on! This year I am way out ahead of you!!
As you can see, I have already started. Marcus Brothers fabric, and my favorite too. Pink roses on black and pink roses on pink, make up this hanging stocking which has over a cup of french lavender buds in it. It's more of a victorian look, and I am a country girl at heart when it comes to decorating for the holidays. I love a green tree, the smell of spruce, strung cranberries and popcorn along with hand made decorations from the children. I will admit, this stocking stole my heart and I almost kept it for myself. Oh well, there's always next year....

Lots of handmade roses and silks at the top and on the toe. I am not a victorian kind of girl, but I have to confess, I love this stocking.

Lots of faux pearls, sequins and bling on this. I love the effect and have to confess, it was hard to list. I may have to make one some what like it for my own home. My guest room would be better with this hanging off the chair.

Many years ago, I cross-stitched this santa holding a tree. I wasn't sure at the time what I would do with it. I just happened to come across the finished cross-stitched over the weekend. I decided to see if I could put together a "little bit country" with the "cottage" look. I love it! When I start to design and create something, I never know what the finished piece will look like. I don't have a picture in my head to start with. I begin with the center and let the fabric take me where it wants. I know that many crafters, designers and artists have a vision of the end result and then make it happen from start to finish. I don't work that way. I may have an overall idea of what I am after, but I usually let my mind go and my hands do the work. You just never quite know what the result will be. I must say, I am almost never disappointed. Life is a surprise everyday, and so is my work. It's a miracle waiting to happen.

A close up of the cross-stitch. I think I did a great job of marrying the country santa with the cottage fabrics, lace and roses. I am so pleased with the finished product. Both stockings are available on my website: someplaceinthyme.