HO HO HO

I've been on the hunt for a new Christmas tree skirt for years. First I had one my mother didn't like. Then a friend was selling some a friend of hers made, and I bought one and always hated the blue childish aprony looking thing. So a few years ago we sent my son to buy a new one and he got another blue one but with ugly winter scenes appliqued on it. I looked here and there right after Christmas a few times but really just didn't care much on January 3, if you know what I mean. But this year, inspired by the Santa hat as the tree topper and, oddly, a cheap dishtowel, I set out to correct this sad state of affairs. So, without further ado, I give you the Santa suit tree skirt: Up closer you can appreciate the fine detailing that went into this creation. The base is red felt, I thought about fleece but realized I didn't want the drapeyness. Fur trim is a trim on a roll from JA's and the belt is a homedec pleather. Buttons and belt buckle are also from JA's, the buckle from the jewelry section (apparently somehow matched with feather boas. Who knew?). It took a bit longer to put together than I'd anticipated, primarily due to not being able to find a hole punch for the belt and having to wait for Staples to open. Can you see my eyes rolling? This was actually a blast to make, the felt and pleather were so easy to sew. I used my walking foot for most of the project - it did wonderfully. The fur trim came attached to a bias edge so it went on smoothly, I used the walking foot and a double needle. Buttonholes are just cut into the fur, no real buttonholing required as this stuff doesn't fray and they'll only be used a couple of times a year. Oh, and I got to use some circle math. How cool was all that?

In other news, we've lived here about a year and half and in that time we've spent a number of weekend mornings being chased around the room by morning sunbeams. It's really blinding in our den most of the day, there are windows facing 3 directions so it gets sun pretty much all day long. I finally did something about this and contacted a local blind company. Late Friday evening they came and installed 8 sets of plantation blinds in my den and stair landings. The reason for this long harangue? Just to show you a gratuitous picture of Christmas Village. That is all.