Monday, December 23, 2013

At Christmas...the heart goes home

Good morning everyone! And how are you doing today? Two days until Christmas and I'm finally feeling prepared. It's amazing how suddenly everything comes together after weeks of being sure you'll never finish the cards, the decorating, the gift-buying and wrapping, and the baking and grocery shopping. Then you wake up one day, and ahh... it is done and you can just relax and enjoy the holiday with your family. For me, that moment came on Saturday, when my husband helped me wrap the gifts, I put the finishing touches on the tree, and started my baking. Good thing, too because I had to work at the library yesterday and then again today (until 9PM)!

I've been working on my final finish of 2013 since my stitching retreat weekend back in late October. I've just picked it up here and there (in between stitching ornaments for friends which I've sent off to all corners of the world), but my goal was to have it finished by Christmas. I put the final stitches in it on Friday and have to say I truly loved every moment of stitching this piece. May I present... "Home For Christmas" from Prairie Schooler's Book No. 86.

Prairie Schooler: "Home For Christmas"

It's so hard to get a good photo of a longer piece like this so I've split it up into smaller parts for you to get a better look. For this piece, I used 40 ct. pearl gray Newcastle linen with the suggested DMC colors. The only change I made was to use DMC 221 for the reds. I loved every motif in this from the covered bridge, to the big orange barn, and the old-fashioned sleigh pulling the man with his freshly-cut Christmas tree back home to his waiting family.

Sleigh ride!

I was a bit worried that the charted gray colors of the church wouldn't show up well on the gray fabric, but they ended up being just fine. I love the light streaming from the stained-glass church windows and the cute, little lamppost adorned with a cheery red bow.


And that big golden house! Can't you just picture the family inside gathering decorations and making popcorn and cranberry garlands to lace across the soon-to-be-delivered Christmas tree? I know which room would be mine in that house--the top one with the dormered window. I've always wanted a bedroom with a dormer... I can just imagine myself curled up on a window seat in the dormer reading a good book or working on some stitching. It sounds so very cozy, doesn't it?



I grew up in a small town which is one of the reasons this piece touched my heart so much. I loved being able to walk down the street to church and around the corner to the library (where I decided at age 12 that I wanted to be a librarian!).  My heart really does "go home" to my little western New York hometown every Christmas. My mom made the holidays so very special for us... Ah, the memories: mom decorating cookies with all of her grandchildren the day before Christmas; strolling down the street to the candlelight service at church on Christmas Eve and hearing the stirring sounds of "Oh, Holy Night" being sung; lining up by age to descend the front stairway to open our presents on Christmas morning; discovering the treasured white box filled with Grandma's handmade caramels tucked under the tree; the delighted cries of my brother, sisters, and I as we opened our gifts. And then there was that wonderful feast mom prepared at the end of the day; the laughter and warmth as we sat around a beautifully decorated table to eat by the glow of candlelight. It was all so, so special--thank you, mom. I may not have appreciated all your hard work as much when I was a child, but I certainly do now.

"Home For Christmas" by The Prairie Schooler

I want to thank you for the many wonderful comments on my last post--so glad you enjoyed this year's "Parade of Ornaments." I really enjoyed hearing which was your favorite ornament--it appears that the snowmen have triumphed as most people said the liked either January's or October's ornaments. That makes sense, though--who doesn't like a snowman's cheery face? I have now moved the ornaments from my stairway garland to join all the others on my Christmas tree and thought you might like to see a few photos. Same tree, same location in my sunroom as other years, just more ornaments!

Christmas 2013

Here are some close-ups for you, too...






A special section of my Christmas tree is reserved for the ornaments my stitching friends from around the world have sent me--can you spot yours? I think of you, my dear friends, when I place these on my tree each December--thank you  so much for sending me a little piece of your heart...I never dreamed I would have ornaments on my tree created in England, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, The Netherlands, France, and so many places across the United States--amazing how blogging has opened up my world!





A cross stitch Christmas!

I'm out of time for today, but in my next post I'll show you the wonderful Christmas gifts I've received from my stitching friends--such a bevy of beautiful creations! Until then, I wish you a Christmas filled with love and laughter, and, hopefully, loads of stitching goodies filling your stockings. Bye for now...

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

98 comments:

Jackie's Stitches said...

Thank you for sharing your beautiful tree and precious memories with us. I loved reading about them! I can definitely see why PS Home for Christmas is such a special piece for you!

Annette said...

I'm so happy for you your done on Xmas.
I need to work the night shift this week, so we don't do much..
This afternoon, I need to made applesauce, stewed apples and stewed pears and more Macarons.. then I can go to wrk.. and I'm done!!

Your piece looks so awesome!!
yes ye sI share the idea of a dormer!!!
I love that you stitched it on grey!!
maybe that's a idea for my next SAL with Nia and Val.
The close up's really are awesome!!
Your mom sounds really a sweerheart.. ♥

Your tree is awesome!!!
ow yes I see my little felted haert with blue stitched stars on them!!
Awesome!!
All those ornaments..
This is really all you have or do you have some left in a box??
all those sides awesome..
This room of your will be the prettiest one you have!
Is it your only tree inside the house??
Or you also have a tree with balls?

Dear Carol, I wish you and your family a awesome Christmas tiem!!
Enoy your dinner, unwrapping the presents, and being together!!
We celebrate it with the four of us.. a simple but joyfull Christmas..

Can't wait till your next post..
( still need to reply your mail, thank you for the explaining)

FIRST COMMENT?????

Christina said...

Oh my all those lovely ornaments. Your tree is beautiful. Your PS looks great. Your stitching is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your wonderful Christmas memories. I hope to have that Ahhh moment today. I have been working tons of OT this month so I still feel behind on everything. Baking was all done and given out last week.
Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Barb said...

Carol - your Christmas tree is beyond beautiful! What a very special tree-I think we would all love to be able to see it in person - I know it would be breath-taking.

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful tree, your amazing cross-stitching and your wonderful christmas memories with us. You are a very creative, talented and generous lady.

May you and your family be blessed with a very happy Christmas holiday.

Thank you so much!

Brigitte said...

As always your post leaves me with a warm and kind feeling. That tree with all the stitchy ornaments is a delight to look at. I can detect a lot of the ornaments you were showing throughout the year(s) and yes, there are also my beloved Prairie Schooler ones. I have to stitch some of them myself next year as I love them so much.

When stitching the Christmas Village by PS I had similar feelings. With each house I was thinking of who might be living in it if it was a real village. Home for Christmas is absolutely beautiful.

I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a wonderful start into the new year.

Vickie said...

Your tree is so stunning Carol! I would say you are very, very blessed!
What a lovely piece you have completed. Thank you for sharing your wonderful stories. God bless you this Christmas.

teresa said...

Carol - thank you for your lovely post. It warmed my heart! Have a very Merry Christmas

Tricia T said...

What a beautiful finish, Carol! I smiled when I read about the dormer window room. I love them too... they just seem like somewhere you'd find the sisters from Little Women, doesn't it?? Have a blessed Christmas with your family!!

Tricia

Mary Ann said...

Carol, thank you for sharing your Christmas memories and your GORGEOUS Christmas tree!!!

And, your Home for Christmas finish is beautiful!

Merry Christmas!!

Elia said...

Woooooowwwww, is awesome, my friend, your tree is the most beautiful,
how wonderful, I love it- but admire it, congratulations!
also the last finish is very magical!

I wish you MERRY CHRISTMAS, you deserve it
enjoys family, friends, and
your beautiful smile is always present!

FELIZ NAVIDAD CAROL ;))

BESOS

^^

Pam in IL said...

Beautiful stitching, beautiful tree, beautiful post! Thanks for sharing your childhood Christmas tradition. Brought tears to my eyes as I visualized your childhood Christmas and the true meaning of the season.

Merry Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Elizabeth Ann said...

Your tree is stunning! I love your new piece too... I think you could write sweet little books! Thank you for sharing about your childhood and your beautiful tree - Merry Christmas!

Robin in Virginia said...

What a stunning tree, Carol! And love your PS Christmas Village piece! Oh my! Need to go check to see if I have the chart.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Robin in Virginia

Maggee said...

That is a really nice finish for the last one of the year! Glad that it makes you smile! Your tree is gorgeous! Wow! So many beautiful ornaments! It is pretty awesome to think of where they come from, isn't it? Blogging is the best! Hugs! Merry Christmas!

Maggee said...

That is a really nice finish for the last one of the year! Glad that it makes you smile! Your tree is gorgeous! Wow! So many beautiful ornaments! It is pretty awesome to think of where they come from, isn't it? Blogging is the best! Hugs! Merry Christmas!

Heather said...

Carol, You ps piece is just gorgeous! ! I definitely want to stitch that! Your tree is so beautiful! !!!! Wow!!! I hope you have a very peaceful and happy Christmas! :-)

Keeper of the Crowes said...

Your PS piece is so beautiful. It really captures the spirit of Christmas. Thanks for sharing your childhood memories. The tree is amazing. Truly something for me to aspire to. Merry Christmas, Carol. Look forward to reading your posts in the new year.

Nancy said...

Thank you for sharing a picture of your tree! It's just beautiful!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Your Christmas tree is gorgeous. What a pleasure it must be to enjoy it each year.
Merry Christmas!

Meari said...

Congrats on your finish. It's beautiful.

Your tree is stunning!

Happy Holidays :)

Gabi said...

What a nice post and what a wonderful tree! Every single ornament is a treasure.
Wish you Happy Holidays

Southpaw Stitcher said...

What a gorgeous tree full of all your delightful ornaments! Love the PS finish, too! Merry Christmas!

Barbi said...

Just a few things!
1/ Your tree is absolutely stunning!!! I love your trees Carol, it is one of the things that I look forward to in blogger world every year...that and your staircase. Can I ask...is your tree a live tree or is it artificial? It's just perfect.
2/ Love the new piece that you finished. You have single handedly made me fall in love with Prairie Schooler. I am going to start stitching more of them in the next year.
and last but not least
3/ Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Hugs to you and your family! Love you!

Melissa said...

And you're all ready for Christmas! Good for you and now you can kick back and enjoy.

I love the Home for Christmas piece, and the story of your growing up. They do go together very nicely! And that amazing tree - you will have to get an even bigger one next year for the additional ornaments! ;-)

Have a wonderful Christmas, my friend!

Michelle said...

A beautiful finish and thank you so so much for sharing the photos of your beautiful tree - how blessed we all are xx

BrendaS said...

Carol --
What a beautiful finish -- just in time for Christmas! There is just something about stitching PS designs that tug at the heart.

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful tree with us. I loved seeing all your stitched treasures -- whether stitched by you or from friends. Simply STUNNING!!!

Have a very Merry Christmas my friend!

HUGS to you.

Unknown said...

Sin palabras, el recorrido del bordado ha sido de ensueño, pero ver el árbol ha sido el final más precioso. Vives la Navidad de lleno. Felices fiestas

Shelly said...

Just beautiful Carol! Your post just amped up my already high Christmas mood! That's an amazing amount of stitched ornaments! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours!

Annie said...

You are definitely prepared with all that stitchy goodness. The PS finish is the perfect icing on the cake. Have a wonderful holiday!

Zeb said...

What an amazing tree! So many stitched ornies. There is a lot of love there :)

Solstitches said...

What a beautiful post Carol.
Your PS sampler is a beauty and I enjoyed your Christmas memories.
Your tree is absolutely spectacular with so many beautifully stitched ornaments. It must be wonderful to take them out each year and think back to when you stitched each one.
Happy Christmas!
Margaret

butterfly said...

Christmas blessings my sweet friend your post is fantastic, love your new PS stitching looks fab.
And your tree is looking so beautiful, I wonder how many ornaments are on your tree !
Not long now so happy you are now ready big hugs.

Chris said...

What wonderful memories of Christmas. It sounds like they were wonderful.
Your PS finish is gorgeous and the tree is amazing. So many memories are attached to each piece that you have stitched and to the one that you have received.
I hope that you have an easy calm day at work today.
Merry Christmas!!

Annette-California said...

OH MY GOODNESS! I LOVE your spectacular tree. How blessed you are with such special stitched treasures from friends from around the world. Beautiful and touching Christmas memories you shared. What a dream to have been raised in a lovely book story town.
Your Home for Christmas sampler is gorgeous. Congrats on finishing her.
I just got my framed sampler of PS last week and have been enjoying it.
Merry Christmas, love Annette
ps I'm going to have another look at your tree.

Kate said...

Awesome, Carol.
Merry Christmas!

Andrea said...

A lovely PS finish. I love your big, beautiful tree and it is packed full of wonderful ornaments. What happens when the ornaments outgrow the tree?!! I'm sure it will happen in the next year or two the way you are going. :)
Have a very Happy Christmas.

AnaCristina said...

I love you tree!!!! Did you see my christmas Tree?
http://anacristinap.blogspot.com.br/2013/11/so-this-is-christmas.html

Lanie said...

Beautiful PS finish, Carol ... perfect sentiment ... isn't that what we all strive to achieve for our families?!!
Your tree ... simply gorgeous!
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and many blessings in the New Year!

Krista said...

What a gorgeous tree!! So beautiful!! Love your new finish, Prairie Schooler designs are so much fun. Great to see all the little details on this one. Perfect for the holiday. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Rowyn said...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful Christmas tree again this year. It is stunning, as always!

I love your Home for Christmas finish. The horse and sleigh are so sweet.

Have a wonderful Christmas, Carol.

Unknown said...

Hello Carol!
I love your Christmas tree, it's wonderful!
Merry Christamas to you and family!
Kisses,
Vânia, from Brazil

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Such and awesome post! :)

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Elizabeth said...

What a beautiful tree - your ornaments looks amazing. Just wanted to wish you and your family health and happiness for 2014. Thank you for continuing to blog and look forward to your 2014 ornament collection.

Elizabeth B

Sally said...

Your PS piece is beautiful Carol and your tree is stunning!

Happy Christmas x

valerie said...

Congratulations on your finish Carol! It's wonderful! And I am so happy to see photos of your tree especially since I wasn't able to put up my own this year. It was extra special getting to see the little ornie I made in one of the photos. Thank you! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas! *hugs*

Ellen said...

Your christmas tree is wonderful with all those gorgeous ornaments!

Thank you for sharing your beautiful PS piece and Christmas memories!

Have a blessed Christmas with your family!

Hugs,

marly said...

Merry Christmas Carol! Your post brought on a few tears, and your tree brought on a gasp! Glorious!

priscilla said...

Beautiful tree , Carol ! Love all your stitched ornaments ! It is just amazing ! Of course I love your new Prairie Schooler piece ! What a fabulous Christmas stitch ! Merry Christmas ,Carol !

Lisa V said...

WOW your tree is amazing Carol. Merry Christmas to you and your family dear friend.
Hugs

Mini Addictions said...

Oh my goodness, your tree is absolutely gorgeous! I just love stitched ornaments...so traditional and festive.
Our hearts really do go home at Christmas. I find that I think back more & more to my childhood Christmases and try to carry on the traditions of years past.
Thank you for the beautiful post.
Merry Christmas!
Hugs,
Lisa

Julianne said...

Carol,

Your tree is truly a stitcher's dream tree. Thanks so much for so generously sharing all of your lovely work here on your blog. It is a treat to see what your talented hands have made.

Wishing you, and all your loved ones, a Merry Christmas.

Barb said...

This was a wonderful post. The tree, the memories, all just perfect for Christmas!

Wanda said...

Dear Carol, I am having trouble finding words to describe your magnificent tree. What an incredible work of art. Your talent is limitless. So many hours of stitching, love and fun have been spent on the creation of this masterpiece!
Your 'Home for Christmas' is beautiful and your description of the feelings and memories it evokes is so true.
I am glad you are feeling ready for the season (it was so nice of your husband to help with the wrapping) and able to enjoy the days ahead.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and wish you all the very best of health and happiness for 2014 (and lots of stitching time!). Thanks for the gift of you and your wonderful blog, hugs, Wanda

Faye said...

I'm so fortunate to have fond memories to hold on to at Christmastime... Childhood memories.... Are the best... Your tree is awesome~ I love each and every handmade ornament and I know you will cherish them always....

Oma said...

Such a fabulous tree! It will take me forever to get that many finished, but I can always dream! Great getting your project finished by Christmas, it is so lovely!
Merry Christmas!

Catherine said...

Such a wonderful post, Carol. I loved reading your description of the PS piece and why it is and will be so special to you ~ reminding you of your small hometown and so many wonderful memories. Your tree is amazing and filled with so many treasures ~ I love that you have a special reserved section for stitches from friends! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Nima said...

Thank you so much for sharing the picutre of all the ornaments together. wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas Carol

ZHOBEYDA said...

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AHORA TE SIGO, TE INVITO A QUE ME VISITES Y VEAS LO QUE YO HAGO, SERAS BIENVENIDA SIEMPRE..
BESOS, ABRAZOS Y BENDICIONES. FELIZ NAVIDAD..
ZHOBEYD@.

Mary said...

Carol, your Christmas tree is mind boggling!! What a perfect way to display all your wonderful finishing.

Here's wishing you and your family the merriest of Christmases!

Valma said...

wooooooow, I was waiting for that picture =D
Your amazing tree !!
It's really a Xmas tree as we can imagine one in our dreams , really =)
I can see the heart I made for you in it =D
So sweet
your PS piece is very beautiful, it's as if we could hear the bells on the sleigh =)
very well done
Have a very Merry Christmas Carol, all our best wishes to you and your family
big big hugs
xxx

Margaret said...

I'm late commenting since we were off in Boston moving my son to his new apartment until last night. But I had to save your post for when I could enjoy it! Love your finish -- it's so so gorgeous! I'm so glad you feel ready for Christmas now. And now work is over too! Hooray! Hope all your boys are home now and you can enjoy and relax! I loved reading your memories of Christmas at your childhood home. And how neat that you knew you wanted to be a librarian from the age of 12. I love that! Merry merry Christmas to you and your family!

Lesleyanne said...

A gorgeous finish just in time for Christmas. Wow your tree looks amazing. So pleased you are ready for Christmas and I hope you have a lovely time. Merry Christmas xx

msmartello said...

Beautiful tree Carol and what wonderful memories you have as a child. It's amazing when we get older how much we appreciate everything our parents did. Better late than never. LOL! Memories last a lifetime.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Maureen

Penny said...

What a beautiful Christmas finish, Carol! Loved reading your childhood memories of Christmas - wonderful! And your tree is just amazing! Merry Christmas!

Jane said...

'Home for Christmas' is lovely Carol, I will have to hunt that one out for next year!
I'm in awe of your ornament decorated tree, so many lovely finishes and full of memories too I'm sure.
Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and my best wishes for 2014 xxx

Magiczny Świat Krzyżyków said...

Gorgeous Christmas tree! Like a fairy tale.

Anonymous said...

Stunning, Carol. I've always loved that PS piece. :) Wishing you all the best!

Vinniey said...

Hi Carol, I wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May the New Year bring peace, hope and joy to you and family. Enjoy the holidays! :)

As always, I love to see your Christmas tree every year! :) So stunning and elegant with all those lovely ornaments! "Home For Christmas" is beautiful too.

♥ Nia said...

The most gorgeous tree I've ever seen :)
Every year, there's no other tree as beautiful as yours :D
Merry Christmas!!! :)

Cindy's Stitching said...

Merry Christmas Carol. The photos truly made me smile. So the effort you take to post these really is worth it. I saw my ornament that i made for you. The tree is so pretty. I am sure the boys will really appreciate it someday. Your story about your mom really touched my heart. What a great tribute to your mom. Your parents did an awesome job because you are an amazing person. What really impressed me is that at such a young age you knew you wanted to be a librarian. You a great writer and have a way with words. Merry Christmas my friend.

Myra said...

Merry Christmas my friend! Gorgeous tree. I just love looking at all my ornaments from friends on mine. Your PS finish is outstanding. Enjoy your day.

Anne said...

Wonderful post Carol. I so enjoyed reading about your family's Christmas traditions. I don't think we ever appreciated how hard our moms worked when we were kids!! I love the PS finish. It's so charming and warm. Your tree is just amazing with all of your ornaments on display. Have yourself and your family a very Merry Christmas!! Many hugs from me!!

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Oh dear friend, what a pleasure to read this on this Christmas night. Each ornament is a testament of love and time well spent. Thank you for sharing such lovely memories. I hope your day was good. {{hugs}}

Quiltsmiles said...

Merry Chirstmas dear Friend.
Sorry ot hear of the troubles your family is facing but how fortunate that you could help your Mom out.
Lovely stitching and the sentiment is perfect. Merry Christmas and wishing a happy, healthy and peaceful 2014. Jane

PS: Loved all of your ornies and to say which is my favorite is difficult. Perhaps bringing home the tree would be if I was pressed, since it brings back plenty of memories.

Jennifer said...

LOVE that PS piece - so lovely and so very perfectly Christmas-y, that beautiful oldfashioned kind of Christmas.

And that tree. I don't even have words. Simply stunning

CathieJ said...

What a beautiful tree!

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Always such a beautiful display of love filled ornaments! Our childhood memories are so special - thanks for sharing yours. You've known since age 12 what you would do. It is great that you've gotten to do what you love for most of your working life! Look forward to sharing a healthy and happy new year with you, friend!

passionfruitprincess said...

Wow! Your tree is amazing!
So many hours of work...just beautiful,a work of love.
Your new "Home for Christmas" is lovely! And thank you for sharing your sweet Christmas memories with us... a mother work is hard, but so many traditions and memories come from it.
Hope you had a great Christmas!
Hugs,
Ana Paula.

Karoline said...

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas

Your PS finish is lovely and your tree is stunning

Elia said...

FELICES FIESTAS !!!


_______________________★
_____________________
______________________★★
_____________________★★★
____________________★Paz.★
___________________★Unión..★
__________________★Alegrías..★
_________________★Esperanzas★
________________★Amor_Deseos★
_______________★★Realizaciones★
______________★Respeto_armonía.★
_____________★Salud__solidaridad_★
____________★Felicidad___Humildad.★
___________★Disfrutar mucho._Pureza★
__________★Amistad_Sabiduría_Perdón★
_________★Igualdad__Libertad__Trabajo.★
________★Sinceridad_Fuerzas__Seguridad★
_______★Equilíbrio__Dignidad__Esperanzas★
______★Fé-Bondad-Paciencia-Ternura -Fuerza★
____★Tenacidad-Prosperidad--Agradecimiento__★
__★Son mis deseos Feliz Navidad y Año Nuevo 2014★
___________________ (¨`●.●´¨)
____________________(¨`●.●´¨)
____________________(¨`●.●´¨)
____________________(¨`●.●´¨)


besos navideños ^^

Anna Zont said...

Magic tree!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all your family!!!

Giovanna said...

Congrats on finishing the lovely PS, and my goodness what a *wonderful!!* tree! I hope you had a great Christmas.

Julie said...

A wonderful finish for Christmas Carol, it's beautiful. Your tree is amazing, I think that's the most stitched ornaments I have ever seen on a single tree, it's magnificent.
I hope your festive season has been happy and left you full of wonderful memories for the coming year.
Much love x

Dani - tkdchick said...

Home for Christmas and your tree are SPECTACULAR!

Bekca said...

My goodness Carol, your wonderful tree made my jaw drop! It looks fantastic! And thank you so much for sharing your Christmas memories, it really warmed my heart :) Your latest finish looks great, will you be starting another larger project? I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

Melanie said...

It's a fabulous piece to end the year with.
Gah! That tree belongs as a display in a museum. Or the White House. Hee hee. It's just so awesome and gets *more* awesome with every year. If you decide to sell tickets for private viewings of it, I'll be first in line. ;)
Hope you had a lovely Christmas. *mwah*
Here's to next year and even MORE awesome ornaments. :)

Kay said...

Such amazing photos of your tree! Thank you for sharing your memories and photos with us. I love,love,love your tree! It is divine!!! Your PS finish is beautiful! I hope you had a good Christmas and a happy New Year!

Lynda Harrison said...

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas! Your Prairie Schooler finish is marvellous, your Christmas tree, as ever absolutely stunning.
I wish you and all your family a very happy, healthily and truly beautiful New Year!
Take care of yourself - sent
with love annd best wishes,
Lynda.

Rachel S-H said...

Your tree is amazing!

Jackie said...

Merry Christmas Carol:) Hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family.
I absolutely love your Christmas Tree. It looks AWESOME! …my dear:)
I love your PS finish too. I wondered if I could squeeze that in my 2014 stitching…will see:)
Looking forward to seeing your next post darling.
Take care,
Jackie:)

Ariane20 said...

J'adore!!! Merry Christmas and happy new year 2014!

Nancy M said...

Awesome display of your love of stitching! You certainly make PS patterns more appealing than their covers for some reason. I'm sure you had a wonderful holiday shared with family..... I'll catch up eventually!

Mii Stitch said...

Oh my!!! What a beautiful tree!! I'm slowly catching up as I've been back home in France for Christmas. Hope you had a lovely time at Christmas & wishing you all the best for the New Year!!! That tree is the most beautiful tree I've ever seen x

Simply Victoria said...

Playing catch up here and just wanted to say that your Prairie Schooler looks great. Love the memories you shared to go with it. Your tree is really quite stunning! You have a wonderful collection of memories on it.

Martine said...

Waouhhh ! Thank you Carol for sharing your wonderful Christmas tree !!!
It is magnificent ! I like to see it every year !
Hugs from France.
Fondly.
Martine.

ricketyjo said...

I don't even really know what to say, I've never seen such a fantastic tree, wow!!! Hope you had a wonderful time over xmas and Happy New Year to you!

Unknown said...

Very beautiful Christmas tree! My daughter and I love it! Invite you to visit my daughter's blog
http://ukaminaprisvechah.blogspot.com/

Berit said...

I just found this tab open in my browser--I'm not sure if it's because I need to comment or b/c I wanted to keep it close-by to admire! :D

Carol, it is really lovely--Your PS sampler, that is! (And so is the tree! :D) As for the Christmas Piece, it is just so wonderfully colored and composed. Could it be a sweeter vignette?

Hope you're having a lovely day and looking forward to spring.