Happy Christmas Eve everyone! Christmas Eve has always been my favorite day of the year, even more than Christmas Day. It’s the magical, sweet, candlelit calm before the storm of flying wrapping paper and stockings pregnant with Reese’s and little goodies. There are candlelit hymns sung in my small home-town church, followed by snacks and board games with friends, cousins, aunts & uncles—it’s truly the most magical day of the year for me and I can’t wait to get home tonight!
Pennsylvanians do some weird things, and no matter what it is, we totally embrace it as “part of our Dutch roots.” Whether it’s saying phrases like “all the further,” indulging in whoopie pies, or hiding pickles in our Christmas trees—we love our weirdness. Today, I’ve got a new one for you: his name is Belsnickle. You may have heard the name before, or even seen him represented as someone like Santa Claus or Father Christmas. Belsnickle comes from our PA-Dutch folklore. It’s said that he would visit children for two weeks, starting the week before Christmas, switches in hand. Yeah…you read that right: switches. (Continue reading…)
This quick and adorable tutorial is perfect for hostess gifts, grandparents, or for your own table. These half-circle Christmas tree napkins are more interesting than a square napkin and sew up in a jiffy! There’s a ton of different ways to fold them too! Below I’ll teach you how to fold then how to sew half-circle napkins, starting with a simple Christmas tree fold!
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Day in and out I’ve been dreaming about a finished basement, my shiny new studio, and the guest room. It literally keeps me awake at night—it’s pathetic. I found the perfect inspiration for my guest room on HGTV’s Welcoming Retreat for Winter Guests. This space was designed by Flynnside Out, and it’s just gorgeous! I’m hoping to mirror this look in my future guest room & thought I’d share my finds with you! (Continue reading…)
She finally did it! My mom, owner of the bustling Rose of Sharin’ Quilt Shop, took a few days, reserved a room, and relaxed. My sister and I were delighted when we realized that she was staying nearby…a prime opportunity to leave some goodies in her hotel room, starting the weekend out right! This adorable tote bag was stuffed with favorite magazines, quotes, notes, coupons, tea towels—everything that my mom loves! This where my Stow Away Tote Bag sewing pattern began, a simple surprise for my amazing mother.
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