Christmas runner and place mats

[moth2fic]

I finished! Well, I did the runner which was very much needed and two place mats because of course it will only be us this year. The other four can wait. I wasn't happy with the stitching. I think my machine recalled the upholstery job I mentioned and found itself with furnishing fabric again so had a hissy fit. After the three piece suite it needed a total overhaul - and that was years ago (children and pets, our own and other people's, have seen off the suite...). Anyway, I had a lot of broken thread, unthreaded needles, erratic stitching and much cursing. I might go over it all again with some pretty blanket stitching, or I might just hope nobody notices with all the other Christmas effects. I also went out and raided the holly in the ancient hedge in our lane. There were quite a few berries but they all dropped off when looked at, never mind picked - something to do with all the rain - so I used cotoneaster berries instead. Pics were meant to be under a cut but DW, like all my social media yesterday and today, is not playing nicely - I'm blaming a Microsoft upgrade.



Sideboard with runner and decorations including holly and ivy.


Close up of silver box - the foliage is in flower arranging foam in a plastic bowl inside.


Close up of gargoyle 'planter' - foliage in wire flower holder inside.


Close up of fabric place mat. The material is two layers of different fabrics held together by the embroidery. I fell in love with it and have been wondering how to use it since I bought it - it was a remnant and really cheap. Not sure how it will wash but I suspect if I hand wash it in tepid water it should be OK.

That's it for this year... Happy Christmas/Holidays/New Year/Everything, everybody.

Oh, and btw, the frog in my icon visited our garden. I photoshopped the pic, changed his/her colour and added a hat. If anyone still wants icons, just let me know and give me some ideas. I like making them.

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

What a lovely runner and placemats! And fun, festive arrangements. Happy holidays to you and yours (and your Santa frog!)!

[moth2fic]

Thank you! The frog thanks you too, I think, but I haven't seen him since the summer.

[smallhobbit]

Those are lovely photos - great runner and place mats - all very festive!

[moth2fic]

Thank you! It was a great moment when I realised what I could do with my fabric! The house does look and feel festive so we'll just have to enjoy it on our own!

[badly_knitted]

Everything looks wonderful! I think cotoneasters are just as seasonal to look at as holly, I have several varieties in the garden as well as some holly and they add a lovely splash of colour at this time of year. I love your gargoyle planter!

Hope you and yours have a very happy and healthy Christmas!

[moth2fic]

I love him too. He wasn't bought with Christmas specifically in mind but somehow that's when he comes out of hibernation! I think the cotoneaster, which grows by our front door, goes well with holly. We have some pyracantha too and there are still some berries but it's harder to find the right length of stems.

[badly_knitted]

He's a midwinter spirit ;)

We used to have a pyracantha but it died. The cotoneasters are doing well though.

[froodle]

Omg those are beautiful!

[moth2fic]

Thank you! I must say I'm quite pleased with them! It's very satisfying to:
*find a use for a loved fabric
*create a whole set of decorations - runner, greenery arrangements, plus ornaments
*sit back and enjoy them whilst eating celebratory meals