Star Ornaments

I have been making star ornaments for my family- I plan on putting one in each Christmas stocking this year. I’m also giving one to the aide that works in my classroom- a little personal thank you for all she does to help me and my students throughout the year

Textile Tarts Ornament

It has been quite a while since my last entry; very busy with school, my knitting shop, and family. Thanksgiving is this Thursday. I decided to get my Textile Tarts (New England fabric doll-makers club) ornament completed before Thanksgiving so that I can concentrate on my knitting during the holiday break. So I made this bird for the swap. The only requirements were that it be hand made and brought to the gathering into a plain brown paper bag (it can be decorated inside the bag but not showing on the outside). Apparently last year, some members knew which bag to pick depending on the wrapping used...I was clueless to this and simply picked a gift when it was my turn. When I unwrapped it , I found a lovely snow girl ornament- completely made by hand by Rita Hernandez. Rita’s dolls have been featured in the Challenge of the Gypsies two years in a row so it was certainly a great pick on my part. The ornament I gave last year was an elf that I made using a pinecone for the body, paperclay head and knitted sweater and hat- very cute. I neglected to take a picture though so... this year I am taking a picture of my bird. I’m not worried that someone from the Tart’s will see the ornament since I’m pretty sure no one actually reads this blog. Nonetheless I persevere.

At our last meeting of the Tarts we made star ornaments. Originally I thought I would finish my star ornament and use it for the swap- then I saw the brilliantly completed stars done by Pat Hinga (another fabulous doll maker in Tarts) and decided I would not want her to pick my bag during the swap if it contained a star ornament because she can already make such extraordinary ones herself. That led to the creation of my bird ornament. It is not an original pattern- but for me it is always about the fabric and this little bird is sporting some beautiful fabrics! I used three different jacquards in silver/white/grey and red. Once cut out and stuffed I added the bead work (I hate beading). Voila!

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