christmas carols and the simple life

Happy Friday!

 Awhile back at an estate sale I bought this vintage Christmas carol booklet. I just fell in love with that adorable santa and that pretty holly font. There is something about 50's fonts and graphics that I adore!

It was published in 1953, and I am thinking these were maybe given out to customers at the Security-First National Banks? How neat would that have been!

 A few months ago I saw this tutorial from the Dutch Sisters on how to crochet pretty scallops around Christmas cards. I have been meaning to try it, so when getting all my Christmas decorations out, and some inspiration from my dear friend Gina who was going to make some with cards, I thought these sweet carols would be perfect. 

I intended to do a pretty garland with them, but have decided to make them as gifts for Christmas. I still need finish making a hanging loop for each them, and if I have any left over, I still might make a Christmas Carol garland. How lovely would that be!

 I copied the carols onto heavy card stock, and then followed the directions from the Dutch Sisters. If you would like to give a try, you can print this carol and just follow the tutorial. They are so pretty when finished, and would even look cute as ornaments, too! 

 A few months ago I was working on a couple of secret projects and I am so excited to share them with you today! In September, Tasha from A Little Sweetness came out with her adorable line of fabric called The Simple Life. She had sweetly emailed me asking if I would be interested in making a couple of items to be displayed at the fall quilt market using her new fabrics and embroidery patterns. It was definitely an easy, yes!! I was beyond thrilled and so honored to do it!! 

The first project I made was a mini quilt using her embroidery pattern called, "Laundry Day".  I did a little hand quilting and adorned it with soft pink crocheted scallops. I adore the redwork, and it was actually my first time doing a pattern all in red. I loved how it came out! 

The next project was a pretty apple pillow, like the one I made for fall from the Bustle and Sew e-magazine. Tasha's fabrics were the perfect match for those sweet apples!!

 I had such a fun time creating these two projects and it was so neat to see them being displayed at her beautiful booth, which you can see some photos here. Also, to see more of Tasha's sweet patterns and illustrations make sure you head over to her etsy shoppe and blog! Thank you Tasha for giving me this amazing opportunity! :)

Wishing you a most lovely and creative weekend!!