Several years ago – in fact, coming in on 10, I think – my sister Kari and I decided to make my mom a set of ornaments to represent the 12 days of Christmas. I remember spending hours at her house, with thread and a pile of felt, hand-sewing our interpretations of each day. Some of them were fairly straight-forward, but we had to insert some personality here and there as well. So the french hen got a beret, the dancing lady wore a hula skirt and coconuts, the leaping lord was a USA pole vaulter (to celebrate the Olympics that were to be held in Utah at the time), and the drummer and piper got a Scottish twist to represent ourselves (Kari was the piper, I was the drummer). They were a big hit and I’ve always intended to make my own set. Yeah…never happened.
What did happen though was last year when my dad was posting information on Facebook about the 12 days of Christmas, Kari mentioned the ornaments and he loved the idea. That led to Kari and I deciding we should make him his own set. That was in January. In November I found that e-mail and forwarded it to her with the question of whether we should still try. Kari recruited my sister Maiken, set up a nifty spreadsheet for assignments (I love a good spreadsheet, let me tell you) and we got to sewing. I did the hen, the maid-a-milking, the dancer, and the drummer. Because Maiken and Kari are in Utah, and I sent mine to Kari for wrapping and mailing, I didn’t get to see them until my dad revealed each one, on the appropriate day, on Facebook.
I love them and it I’m even more determined to get my own set. I do have the pear and a ring cut out so maybe I can get it done before the next decade passes us by.
Thanks for posting this, I just haven’t gotten around to it. I’m glad you found the email and that we made the effort to get them done because I think they turned out great. Definitely need to make one for myself, and work on replacing some of mom’s that went missing. If they weren’t so much work it would be fun to sell some, but the cost would be too high to justify the work!
I know. I’ve thought about the selling thing too but yeah – hell no. Let me know which ones mom is missing. Maybe I’ll re-read it in November.
I really wish I’d used the same crochet cotton as y’all. However, I was pleased to have my pieces turn out well, and have it be a lovely and personal gift.
No way. It’s good that they are different. They came from different daughters and I think that makes it special. Kari and I had different plaid for the kilts, we all sew a little differently I’m sure – it’s good.
I really must know; who did each ornament? I see Britta’s credits, but which specifically for Maiken & Kari?
Okay – I believe Maiken used the ribbon so that means she did the pear, the ring, the swan and the lord. Kari did the turtle dove, colly bird, goose, and the piper.
Yes Britta is correct in who did what
A very cool idea and they turned out great!
Thanks Marty! By the way – it’s weird not to read your blog every day – looking forward to the new one!
Marty, thanks for your ongoing support & devotion to these amazing women!
So fun! I remember when you started the original set! So fun to see an updated fun for dad as well as those you created back in the day. So fun!
What more can I say, again, I am not worthy; but I will cherish them for the rest of my days!
I love the collaboration. Great job, everyone. You’ve certainly created a treasure.