Thursday, December 22, 2011

♫♫ Merry Christmas, Everybody! ♫♫

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I have been SEW busy, trying to finish up my sewing projects, that I've barely had time to post any photos to my blog!


As you can see by Ms. C's happy smile, she loved her smocked dress that I made for her. It is the Childrens Corner "Anne" pattern, done with a pleated skirt instead of the gathered version that I did last time.
I have to confess, I did NOT do the picture smocking on this. I LOVE to smock but I just can't seem to do picture smocking very well.
I purchased the panel, already completed & then made the dress...with lots of help from my sewing friends, Nicole & Carol (MamaCJT). "Thank you, both!"

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It has sparkle thread used as the garland on the tree with tiny little beads for the ornaments. The mice have pom-poms on their stocking caps for more 3 dimensional effects.
Working with pinwale corduroy is NOT easy, especially doing piping! The fabric frays & leaves fuzzies all over the place.

That smile made it all worthwhile, though!
♫♫ She makes my sing! ♫♫
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It has been a wonderfully busy holiday season for us.
We were blessed to be able to attend several Christmas concerts that the grandchildren played in...orchestra, band, piano recitals, etc.
We've also had several dinner parties here at the house & I managed to capture a few photos to share.
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I used egg whites to rim the dessert glasses with red decorating sugar & then served Edy's Peppermint ice cream, drizzled with hot fudge...YUM!
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(I don't recommend the "Cupcake" Prosecco...not that great... we later opened a bottle of Asti Spumante...MUCH better!)
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I'll share more of the kitchen decorations

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& sewing projects

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in my next post.

That is enough photos for one day!

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hand painted candle
May your home be filled with love & joy & may His Peace surround you & your loved ones during this most special of seasons.


I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for

as well as Marty at A Stroll Thru Life
& The Tablescaper for her
Seasonal Sundays

33 comments:

  1. I love your entire post! To me, Christmas is always like this - a little of everything. Your tiered treat dish is wonderful. That red dress! Oh, my, I'd love to be that lucky girl! Merry Christmas!!!

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  2. The Gazebo House is looking great all dressed up for the holidays, Rett. Your granddaughter is so pretty all dressed up too. What a beautiful dress you made for her. No wonder she is all smiles. Love your tablescape especially the centerpiece and your dishes. And the dessert....yummy! Merry Christmas to you and the whole family...Christine

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  3. Rett, that dress is amazing.. I do know how difficult it is to work with pinwale corduroy, but the end result is stunning. I love your piping. The smocking is fabulous.. wow. Love your pretty table too. It's so elegant and lovely! Merry Christmas.. xo marlis

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  4. Another great and beautiful post, my friend! Of course, by now, I expect nothing less from you. I'm just glad I don't have to help you washing all those dishes. LOL

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  5. Oh, what a precious dress! I have fond memories of smocking for my two children when they were little. Your table is lovely, too -- the chocolate oranges as placecards are a great idea! And I'm definitely copying your dessert idea!

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  6. Beautiful dress, lucky little granddaughter.
    Gorgeous table...
    Merry Christmas to you and yours, Rett.

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  7. Hi Rett!
    You have been busy ! The dress is just gorgeous, you are so talented!
    The tables look beautiful, and that quilt, oh my!
    I hope you are feeling better, doesn't look like you are resting!
    Have a very Merry Christmas, good health and many blessings in the new year!

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  8. Rett,
    Oh what a pretty table. The center piece is so pretty. & You did a wonderful job on that pretty little red dress. I wish I could sew that well. I wish you and your family Mery Christmas! I have some peppermint icecream in the frige right now and I may have to have some. Yours looks so good.Pat

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  9. You are such a wonderful seamstress! Merry Christmas, love your table too.

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  10. Very beautiful post Rett! The little dress is just lovely. Such pretty work. Thank you for sharing.

    Barb

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  11. Hi darling, your little cutie is adorable. I can see why she makes your heart sing. What a beautiful dress! Your tablescape is gorgeous. I'm going to share the centerpiece with my girlfriend.. I know she's going to love it. Your home is decorated beautifully for the holidays. Happy Holidays
    hugs ~lynne~

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  12. Beautiful dress! You are quite the talented lady! Everything looks so pretty at your home. Wishing you a very, Merry Christmas!

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  13. Stunning dress and your table and kitchen look gorgeous! Merry Christmas...

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  14. Thanks everybody, for your sweet words!
    Deb, I can't find your blog to respond to you...I'm sorry, but its not visible in your profile. I'll check around Susan's BNOTP & Marty's TT to see if I can find you there.

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  15. Your Ms C Is growing up so beautifully! She looks absolutely adorable in the beautiful Christmas dress you made for her, Rett!
    I love your elegant tablescape and the whimsical Christmas accessories and decorations in your kitchen!
    A Prosecco wine is dryer and less sweet than an Asti and I personally think the Cupcake brand is over rated. My favorite dessert wine is Moscato d'Asti.

    Thank you for your CHRIST-mas greeting and I am also wishing you and your family a very beautiful Christmas filled with many joys and blessings!

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  16. The dress is beautiful and the food/table setting is ooh-la-la!!! Merry Christmas, my dear friend.
    Hugs, Beth

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  17. Rett, could that dress be any sweeter? My mother tried and tried to teach me to sew and now that I have a granddaughter I sure wish I had payed attention! It is just beautiful and I know Miss C can feel the love in every stitch.
    It was so fun to see your Christmas decorations, I have missed seeing a new post from you, but can tell you've been having tons of fun!
    Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words. May you have a blessed Christmas surrounded by the ones you love.
    Sue

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  18. I love seeing your sewing projects!! The dress turned out so fabulous...lucky, lucky girl!! Merry Christmas to you & yours!!

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  19. Your sewing skills have me positively green with envy, Rett. I love to see your latest creations and always marvel at your attention to detail. Little Caroline is lucky to have such a talented grandma. Your table is just beautiful. Every year I admire that beautiful Lenox china and would love to have a few place settings but for the life of me I don't know where I would put it. The only place available is under the guest bed. I may resort to that someday.
    I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

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  20. Gorgeous dress and great post, Rett. Miss C is certainly pleased with her new holiday garb. You did a great job on this.

    What is wrapped up in the gold paper, the balls with the name tags on top? Too big for a truffle, right?

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  21. Merry Christmas, Rett, to you and to your family! That dress is a beauty - the sleeve and back detail are priceless.
    I have so enjoyed reading your posts of the past year, and look forward to continued friendship in 2012!

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  22. That dress is super!!! I love the detail on the back! So unique! Your house looks so beautiful all snazzied up for the holidays! You know how to do it right!

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  23. You've been a busy Christmas elf. I love your granddaughter's pretty dress and your wonderful Christmas tablescape. Your home looks so festive...Merry Christmas!

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  24. Rett, it all looks festive and bright. Miss C's Christmas dress is adorable. You are a busy lady.
    Merry, Merry ~ Sarah

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  25. She is the cutest model ever! Tell her I said so! I just love the candy cane detail in the back. I didn't know that they sold panels. It is so adorable. Your table is exquisite. That is still the most beautiful Christmas china. Your house is looking great too. The sewing projects do keep us busy don't they but it looks like you have had time to do decorating and baking too. Have a Wonderful Christmas!

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  26. I love that candy cane piping! The pleats are beautifully on the dress and gee whiz, I was being impressed with your smocking skills!! Great post!

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  27. Oh sweet Rett, thank you for your lovely visit and wonderful comments, my goodness, you're so generous! This is a stunning post. Your grands little dress is gorgeous with the cute C'mas embroidery in the chest and she's so cute! I'm loving your tablescape, from the beautiful dishes to the centerpiece. Now, all the yumminess is making me hungry for some sweets, wow, I want to be there! Wishing you a terrific Christmas along with your family....FABBY

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  28. Rett~ What a gorgeous dress for Ms. C! You've been BUSY! Your table is beautiful and your Peppermint Ice Cream served in your sugar rimmed sherbet glasses is SO festive...what a delicious idea!

    Wishing you & your family the Merriest of Christmases!

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  29. The dress reminded me of the years, long ago, when mama would make new Christmas dresses for my sister and me. You did a beautiful job! The tablescape is quite sophisticated and elegant. I really like every detail, especially the wonderful brass horn in the centerpiece. Have a blessed and peace filled Christmas, my friend. Cherry Kay

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  30. Beautiful dress! And your home looks fabulous, Rett! Wishing a very merry Christmas and the happiest of holiday seasons to you and yours!...hugs...Debbie

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  31. You have a sweet and lucky little grand daughter to sew for, Rett. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas holiday with family and friends. Merry Christmas, my friend! Sue

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  32. HI RETT!!!
    Sorry for the delay in writing...not to be a kill joy I 'll save the explanation for a post soon, hopefully A I am Fine and all healed post.....BUT I loved ALL your pics and your Home is always filled with so much Holiday Spirit and Love.
    I WOULD LOVE for you to COME to AZ in JAN...PLEASE PLEASE COME.....you could even stay with me!!!!Lunch with you would be the BEST!!!!!
    MERRY CHRISTMAS
    and Much love,
    jamie

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  33. Everything looks wonderful!!!

    Thank you for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment. I read them all & each one is so very special to me & I try really hard to return the visit!

fondly,
~Rett~