Gnome Sweet Gnome

I made this little quilt last week just for fun and because I haven't been in the sewing room very much lately.   I think I'll hand quilt this one.

the mushrooms were really fun and easy to make.  Here they are before I fused them.

As a surprise for Mr. Fun, I got tickets to see Manheim Steamroller.  It was wonderful and put me in a festive mood.  If you get a chance to see them, I highly recommend it.

This year I'm displaying my Hot Flash quilt in the kitchen.  It's not a Christmas quilt, but I love the bright colors during these darker days.

Every year I set up my Dickens Village.  I always dread it and put it off but I also always love it and leave it up for a couple of months.

My goal is create a realistic village.

The set up is different every year.

This year I made two "town" areas

The Post Office is one of my favorite buildings.

The Church sits in the highest position.  There is Charles and his wife, Elizabeth.

I positioned the homes of Tiny Tim and Betsy Trotwood and others up behind the town square.

I love the little lights on the tree and the street lights.  Can you believe I have six different kinds of snow?  I also recycle it every year.

Here is an aerial view.   I posted a video with music on my Instagram.

Here are a few behind the scenes photos.  I start by unpacking all the buildings, lights, and people.  Nutmeg was vey intrigued.

I use styrofoam to construct different levels.  I learned this on Pinterest and it really makes a big difference!

I do a practise set up.  I also use that little string of lights under the batting to light it up.

It takes several hours, but it is magical to me.

I hope you are having a nice December.  It can often be stressful and full of commitments.

Be kind and gentle with yourself.  A few quiet minutes of meditation can be a blessing.