Saturday, June 23, 2012

The 2012 Ornament Project ~ May Preview


I guess the first thing I should say is that I realize it is no longer the month of May.  In fact, June is well on its way, but my goal was one ornament pattern a month, and so late or not, I'm going for it.  Hopefully, I'll be able to come up with one more design idea for this month and then I'll be back on track.  

I was in a little creative slump, so I just started to think about my favorite tree decorations.  One of my favorite years, was the first time I bought my very own tree for the holidays.  I was living in a basement apartment across the street from an antique shop.  They started selling Christmas trees and so I bought one.  

It was all I could do to haul my tree down my basement steps leaving a reckless trail of pine needles.  When I finally managed it, I realized that I had neither a stand nor any ornaments to my name.  For a few minutes I stood with what I am sure was a "now what do I do" expression on my face when I came up with an idea.  I had a big basket that I used for something (I can't remember what), so I dumped out the contents and in I plopped my tree .  It looked like a giant version of those cone shaped rosemary plants they sell around the holidays.  I was thrilled both by the fact that the basket was actually managing to hold my tree upright, and how whimsical it looked.  Perfect!

The next step was to figure out some way to decorate my first tree.  I started rummaging around and found a collection of little silk roses on wires.  I've been buying spices in bulk for a long time, so I happened to have a bag of cinnamon sticks on hand as well.  I used the roses to attach the cinnamon to my tree.  It was pretty and the fragrant blend of evergreen and cinnamon was wonderful.  I topped the tree off with ribbon tied into a bow and that was that.  

I always get sentimental when I think about my cinnamon adorned tree.  It was simple and sweet and now it's the inspiration for my next ornament design.  For the month of May, the ornament is...
  
The Cinnamon Log Tote















I hope you like it.  I've been wanting to make a two toned ornament, so this fulfills that wish as well.  Of course you can make your ornament out of any yarn or any colors, but I have been using only handspun ecru.  To add just a little color, I spun up some baby camel top.  The camel and merino look very pretty and earthy together.  

This ends my very verbose preview.  I haven't blogged in a while, so I guess I'm feeling chatty.  I'll be back in just a day or two with the free pattern.  Once I've finished a design, it doesn't take long for me to write it up.  See you soon!
    

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