Remember the classic series Little House on the Prairie? The opening music and Laura on the hill bring back sweet memories of simpler times before modern conveniences like running water or telephones.
This year, I'm calling our Christmas tree the Carolyn Ingalls Tree because I've spent some evenings crafting 'handwork' for it.
My initial steps involved creating a collection of paper folded stars, followed by gathering numerous lengths of garland last night.
This undertaking isn't a brief 5 minute endeavor; I utilized approximately 13 strips of lightweight cotton fabric, each measuring 4 1/2 inches wide by 42 3/4 inches long.
I learned the value of patience, choosing to relax and embrace the crafting journey, which proved entirely worthwhile despite the many hours spent ruffling.
For anyone wishing to attempt this quaint, homemade decoration for their tree, here is my method:
The strips were joined using french seams, and a gathering seam was sewn down the center using the longest stitch setting on the sewing machine; I paused at each french seam to leave a long thread before continuing, preferring to ruffle in segments rather than one continuous piece.
Instead of creating one extensive garland, I made 3 distinct ones, which made arranging them on the tree significantly easier.
While ruffling, I recalled my mother and my High School Home Ec instructor, Mrs. Teeters; my mom emphasized even distribution, and Mrs. Teeters taught the necessity of trimming loose threads.
Carolyn Ingalls also came to mind; if she were to make this, the central seam would certainly require hand sewing!
Indeed, that would have been a Winter undertaking in that era!
If ruffling is new to you, a fundamental guide is available here.
I applaud those of you who have already displayed and adorned your tree.
This commitment to 'handmade' work is certainly taking its time!!
{Perhaps I ought to have begun a bit sooner…:)}
