My great-grandma Crystal made it in 1982, when I was 7 years old.
I remember visiting her cozy little house at Christmastime and staring at each and every piece of costume jewelry. I thought it was wonderful. And I still do.
My great-grandma Crystal made all kinds of neat things. She was always crafting something. She wasn't one to sew though. Go figure.
My favorite piece on this jewelry tree is the little heart locket above, with the flower on it. Because inside is a picture that was very special to her. A picture of her little boy. My great uncle, Elmer.
Isn't that sweet? It was a nice surprise to find.
I think my great-gran was quite the fashionista! OOh, look at the one with the coral roses!
She's propped up in my sewing room, for Stuart and I to enjoy.
You haven't forgotten about Stuart have you? He's my little blue angel.
He's finally gotten his big bird feathers and has such a pretty yellow face. He lost all of his striped baby bird feathers that went all the way down to his little bird nose, and the fluffy soft yellow feathers took their place.
He even has his own Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
Silly Stuart's favorite thing to do is grab this chain with his foot, and shake it back and forth, over and over...and over. He loves the sound of the dice (die?) clanking against his perch. It cracks me up.
And now my friends, I will leave you with a photo of my wonderful Christmas gift. You know the kind. The kind that you purchase yourself on Ebay quickly because it looked so good, and there were only a few minutes left in the auction when you found it. And it was such a great price you would be angry that some other lucky gal got her dirty paws on it and you didn't? And theeen, you called your husband to tell him he bought you just what you wanted for Christmas? (Or you wait till he gets home from work to tell him because you are feeling just a smidge guilty.)
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Here she is. My very own vintage Singer Featherweight! I'm in love with this little machine. She is beautiful and sews like a dream. She's so tiny, shiny and pretty; I love her. Did I need another sewing machine? Yes. Yes I did. So there. I'll do a full post on her soon and tell you all about her.
I drank the featherweight kool-aid. And I blame all of the fabulous women who have them at our annual quilt retreat. You know who you are. (Karen, Connie, Robin and Mary!)
Until next time, happy sewing! xoxo
That tree is beyond awesome - unique and special and such a loving connection between you and your family.
As for the featherweight - tell DH that yes, you DID need her. I thought it might be a bit of a gimmick until I got mine - she is the only machine I sew on at retreats now - reliable, works her heart out and so damn cute!!! It cheers my heart every time I sit down to sew - enjoy!!!
Posted by: Kate | December 16, 2011 at 12:48 PM
Oooh, a Singer featherweight! I am so happy for you, what a wonderful present! :-) Enjoy her. I've heard so many good things about them. Your bird is beautiful. How funny about the clanking dice. Maybe he's trying to entertain you?
The jewelry tree is amazing! I love all those vintage pieces. How sweet to find the picture in the locket. It looks great in your sewing room! xo Jen
Posted by: Jen in NY | December 16, 2011 at 01:35 PM
A treasure tree! Fabulous and very special. It seems Stuart is filled with personality and a quirky sense of humor. Dear Hubby...I hope he loved the gift he bought. Enjoy your little beauty.
Posted by: Stephanie | December 16, 2011 at 01:41 PM
Heehhhehehhe...a featherweight, your husband will be thrilled he doesn't have to worry about the "perfect" gift, anymore!! The kool-aid is yummy, huh??
Now I have 2...one in AZ and one in WA!!!
Enjoy your toy!!
Posted by: blop | December 16, 2011 at 02:27 PM
so sweet that tree....my Grandma made 1 like that and a butterfly :) about the same time period, oh how I miss her so!
Posted by: kristine hanson | December 16, 2011 at 09:42 PM
What a super cute wonderful tree! What a treasure!!!!
And you are a really lucky girl, the featherweight is a dream!!!
Have a lovely weekend!
Hugs,
Sabine C. xxxx
Posted by: Sabine | December 17, 2011 at 12:10 AM
There is a big present for me under the christmas tree that is also bought on ebay and sews like a dream :-)
greetings from Debby,
the netherlands
Posted by: Debby Verschoor | December 18, 2011 at 02:35 AM
Oooooh, she's a BEAUTY!!! Congratulations! (And what's yours is mine, right? LOL!) That tree is gorgeous too -- what a treasure!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | December 18, 2011 at 07:27 PM
So glad youdrank the featherweight koolaid...you will never go back
Merry Christmas
Posted by: Robin | December 20, 2011 at 02:49 PM
Oh I love this. Really really love it. I want to make one! I think one made with buttons would be great too. Special buttons like the special jewels.
Posted by: nanette | December 23, 2011 at 09:17 AM
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, MF! Oh look at you with your new baby! Does she have name yet? She kinda looks like a Whitney to me. Just put some sunglasses on her… and bam, it's Whitney! KMAMFXOXO!!
Posted by: happy zombie | December 26, 2011 at 02:18 PM
Wow, that tree is one of the most inspiring things I've seen lately. The locket with the picture is so touching. What a great way to remember your great-grandmother.
Posted by: vintage earrings | December 28, 2011 at 09:12 AM