Show and Tell

Last week was Not A Good Week. Our company closed on Friday. I've been given a four month extension with the new company to finish current projects; the extra money is nice, the computer issues, general chaos, and saying goodbye to long-time colleagues, not so much. So, it was the perfect time to spend my credit at the LYS for these:

 

They will be knitted up into the pleated ballet slippers found at Cocoknits. They remind me of Audrey Hepburn, who cheers me up immensely. Also cheering me up were these:

I saw them on Robin's blog over the summer, when she did a post on pink earrings from Etsy. The original pair had been sold, but Robin kindly tracked down the seller, Rouge Picote Noir, who had designed more. They remind me of my grandmother's wonderful costume jewelry collection, which I would love to inherit someday. Specifically the dangling coral ball clip-on earrings, which don't go with my coloring, but are too fun to pass up. As is the bracelet bucket I played with as a little girl. I still love vintage and vintage-looking jewelry, whether real or costume, because it makes me feel very girly and glam. This year, I finally put together a little tree to display my pins:

 

I'm sorry my photos are so dark. The sun went away, and flash washes them out. Grrr.

I'm not sure if I want to add anything else, or leave the tree as is, but it's fun to see the pins catch the sparkle of the light. Bird's decorating has inspired me to try some new things. I'll try to share some other photos of decorations as I can.

Lastly, I'd like to show you an early Christmas present. Though I'm not a cook by any stretch of the imagination, I do love pretty china and table linens. When Chris and I were married, I started to collect a china pattern called Baronesse, to use for family dinners/special occasions. Fancy dishes can dress up a plain roast or chicken and mashed potatoes quite nicely! I now have most of the pieces, but have been coveting the soup tureen for the last few years.  Yes, I know I am strange, thankyouverymuch.

Many tureens in their respective china patterns are simply large round bowls with lids, and the design comes from the pattern printed on it, a gold edge or flowery border, for example. But my china, which is all white, has an embossed pattern on it that I've just never seen before, with very unusually shaped scalloped edges, intricate handles -- it's like sculpture. So though I will likely never serve actual soup in the tureen, or the handled cream soup bowls with their little matching saucers, I thought it would be a very festive way to serve fruit cup, punch, or just to look amazing on the table itself. When we received some early Christmas gift funds, my sweet husband suggested we order the tureen. This cheers me up most of all.

 

My 1930s beret is at the weave-in-ends stage, but I'm not sure I like it. Photos to come next time. How is your holiday knitting, or holiday decorating coming along? What things cheer you up or inspire you? I spied this knitter's wreath at the local Starbucks, and thought you would enjoy it!

 

photo taken by Chris, with his Crackberry

Comments

[Bubblesknits]

I love the pin tree. Really pretty idea!

I have a friend that's stalking those wreaths at Starbuck's. lol She fell in love with them and she's hoping that they'll sell her one after the season is over.

[Robin]

So sad about the old company. But I love the pin tree, what a clever idea! This whole post is full of lovely little surprises.

[Katie]

Sorry to hear about your job, puts a bit of a pall on the holidays.

What a fabulous tree decoration idea, I have a friend who said they decorated their tree with fishing lures (her partner is a mad keen fisherman) but I think jewellery is much nicer idea!

[lynne s of oz]

I am sorry to hear about your job. I hope something comes up for you soon!
I don't have a tree (well it is VERY small being a seedling redwood). I have clip on birds hanging on our vertical blinds and Christmas lights strung above :-)

[Barbara-Kay]

Sorry about your job.

I see why you love the tureen. It begs to be brought to the table, and its lid removed with great ceremony.

[Julie]

That pin tree is such a cute idea!

Sorry to hear about the job, but happy for you that you got an extension.

[Chris]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about your company... but at least you have a few more months of employment while you sort things out...

That little tree is so cute!

[jillian]

So sad to hear of your position, but glad you got an extension to carry through the holidays and New Year. Layoffs this time of year seem worse than any other time.

Love the pin tree!

[Karen]

I can't even imagine how hard last week must have been. Even though you know the good-byes are coming, you are never really prepared. Big hugs from me.

[Dotty]

So sorry to hear about work... I hope you find a great job in the new year.

Love your little tree.

[Sara]

Sorry to hear about the job - although I think you were expecting it - it still isn't easy.

That yarn will work up beautifully in those ballet slippers. Cute pattern.

Love the little earrings - oh, they are so cute!

The soup tureen is very pretty. I like simple lines like that.

Hang in there - and have a great day!

[madalyn]

Sorry you're having to go through all the job upheaval, especially around the holidays. :(

My holiday decorations are (mostly) up! I love Christmas, and the decorations make me feel even more festive.

The knitting... well, there hasn't been too much work going on in that area. Hopefully this weekend I'll have some time to knit.

[Sonya]

Your company closing experience sounds miserable. Put your head down and plow through it and there will be much better days around the corner.

Your tureen is lovely! Truly words I never thought I'd say. Kevin and I are doing well if we aren't eating out of the saucepan. ;o)

[2paw]

Yes, I'm sad to hear about the job situation too. Hope everyhtng goes well for you. How lovely to be able to buy the tureen!! Your husband is great!! The pin tree is very pretty.

[Beth]

Aren't the Starbucks decorations great?! I was in there this week and saw the yarn everywhere. Gotta love it!

I'm really sorry about your company and your job. I hope this transition time will go well for you.

[sarah]

The pin tree is lovely! Things may be tough with the job situation at the moment, but at least you have the holidays to cheer you up!

[Lynne]

The earrings remind me of raspberries! The little pin tree is so cute, Debby!

[Amy Artisan]

The pin tree is a great idea! The yarn looks like it will make lovely slippers to channel Audrey - can't go wrong with that! :)

What a lovely tureen!

[Mumsie]

So sorry to hear the curtain is closing on your job. I know how you feel having gone through it myself a couple of years ago. However, remember, when one door closes, another opens. Everything happens for a reason and I know it will all end well. Audrey Hepburn slippers sound like a really good idea.

[Mumsie]

Remind me when you come by to show you Larry's grandmothers tureen.

[Sheepish Annie]

What a horrible time of the year to hear that you are losing your job. You are taking the whole thing very gracefully. I'd say you more than earned a little new yarn and used your credit very well!

I'll be thinking good thoughts for you and hoping that the work situation resolves itself with an even better opportunity!

[Sydney]

I'm sorry to hear about your week. At least you have a few more months of salary while you look for something else.

I like that pin tree! That's a great idea.

[Brigitte]

Well, make sure to model the 1930's beret, and we'll let you know! I know myself - I love the style.

That pin tree is a great idea! I love costume jewelry too. Gold doesn't suit me, and I find I love mixing and matching unique pieces anyway!

[Robin]

My last week was Not a Good Week either at work, but not as bad as yours sounds. I'm sorry about the job.

I like your china pattern. You know, I never picked out a china pattern as I didn't think I'd use it. However, it would be really nice to have it to dress up everyday meals. I think I am going to pick one out. It would be fun to have something like that to collect (besides yarn and fabric, LOL).

[audioknits]

I hope you are having a happier week. Surrounding yourself with pretties like the pin tree and soup tureen helps!