I hope to inspire and entertain you with a lot of sewing and a little of everything else!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

3 Wise Men of Christmas Past

These 3 banners have been a part of my Christmases since I was a baby! My Mom made these in the 1970s when felt crafts were very popular. I have always loved these on my parents' wall. I am lucky to live near my parents, who still live in the same house we lived in when I was born! We spend Christmas Day at home, then have a second Christmas with my parents on the day after Christmas. I must admit that I almost enjoy that one more, because I am free of the stress of cooking the meal and being responsible for running the festivities. It is a day where I can be a kid again! Back to the story of these banners. I guess I got my love of crafting and sewing from my Mom. She always tried whatever crafts were in vogue at the time, which included things like: wooden geese, tole painting, lamp shades, macrame, cross-stitch, and quilting. My Dad is also creative: I should do a post on the beautiful stained-glass nativity set he fashioned years ago. So, in the 70's we had neighbors who lived 2 houses up the street. The Mom and Dad were friends with my parents and their daughter Karen was my best friend; in fact, we are still friends today and she is Rosie's Godmother! So, Karen's Mom and my Mom decided to make these Wise Men banners from a magazine. They each made a set. It wasn't until I was about 8 that I figured out the funny part of this story. I was used to our Wise Men at Christmastime. The banners are about 3 feet long. I was playing at Karen's house and was surprised to see the same 3 foot long banners hanging on her wall. I was even more surprised that the Wise Men were only 1 foot tall! Maybe you can guess what happened?? Remember "back in the day" when patterns in magazines came drawn on a grid so you could enlarge them (we're talking about the days before PDF files for any young'uns reading this!). Well, Karen's Mom enlarged the banners to the correct scale, but she made a little mistake on the Wise Men. Now, every year when I visit my parents' house and enjoy seeing this banners, I am also reminded of my special friend Karen and the funny circumstances under which they were made. I'm linking this post to Laurie's Christmas Memories at Sew 'n Sew's Journal.

8 comments:

Laurie said...

Oh what a cute story! I loved reading about your wisemen banners! I am also now following your blog! :)
Thanks too for participating in my Linky Party!

Elisabeth Rose said...

Laurie, I love your idea to share memories from Christmases past, present, and future. I already know what other stories I want to share. I'm happy to have you as a follower; thanks!

Unknown said...

what a great legacy of creativity you have!! The banners are stunning!!!

ShirleyC said...

That's a very cute story, and the banners are truly unique.

Ellie Inspired said...

Great story!! It's neat to think about their friendship and crafting together back then. I want to see your dad's nativity set too. That sounds beautiful!

Sew Shine said...

I love these wise men! Isn't it funny how a particular item reminds us of a moment in time? Sometimes MANY moments (Many Christmases) in time! Your story is so cute...I enjoyed reading your blog!

Rebekah

Unknown said...

I have died and gone to heaven - I have been looking for these wise men for 25 years! We had some as kids - not sure where my mother got them. I would LOVE to know if there is any way to get another set!! Is there a pattern??
WighthouseEZ@gmail.com is my email. Please let me know.
Rachel

Unknown said...

Ok. I have tried several times to post and it keeps bringing the same page so apologies if it prints multiple times.
These are the banners I have been looking for for 25 years!!! OMGOODNESS I can't believe you have the same!! Is there a pattern? Can someone make a set for me??!!! I have told my daughters about them but didn't have photos!!!

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